JellyVision

2011-07-11T23:56:00.001-05:00

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Jellyland Update

2011-05-11T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hey. Man it's been forever since I have written anything longer than a status update! I've had a few things that I wanted to write about but nothing came out.

Here's whats been happening with the Jellison's of the South East:

10. About two months ago I got an iPhone and I LOVE it. It is crazy the ease and amount of info I can get out and things I can get done with it as opposed to my old phone. There really is an app for everything. Staying in touch has never been easier.

9. Living in North Carolina through a winter was mild to say the least. It is hilarious to hear people from around here say how cold it is outside with it being like 40-50 degrees! I've been wearing flip flops regularly for about a few months now. We went to the beach in February for cryin' out loud! I missed some of the snow though.

8. Things with the youth group are going great. It has been a learning experience going through the rhythms of the students here. They are all involved with so much and their families are traveling and doing multiple things at the same time. We've hung steadily through it though. We went through a purity series in March and that was a crazy time. I can't wait for the ECHO Got Talent show this Sunday night! It should be great! We are also doing a Gurly/Burly weekend this Friday and Saturday. The girls are going to the beach and doing Gurly stuff. The guys are competing for the Burly Cup! It should be great with competitions in putt putt, COD Modern Warfare 2, Nerf Wars and other events! Can't wait!

7. I go Friday to take my written driver's test. Not real excited about it and haven't studied for it yet. I've been procrastinating about procrastinating about doing this! Its time.

6. Now that the Lakers have been knocked out of the playoffs I can go back to getting more sleep! Sad that they lost but glad that I won't be having too many 1am nights over the next few weeks.

5. Sarah is closing in on the end of the school year. She is looking forward to being done. Also, she is looking for another job. The salary just wasn't enough and so she is looking at getting back into nursing. Please pray that God would open another door for her and our family.

4. Kate is growing so fast. I looked at her Monday afternoon and just couldn't believe how big she had gotten. She is talking more and more and doing crazy things every day. I am thankful to be her daddy.

3. We are looking forward to our time off in the next few months. We are going to West Virginia and meeting our Indiana/Ohio family for a few days near the end of this month. Then in June we are going down to Myrtle Beach for a week or so. I SO need a break. Can't wait to see the family and spend time with them. I have been missing them something fierce lately.

2. Kate is on a ton of meds because they have diagnosed her with Asthma. They are not sure why she has such inflammation so they have put her on Steroids and antibiotics for a few weeks then we go back for another lung test. She is doing better each day. Thanks for all the prayers and concern. It's been a stressful time for us.

1. I am thankful that God is faithful to us through our own faithlessness. I'll write more about that another day.

May you come to know that God loves you and hears your prayers. He is faithful.

AJ

a lack of faith...

2010-07-26T15:49:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone...

It's been a good while since I sat down and wrote out something from the depths of my heart. The past few months have been a flood of emotions, a hurricane of feelings and a downpour of change in my life. There were times when I wanted to write things down and "get them out" but the words just wouldn't come. So here it goes:

Back at the beginning of the year, which seems like a lifetime ago now, we felt it was time for us to move on from the church we were at to something else. It was tough to even come to that conclusion but we stepped out in faith (at the time) and believed that God had something for us. I resigned in February and started sending out resumes the first week of March. We took that step in faith because we believed that we were doing it the right way. We sent out resumes to over 20+ districts in one denomination and then to two different denominations outside of that. In all, over 200 potential churches.

We decided to cast the net as wide as possible and March came and went. April showed up and still nothing. The calendar turned to May and still nothing. Here's where the growing really started. You see...sometimes our timing and God's timing aren't on the same clock. I started doubting everything. Wondering if I "had what it takes" or if any church would even take a chance on me. My journey had started with a step out in faith and had turned into a lesson of doubt and discouragement. The brunt of my blatant lack of faith landed on Sarah. She was so understanding and supportive during this dark time in my life. She tried to uplift me and tell me I had what it took. A crazy thing happens when you go through colossal struggles in life. Those around you start to break out the old cliches and one liners mostly because they don't know what else to say. My family was backing me the whole way and I know that their prayers lifted me up. They had the faith for me that I so sorely lacked. I couldn't count the number of times in my private prayer times that I have just lamented to God that I just need to know where and when and what I should do. At the beginning of May I really wondered if God had forgotten me. In this universe that is so vast and with so many other people, whose needs were more desperate than mine, I wonder aloud sometimes if God had missed the memo. I questioned if I had done the wrong thing and had let down my family. I cried all the while angry at the fact that I felt I had done the right thing but not a thing was going right.

Then in May God stepped in. Haymount called. I took the call. We came down on a Tuesday and went home on a Thursday. We felt the potential and love of the people of Haymount. We thought that we could fill the needs that they needed and that the gifts that God had given me (which I had doubted for 3 months) would plug right into the holes that were here. They called the following Monday and we accepted the call. They looked at over 100 resumes. I sent my resume to over 200 churches. Still, here we are. All that to tell you my testimony this Monday July 26th, 2010:

God.Is.Faithful.

He undoubtedly loves us. He really does have the best in mind for us. He cares about our lives. He expects a lot out of us, but we are to expect a lot out of Him! When we have a need we should ask and then wait for Him to answer because He will. As Kari Jobe sings, "I know that you are for me. I know that you are for me. I know that you will never forsake me in my weaknesses." Up to this day, my life has been a blessed life. God has given me my best friend and wife even though I tried to mess that one up. He has blessed us with being at Shiloh for a lot of the "firsts" of our life together. He has given us a beautiful baby girl who teaches us about love every day. He has blessed us with family and with Christian parents who pray for us, who tell us those old cliches mainly because they are true and they have lived them, and who are still standing by us even though we are far away. He has recently blessed us with an apartment with A/C on 100 degree days! He opened up a job for Sarah. He has placed me in a ministry where I am surrounded by amazing people and I have the privilege of building new relationships with some great students! I get to come along side and help with New Sanctuary and help with that service in ways that I love.

God...Is...Faithful.

If there is one thing I've learned about faith it is this: You can't be told that God is faithful. You have to go through a situation where you get to the point where you can do nothing else but trust Him to understand the depths of His faithfulness and love for you.

I hope that this finds you well and blessed. May you know the rest that comes from trusting in a God who is for you! May you come to know that He will never forsake you in your weaknesses...He only becomes stronger!

II Thess. 3:3, " But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."

May newsletter

2010-04-14T08:43:00.001-05:00

^{Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. -James 1:6-8}

Trust is a funny thing. It always seems to be on one of those scales with two plates that are moving up and down depending on the object on each side. Trust or faith reside on the one side. The other, well it is something most Christians don't talk about, or if they do it is called something other than doubt. We like to disguise it with chatter. We like to talk about our situations more than we pray about them it seems. Words upon words. Sentences upon sentences. It seems to run on and on. We always seem to have a word for other people when they are going through things. We have some Christanese to share or some clichéd phrase that we've been taught to regurgitate. There are times when people need to be reminded about things.

The word trust is so relative. What looks like trust to me could look like doubting to you and vice versa. I was talking to my Dad the other day about doubting and he told me about a devotional that he had read that said that when you start doubting God and the plans He has and His word that you move into a different world. The enemy begins to get a foothold and starts planting seeds here and there of doubt and discouragement and we go into a new world. It becomes a world where we start questioning ourselves. Our faith turns stale and rigid and it dries up and dies. Our love turns into hate. Our mercy for others around us turns into resentment and wondering why this happens for them and not for me. We start looking at the here-and-now and fail to remember Scriptures like I. Samuel 7:12 where we are reminded that "To the point where we are right now, the Lord HAS helped us." If you want an indication of what God is going to do, look at what He's already done!

May we realize that there has to come a time when we stop searching for the answers. We must stop asking for a way out and we must begin to trust God where we are and just let Him have His way.

Before they call out, I'll answer. Before they've finished speaking, I'll have heard. -God (Isaiah 65:24)

Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path. (Psalm 37:34)

-Pastor Andy

March Newsletter article

2010-02-22T11:05:00.000-06:00

Paths

Here in Northern Indiana we get a lot of snow. We get system snow and we also get some lake effect! Snow doesn't bother me. I actually like it. It is amazing to see all the tracks in the snow. We would have never known that those animals or people would have been there unless we were some world class animal tracker! I have to walk through the snow to get to my car so I have a path from the deck to the garage and to the Oasis that I have used many times. The other day it got super cold and the snow quickly turned into ice and it was very slippery in the pathway that I had created. It was ironic that it had become safer outside of the path that I had normally went down due to the ice. If I would have insisted on walking in the icy footprints I would have likely taken a fall.

How many times do we walk down the same paths even when we know that it isn't the best thing to do? It might not be bad or sinful, but we know deep down that there is a "better" path that we could be on? We still make those choices that insist on us staying in this path or that path because that is "our" path. It is silly when we look back and get some perspective on whatever situation that we went through. Sometimes in life it is easier to go down the same path that we've always gone down. But we aren't supposed to survive life, we are expected to live it!

So the next time that you have the chance to take a new path down an unexpected event in your life or to give something new a chance, try it out because sometimes it is easier to make new tracks than to try and not slip on the icy path you are used to going down.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight!" -Proverbs 3:5-6

With a heart full of love,

Pastor Andy

Valley's- February Newsletter Article

2010-01-19T10:22:00.000-06:00

If you know me, you know that I bleed Cream and Crimson...I love IU basketball. Last season they went 6 and 25. They won 6 games and lost 25 games. I taped every one and watched it. Every second. That season taught me a few things about valleys and anger management and ulcers but those other two things won't make for a good article.

    1.One things I learned was, you sometimes hit valleys because of unforeseen things. Someone else does something to you or someone you love, the stock market crashes, other peoples decisions have an impact on your life, or maybe it is just something random that happened by no one's fault. It just happened.

    2. Secondly, often times you go through valleys because you are missing the signs or ignoring them in your own life. How many times in life are we given warning signs along side the road of life that we just flat out ignore? How many times has someone said a wise word or given us sound advice and we just ignored it and went ahead with whatever we wanted to do? God said that if we are lacking wisdom to ask for it and He will give it to us!

    3. Three, I hate losing at anything. I hate losing and the way it makes you feel. My kids are in for a real treat. They will have to earn their wins when playing Chutes and Ladders or Checkers or Candyland! I think as Christians we have become so apathetic towards things that when we start to "lose" a battle in life we start "woe is me-ing." We are more than conquerors! When evils wins out in the present, we know that in end the victory is with the Lord. Don't give in or give up...trust that God has placed you in this season for some reason. Trust that wherever you go, He will be there.

    4. Fourth, doing the right things in valley will help you grow and potentially get out of that valley or those things will help you be content while you are in the valley. Their season made me be thankful for each win they had but in life it helped me savor each "win" that I experienced too. Isn't it the case that when things are not going very good we rarely acknowledge the good things when they do happen? We need to learn to take the "wins" in life when and where we can. Jesus said that this life will be full of hard times and people will not like us and attack us and discourage us. But I think our attitude and demeanor are a product of our reactions rather than others actions.

When those hard times hit we must keep the faith, literally. We must stay close to Christ and to His Word and His promises. We must as John Vermilya put it at Love Mercy, "Put down our oars and put up our sails!" We can't do this on our own and when we try, we often times create our own valleys and our own times of discouragement.

2009-12-31T16:14:00.001-06:00

we made it home...this was by far the best wesleyan convention i have been to...the speakers...the bands...the worship were so authentic

2009-12-29T19:57:00.001-06:00

had a great day 2 @ Love Mercy 09...kj-52 was crazy...a couple of our students went forward to accept a call into ministry!

2009-12-28T22:27:00.001-06:00

great first day at Love Mercy...Everyday Sunday kicked it off...the Aaron Pulsue Band led in worship and John Vermilya had the message...

2009-12-28T14:26:00.001-06:00

made it to louisville...checked in...took longer than expected ...had to change the windshield wipers...lots of fun so far!

2009-12-28T08:40:00.001-06:00

leaving for the Love Mercy conference in Louisville,Ky...have a good group heading down...pray for kate to handle everything well

10 Things I have learned this year...

2009-12-22T10:57:00.000-06:00

10. That God doesn't give us patience. He gives us situations where we need to use patience in.
          This time last year we were frustrtated and upset with the whole baby situation. We had been trying for nearly a year and each month the excitement would soon be followed with sadness and the sadness with frustration and the...well you get the picture. That happened for many months on end. In the end, God gave us the best gift on Christmas day either one of us could have ever asked for. There was another big situation in our lives that caused a lot of stress and had people questioning my integrity. However, after standing up and realizing that my integrity is not mine but God's and that he is in control of everything, I trusted Him and the situation took care of itself. Patience paid off many times over.

9. There are times in life when all you can do is trust that God is good and has the best for you in mind.
          There have been moments over the past year where we didn't know what to do and really had to lean on God and Him giving us wisdom. I think that my generation, in it's search for personal freedom and it's obession with self reliance, is doing itself a huge disservice by not asking those around them for wisdom. The Bible doesn't cover ever area in our lives. There are things that we face that those people never faced and vice versa. However, we often times just make decisions and fail to ask those that God has put around us what to do. Often times, God uses other people to impart the wisdom that we seek. His word is true and many times it talks about asking for wisdom, and I think that when we fail to do so, we shortchange ourselves and those around us of the chance of becoming more like Christ.

8. All the parenting books in the world can't teach you how to be a parent.
          I never once thought that being a parent would be easy. I thought I knew what I was getting into. I thought I had gone without sleep and would be ok. However, there is nothing that prepares you to have a kid other than having already had a kid! Even then I bet it will be different. Still, those stupid books tell you that the baby is supposed to be this long and weigh this much and be doing this or that and it makes you paranoid. I hate baby books! Pregnancy books are ok because you really can't see what is going on or not going on. Those books say to do this or that but don't tell you what to do when you clip a thumb instead of a thumbnail or how to stay calm when your baby just let a bomb off and it reached her clothes! There is only one thing that preoares you for being a parent: experience. I can't wait to see what I haven't learned as little Kate grows up.

7. Family is uber-important and time is short.
         I had never lost a close family member. I lost a grade school friend once. I had been around people that had died but never had I lost someone as close as my Grandpa Andy. Some times the timing of life just punches you in the gut and leaves you gasping for air. Kate was born in early September and the week before we are taking her to see him, Grandpa takes a turn for the worse and never recovers. Kate never met her Great Grandpa. He never met her. That one still stings the worst. My grandpa's passing sent me into a month long funk. It also really cemented just how short life is and makes you really put into perspective what is important and the smallness of what most of us consider so urgent. We run around in our little circles that we call our lives so panicked and pressured because we have placed such an importance on some of the most trivial things. We let our jobs or our houses or our belongings and the pursuit of those things become of the greatest importance and fail to prioritize those things that mean the most in the end. I miss Grandpa and wish that I would have gone over to see him more often. It wasn't high on my list...but it should have been. What is low on your list that you need to bump up?

6. You are either coming into a valley or leaving one.
          If you know me, you know that I bleed Cream and Crimson...I love IU basketball. This past season they went 6 and 25. They won 6 games and lost 25 games. I taped every one and watched it. Every second. That season taught me a few things about valleys. One, you sometimes hit valleys because of unforeseen things. However, often times you go through valleys because you are missing the signs or ignoring them in your own life. Two, losing sucks. I hate losing and the way it makes you feel. Three, building things the right way and doing things the right was is always the way to go. Their season made me be thankful for each win they had but in life it helped me savor each "win" that I experienced too.

5. Time changes everything.
          I miss certain times in life. Needtobreathe sings a song called "Stones Under Rushing Water" that goes, "The years go by like stones under rushing water, you only know when they're gone" and it rings true. We don't have a lot of close friends up here and the ones we do have we don't spend much time with. It is hard living life without family and friends nearby. Thank goodness we have a certain family in our church that is just like family, well, they are family, just with a different last name. Anyway, nothing ever stays the same. You go back to your school, or your old job or even the house you used to live in and nothing is ever how you see it in your mind. This causes me to do one thing: enjoy what you have right now. Enjoy the crap out of it! Squeeze every ounce of joy and fun and love that you can get from it. Hug it and pet it and be present in the moment. Stop wishing life away or your life will just get washed away. Nothing ever stays the same...cause it wouldn't ever be the same!

4. Worry gets you nowhere.
          I can't tell you how many things that came up in our lvies this year where we had the opportunity to trust God and rest in Him that we traded in for worry and fear. It is not that we didn't trust Him, we did. Just not enough at times. First it was the baby. Then the lease inspections. Then finding a car. Then finances when baby comes. Then people attacked us and tried to knock us down. Then the C-section. Then the heart murmur. Time after time that worry gets you nothing. It is an action that often times feels like the only thing that feels right at the time but when the trial is over leaves you feel foolish and stressed. It causes the joy of the moment to be squelched and lessened because you have the residue of all those stolen moments of worry. Jesus talked about it. I know this truth...and it is something that I will continue to work on in my life.

3. I need more vacations to the beach.
          Who knew that when I married Sarah I would be lucky enough to have recieved such great vacation family to visit with each year? I can't imagine having a better group of people to go on vacation with than MFF and Megan. It is always nice to spend time with Peggy too. I wish that we could spend a month down there and relax...Lord knows I need it! I had never gone on many vacations to the beach until I married Sarah. Now, I feel like I am missing out if I go on vacation to somewhere that isn't MB! It is like going to your favorite restaurant and ordering something new and missing your favorite food that you always order (yes, boneless Applebee's wings, I am talking to you)! Viva La Myrtle Beach! Viva La Vacation!

2. Babies change everything.
          Sleep? Check. Eating? Check. Traveling? Check. Church and youth group? Check. It is amazing how something so small has such an impact on all phases of life. Kate wakes up, I wake up. Kate wants to eat, I drop what I am doing and feed her. Kate can't be left alone at home while I run errands, I pack her up, get her a bottle, a burp cloth, a blanket, a hat, her pacifier, a change of clothes, wipes, diapers... lol. I can't imagine what single parents go through. I am blessed to be on this journey with Sarah. She is such a great mom like everyone that knew her knew she would be. Kate is such a blessing and it is all worth it...

1. God has given me such an amazing friend and wife.
             In college before we dated, Sarah and I went to Wal-Mart. I needed some toothpaste and some other things. I remember this story well because of the thought that I had during that trip...we go over to the toothpaste aisle and I am trying to decide and while I am randomly looking at which tube to buy, Sarah picks one out for me. I thought to myself, "She is going to be a good mom!" And boy was I right. Kate is blessed to have Sarah as her mom and I am more than blessed that Sarah puts up with me. God knew that it would take just the right person to love me and be the pastor's wife and direction-giver and the putter-upper with the yelling during IU games and the person that would say the exact same thing that I say it...that I needed. Sarah is that woman. She is everything that I was looking for a wife and everything that I never knew I needed.

Celebrate The Day

2009-12-11T10:47:00.001-06:00

I had never heard this song until today when it came on Pandora...what powerful words!

The nearness of Christ

2009-12-11T10:26:00.001-06:00

I love Christmas. I love the cold weather and the snow and ice and all of that. It drives Sarah CRAZY...and she usually follows my cheerful backing of all that Winter brings with, "Do you want me to die on the roads?" Of course I don't :) There is just something about the cold and the low hanging clouds that makes Christ feel closer to me. It might be that I am so far from family and friends and don't get to see them that often. It might be that through struggles and trials, many times the frustration blurs my vision and I feel distant from any and everything. It might be that I love getting under a blanket and making sure I am COMPLETELY covered and knowing that in a few short minutes I will probably be too hot and uncovering myself! (true story)...

However with all that in mind of what it may be that causes me to love the cold...I think that Christmas being here and having a child this year really brings to light what it meant that Jesus came like he did. Not only in the way but the simple fact that while we (meaning humanity) were searching for other things and wanted other stuff to happen, He came in a way that for over 2000 years has brought warmth and comfort throughout the entire year. He came near...he came from far away...somewhere else...to be near us. In this big wide world, which I have never been to another country or to even illustrate this point more, I have never been further west on the US than St. Louis, he came near and it feels much closer than we probably deserve. When I walk outside and look up and see the stars and my breath at the same time and wonder how far away that is, it is then that I feel Him closest.

So many times it feels like life is passing us by and some times it feels like we just are alone and everyone else is doing something amazing or fun and we are left out. However, during this time of year, it is nice to know that we all slow down (eventually) and spend time with family and friends and we celebrate the nearness of Christ.

I pray that during these last few days leading up to Christmas that you'll get done whatever it is that you HAVE to do...leave alone what doesn't need to be done and enjoy the closeness of those around you and the nearness of Christ! Oh how He loves us...

2009-11-24T20:27:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and that you may be surrounded by those who love you and appreciate you!

December Newsletter Article

2009-11-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Let's Hope So.

Having a baby changes everything. How quickly you realize this when your child needs nearly everything done for it. They are helpless and in need of food, warmth, shelter, love, burped, changed, food, burped, changed...you get the picture. They are one of the most helpless species when they are born. They can't walk, they don't see very good and they have no teeth (good thing) or defenses. Kate has been a blessing and it is still amazing to just look at her and be awestruck at the miracle of life.

This is why it is such a paradox that we find Jesus coming to Earth in this manner. The Son of God, coming from Heaven to Earth not with might and strength. Not with majesty or fanfare. Not with an Army to overthrow or a delegation to persuade. When he came he couldn't even speak. Couldn't eat by himself. How much did he love us to come like this for a people who where not getting it? How much grace did the Father give us, a people who were still sinners, by sending Jesus to us? I think that the Christmas Carol, "O Holy Night" says what Christmas is all about in a few short lines.

"Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease. "
-Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure

          It had been a long time since God created the world and a long time since Adam and Eve broke the bond that was created in the Garden of Eden. God had seen enough to know that we needed a Savior. One that could give us what we so desperately needed: hope! We needed a hope that all the things that enslave us and hold us down could be broken. We needed a hope that our relationship with the Creator of the universe could be restored in a deeper manner than a simple blood offering. We needed a hope that came in a helpless baby to a hopeless world that was searching for something better.

          This world will make you feel that things are hopeless. All the voices in our world would like to tell you to panic and you need to worry about this or that. That things look bleak. However, this Christmas season, for those who know Christ and the power of His resurrection, we are not hopeless. We are not helpless. We have a hope and a future. We have someone who is our advocate with the Father. Our hope came in the form of a little baby, without much fanfare, without a bed, without his family nearby, without much money, without many visitors and without much comfort.

          So this Christmas season, may you come to see that wherever this year finds you, in good circumstances or some tough ones, that there was a very holy night that brought us a "Thrill of Hope!" May you come to see that even though you may be weary and bound by chains of sin or worry or guilt, you have a chance for hope. May you come near to the heart of Jesus this Christmas season and come close to the only one who can give us the hope that we need!

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

-Hebrews 10:23

Jellyland update 11.13.09

2009-11-13T10:31:00.001-06:00

Hey all...things have been busy the last few weeks. They are about to get much busier too. I hope this update on our family finds you and your family doing well and counting your blessings!

10. IU's season starts tonight at 8pm against Howard University. How excited am I about the start of this season? Well, after last years 6-26 season, let's just say I am geeked. I am really excited to see what the 7 new players will bring (6 Freshman, 1 Transfer) I have my IU gear on, Kate will be wearing her IU gear today and we'll be watching our first IU game together tonight after...

9. Kate is going to her favorite dairy farm tonight for a while so Mommy and Daddy can go have a date night and celebrate their 4th anniversary! Seriously, it has been an amazing 4 years and so much has changed and we've both grown in love and understanding. I am so thankful that God has brought us together and that I get to spend my days and nights with such an amazing friend and wife.

8. We had a cavalcade of visitors last week/weekend. My mom came up Thursday night and stayed through Friday afternoon. It was good to see her and have her around for a bit. Then on Saturday, Steve and Marilyn (Sarah's Dad and Step-Mom) came up in the early afternoon and we went out to eat with them and they got to see Kate. Then on Sunday, my Aunt Lana, Uncle Terry and Grandma Martha came to church to hear me preach and we had lunch together. It was the first time that my Grandma had heard me preach in person. It was a great week and it was so nice to see family.

7. Man, what is it in formula that makes it SO expensive? Seriously, they have a monopoly on the stuff. Whatchagonnado though because you have to buy it if you have to buy it. It is crazy making a bottle because I am trying to be so careful and not spill any of the powder (which is hard to do because it is like a clingy powder) some of which inevitably falls out on the counter. Oh well. Diapers are crazy too. Riddle me this...for the new born diapers that we have there is this yellow line that lets you know if it is wet or dirty...then after the newborn stage that line disappears. Why? Wouldn't it be much easier to tell with a universal yellow line rather than pulling the diaper back and hoping you come away with a clean finger? I mean COME ON! :)

6. How 'bout them Colts. 17 regular season games in a row. Wow. I have a bad feeling about this weekend's game against the New England Patriots.   Just don't feel too confident with all the injuries. Oh well...it's only one game either way. My pick: Indy 27 New England 17

5. Reality Check: Survivor...I love Russell! At first he was kinda mean and all that, but seriously, finding two hidden immunity idols without any clues? He is becoming one of my favorites of all time...top 5 at least...no one touches Rupert though! Amazing Race: I am rooting for the Globetrotters. It feels like most of the teams are teaming up against them. I like them and I like the Father/Son team (Gary and ____)...see how much I like them? Biggest Loser: I am rooting for (in order) Rudy, Allen, and Danny. I keep wondering why Rudy wears a towel around his neck, under his shirt at everything physical. Is it to sweat more? IDK...anyways...Rudy...Rudy...Rudy!    who do you root for?

4. God is always faithful isn't He? I mean c'mon, when has there been a time when we were going through something that God wasn't right there using His Spirit to tell us, "Trust me. I got it covered." We thought we were going to have to pay nearly $3000 for all the baby bills when it was all said and done. It turned out to be about a 1/4 of that. God is good even when we don't see it. Our lack of sight doesn't diminish anything about Him.

3. Sarah is heading back to work this Monday. YIKES! She is ready and not ready at the same time. There will be a lot of emotions and changes that she will go through and it will be tough at first. However, she is a great mom and she will do great at the transition. Please pray for me too...as I will be taking care of Kate on the days she works. :)

2. On a really sad note: We are getting rid of our two dogs, Lex and Flash.   We had thought about it and decided to wait and see how they adjusted and they are doing ok. However, we just feel like we don't have the time to spend with them as we should or did before. We are also unsure of how Lex would have done with Kate once she starts crawling and grabbing at things. So, we are reluctantly giving them up to a family member that was looking for a dog and is getting two! We know he will take great care of them and that they will be loved.

1. Kate is doing really well. At last weigh in she was 9lbs 2 oz. She is gaining what she needs to. A funny note. The Dr. has this scale and if Kate keeps growing like she is, she will only be 5ft 2-3in! LOL...she'll grow...or be a circus clown! I have begun stretching her...not really. She is smiling and talking more and more. She loves taking naps with Mommy and Daddy. She still has red hair and blue eyes. Go figure.

Thanks for reading. May you know that you have been blessed. You can read, breathe and use your fingers...you just proved it! :)

prayer request

2009-11-02T11:07:00.001-06:00

my brother robbie has dealt with severe seizures for most of his life. This has put him in group homes and left him to get around in a wheel chair. this wednesday, they are going to do a surgery to implant something in his brain that will, in essence, catch the seizure before it happens. It is supposed to intercept the action between the brain and muscles. I am not sure of all the details but he is pretty scared about it. So I am asking you to call on God to be with the Doctors, be with the nurses and to be with Robbie. God is a merciful and just God and some things we just have to live with. Then there are times when God heals us and heals our bodies...just pray that God's will would be done with this surgery and that God would be ever so close to Robbie this Wednesday. Thanks.

MIKESCHAIR - Let The Waters Rise

2009-10-30T10:18:00.001-05:00

echoes my heart this Friday morning

Needtobreathe-Stones Under Rushing Water (Acoustic)

2009-10-28T10:49:00.001-05:00

I listened to this song a lot after GPA Andy passed...this version is amazing. Makes me appreciate today...

Jellyland Update 10.20.09

2009-10-20T11:05:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope things are going well for you and that you know that you are loved by those around you and that God loves you! Here's an update:

10. It has been nearly a month since my Grandpa Andy passed away. While there are days that are getting better, there are still times when I think about him while holding Kate and am deeply saddened. I think this is something that will probably never go away. Grandpa lived a good life. He knew he was loved. Grandma Martha took great care of him and he had some amazing kids.

9. It has turned to Fall and I LOVE it...It is almost like we skipped fall and went straight to Winter. I love Fall/Winter for many things which include: swiss miss hot chocolate, hoodies, snow, IU basketball, tuesday night basketball, the leaves changing color, being able to see your breath, post-season baseball, and the holidays where you get to see your family and friends. It IS the most wonderful time of the year!

8. I am uber excited about getting to go to Anderson this weekend for a bit. I miss my Sped boys. I wish I were closer to them or they were closer to me. I get to spend some quality time with mom and she gets to see Kate too! There is just something about spending time with your closest friends...it is like wearing your favorite sweatshirt and stretching after a long nap...there is nothing like it!

7. I worked out a few weeks ago with a personal trainer and have been doing the workouts 3-4 times a week. I love it and finally have the "want to" to go work out. Plus, tuesday night basketball started so I will get some exercise there too!

6. Sarah and I joined Sam's Club yesterday. I think that this is a right of passage for parents. There were a ton of parents with their kids in there. We bought our first (of MANY) cans of formula last night...OUCH! Seriously, does it need to be THAT expensive? I mean come on...seriously!?!?

5. Our Wednesday night bible study is going really well. We have been studying James and the kids, while at times don't seem to be paying much attention, are surprising me with how much they are retaining...that is God's work not mine. One of them described it as a competitive Bible study because we give out Gold stars for certain answers. :) Imagine that...something I am in charge of being labeled competitive...

4. I am SO SICK AND TIRED of hearing about the H1N1 flu. Seriously, I hate paranoia and all that it brings. If you get the stinking virus, take the medicine. If you don't, good for you. Seriously, wash your hands in public, don't drink after others, don't sit near people that appear to be sick...I mean really?

3. Sarah is MAKING me get a flu shot. I don't ever remember getting one and I don't get sick...hardly ever. What sealed the deal after weeks and weeks of pleading and begging to my stonewalled face and spirit was when Sarah said, "Get it for our daughter this year because she is too young to get it for herself." So that is the plan, get it this year and never have to worry about it (until we have another kid RIGHT BEFORE FLU SEASON HITS) again!

2. I just got done listening to Perry Noble's message at Unleash '09 and he was talking about the church and how it needs to reach out. His first point was that the church must be willing to embrace change. He knocked it out of the park when he said that if people would value the church and it's mission as much as they value their money we will begin to change. He said that when the stock markets crashed and burnt that people were saying we need to do something else with the money...well, how long has your church been in decline and crashing around you yet we fail to change the things we need to change to bring about the things that Christ wants for His church??? hmmm...Is it worth it???

1. Kate is doing really well. She is up to 8lbs as of yesterday. On track. She is cooing and kicking her feet like crazy. I just love being a Dad and know how much I love her and can't imagine how much God loves me to send His son to die so that I could have a relationship with Him. Wow! Anyways, her eyes are still blue and her hair is still red...that is what sarah calls her, Red...among many other things!

May you know that God loves you deeply and passionately and wants the best for your life today and will give you the strength to live today (Ez. 36:26).

It's almost time...

2009-10-14T10:31:00.002-05:00

time to get out the Hoosiers DVD...Hoosier Hysteria is this Friday night
 and IU's first exhibition game is November 4th!

Jellyland Update October

2009-10-12T10:12:00.001-05:00

There have been a lot of things going on lately. Too many if you ask me. Things are swirling around with new life and all that entails. Things are swirling around with the ending of life and all the emotions that comes with that. Here is an update of life as I know it:

10. I recently joined a Madden league here in town. I love being able to get out and do something that is with people that are not attending Shiloh. Sometimes as ministers, we get caught living in circles that only include the people that go to the church we are at. This league is a great "out" for me. Plus, I love playing Madden and putting a whoopin' on some foo's...I won my last game 42-6.

9. Basketball started last Tuesday night! I hate running but I will run if it is playing basketball. I tend to get more active in the winter months because of Tuesday nights alone...

8. Kate is doing really good. She is changing so fast. The level of attention has changed in a matter of days. She just will sit there and watch you...there are no words to express the emotions that you feel when you are holding your kid and you look down and they are looking straight into your eyes. I love being a Dad.

7. We laid my Grandpa Christian to rest two weeks ago today. It feels like forever ago. It doesn't seem real either. Being around family and saying our goodbyes to Grandpa really made me think about where I was in life and if what I held dear and important were as dear and important as I thought they were. It made me miss being around family and people you knew had your back.

6. This past weekend, the girls and I took a quick trip to Nashville to see the cousins from South Carolina that we go vacationing with each June and Sarah's Mom. It was a great time. Too quick. We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory...I was one happy man!

5. Our fall Kick-Off went well. We had some gross times with happy shakes, steal the bacon in what turned out to be essentially puke, some great worship with Terry and Trevor and a lot of the students responding to the message.

4. I love this weather! I just love being able to throw on a hoodie and flip flops. My favorite time of year is when it is cold. Sorry for all of you who hate the cold. I think if I lived in Florida I would come to Indiana for the Winter! haha

3. IU basketball is getting ready to start and I can't wait. The Yankees are in the ALCS in baseball and I am hoping that they win a World Series for the first time since 2000. The Colts have won 13 regular season games in a row, that is 3 months and a week of football and are looking amazing. My sports world is in a good spot right now. :)

2. The youth group had a company design cards for us that were discount cards back in April. We started selling them in May and the kids weren't selling them. We had a ton of cards left so we had to do a contest for an iPod touch and that picked up the selling a little bit. What is it with fundraisers that make me want to puke?! Or is it that kids today don't want to work for what they get, generally speaking? I don't know but I don't have an long term plans for fund raising after this!

1. Did I mention that I love being a Dad? Kate is such a blessing and I am so proud and amazed at her mother. Sarah has dealt with all of this really well considering it is her first time. She hasn't put Kate in bubble wrap yet or a giant bubble so that is a win. Kate is learning slowly to sleep throughout the Colts games so that when IU season rolls around all the yelling should be soothing to her ears! I watched the Colts game last night with her on my chest/lap and Sarah snoozing in the lounge chair. Not too much to yell at last night but she did get startled a few times. I have to thank God for blessing me with a wife of infinite worth and a beautiful child that is loved so much by her dad and mom that it is disgusting!

Have a great day...

October Newsletter article

2009-09-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

As I write this, my Grandpa Christian is nearing the end of this life. Over the last few days I have had time to go over the memories and times that we shared together. Those times are priceless. I have not lost any immediate family up to this point and I have been blessed, I know that. As I was thinking through those memories, I just started thinking about my impact and what I am doing with my life. Sometimes we think that we are doing the most important things and we get so busy with them that we have not a lot of time for anything else. Being away from family, because of the ministry, is tough and not a lot of people that aren't in some sort of ministry can understand. We can't just go across town or down the road and see our parents or brothers and sisters. God has given all of us so many blessings in this life. Many times over what we deserve because we all deserve death. However, I cannot think of a better blessing than to have a parent or in this case, a grandparent that has model the life of Christ as my Grandpa Andy has. I remember sitting on the arm of his chair as a young kid and eating "Grandpa Cakes" and everything in the world was right at that moment in time. Over the years, he has supported me and encouraged me whenever I was able to be around him. I know that he prayed for me and thought of me often. He had a rough life to start out with and struggled like many of us do. However, in those memories that I have, I don't think about where he worked or how nice his house was or even how much money he made. I am thankful for little moments that we had together that made me go after the heart of Christ even more. I am grateful that Christ died to make it possible for us all to be forgiven and to one day, after this life is over, spend eternity with our family and walk the streets of Heaven with no limping, no walker, no pain. I hope that I become half the man that he was. I hope that I live up to his name. Just as I hope that each day, my words, actions and thoughts help me become more like Christ. That I can live up to Christs' name. Help us all to love God with everything we have and to love those around us as we walk this earth. Don't let today slip away without showing someone Christs love.

"There's a peace I've come to know
though my heart and flesh may fail.
There's an anchor for my soul, and I can say, "It is well"!

Through tear filled eyes,
Pastor Andy

Encouraging words for Monday morning!

2009-09-21T09:46:00.001-05:00

'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God!
Ezekiel 36:26 (The Message)

Jellyland update 9.21.09

2009-09-21T09:27:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone...it has been a crazy and hectic few weeks. Enjoy...

10. The delivery came and not much went as planned. We went in Wednesday night at 730p and they started Sarah on some medicine to help things along. It started contractions but not much else. The following day the contractions stopped and they said we would try again Thursday night. Sarah decided to take some medicine to help her sleep at around 1130p and her water broke at 1245am on Friday the 4th. They started with the Petocin but not a lot of movement was happening. Around 430-5am Sarah's contractions were getting crazy strong but the baby's heart rate was dropping each time...so...that meant a C-section. Baby Kate was born at 6:11am Friday September 4th!

9. Sarah is doing really good. She is not in much pain (unless she over does it...she is a Jellison remember!). Everything is going as it should. We went for Kate's 1 week check and they said that they thought she had a heart murmur so we had to take her for a EKG last Wednesday. That really scared us and put us on edge. We found out last Thursday that it was so small that they couldn't see it! It will heal up on its own. Praise God for that.

8. Sleep has been the biggest hurdle thus far. In the hospital over those two days Sarah got 4 hours out of 48...I got 5-6 out of 48! Kate came home and had her days and nights messed up. Things are getting better now. It is just an adjustment. But well worth it.

7. On Wednesday nights starting last week we have started a bible study. No frills, no illustrations, no games. Just us and the bible. It went really well last week and I am super excited about it and getting these kids in the word and applying it to their lives and mine!

6. We have been blessed to have so many of our family and friends to come and visit us and Kate. We had the mom's for the first two weeks and that was such a huge help. My brother Kerry has been up twice already to see Kate and you can tell how much he is excited to see her and be a part of her life. We are blessed to have such great families and friends.

5. We had our kick off last night for the youth group. It was NASTY. I made a "stew" of old ragu sauce, vanilla pudding, pistachio pudding, chocolate pudding, rolled oats, marshmallows, peanuts, crackers, syrup, salad dressing, lard and flour and the kids played steal the bacon in it. It was disgusting. We had some gross food comps too. The Happy shakes were sick...but worth it...
I will post some pics as soon as I get them. We had a hair challenge...my hair and some others for one of our student leaders hair. I still have my hair. :) It was a great time. Terry and Trevor did a great job with the worship and 24 kids responded to making God's heart their heart (Ez. 36:26)!

4. Going into parenthood, I was just unsure what it would be like. There are so many unknowns. But you know what? It has been so easy and natural. The diaper changing has been interesting. I have already been peed on. It is an amazing time that I am not taking for granted. There is something so Godly about waking up in the morning, getting out of your bed and seeing your wife and baby laying side by side (with the baby in the bassinet of course)...laying the same direction and both covered up! I love my little family!

3. I have 19 things so far on my bucket list. I will post it once I get to like 25 or something. Watch for that soon.

2. Football season started and I am loving it. The Patriots, Steelers, Titans, and Chargers all lose this week...now we just need to Colts to win tonight and it will be a perfect week 2. I am a little concerned with the Colts after last week. Just wondering what they will play like on a week by week basis. That's why they play the games!

1. Yesterday morning, we were woken up (again..after being up 2-3 times with Kate) by a phone call saying that my Grandpa Andy had suffered a heart attack. We drove over to Ohio and were there for a while. When we got there he was pretty drugged up and not responding to much. By the time we left, he was squeezing our hands and responded to questions. Mom called this morning and said that the ventilator is out and he is talking and doing much better. He did have congestive heart failure and they are not sure what kind of damage was done as of yet. But he is doing better and we are going over Thursday with Kate so he can see her.

We left here at 7am got there at 10am stayed until 1230p...left to come home got here at 330pm...started setting up for the youth kick-off at 4p and from 5-8p held the kick off...it was an insane day filled with tears and uncertainty and some kids committing to allowing God to give them forgiveness and a new start. Talk about the full range of emotions...

Friday's Fave Five

2009-08-28T10:53:00.001-05:00

Hey...I am borrowing this idea from a friend. I am going to TRY to post five of my favorite things from this past week each and every Friday. Here it goes:

5. Leading worship. Since I taught myself to play the guitar, I have loved each and every time I get to lead worship (save the one time when I couldn't remember how Agnus Dei went in the Sunday A.M. service..lol). What hit me this past Sunday night...was the impact of having live worship in the youth has accomplished. There are at least 4 students that are playing instruments along with me on Sunday nights and sometimes on Sunday mornings! It is crazy how God works sometimes.

4. The MLB Network. Seriously, I love baseball. I love watching it and taking a nap. Watching it and being captivated by each pitch come October. The MLB Network has enhanced the viewing experience. Instead of having to pay hundreds of dollars to have a TV package that shows every MLB game, this network takes you live to games to see things that are happening. I have watched a no-hitter and a couple of walk-off hits this season. The insight into the game that they give is priceless and amazing!

3. My students. This past Wednesday we played a game called Buzz/Fizz...it is a counting game where you replace multiples of 5 with the word buzz and multiples of 7 with the word fizz. Our group couldn't do it...I couldn't stop laughing and we will definitely do this again. I love the group of kids we have. They are so unique and I feel blessed to have them in my life.

2. Music. The new Mat Kearney and Needtobreathe album's are amazing and remind me how blessed we are as a civilization to have such ability to play instruments that make such beautiful noises. And...the ability to sing. To make a joyful noise...I just love music...making it, listening to it...feeling it! There is not much more satisfying than rolling the windows down, opening my sunroof and jamming away to some great tunes.

1. Sarah. I am so glad that I have found the love of my life. Watching her go through this whole experience of being unable to conceive, then seeing the relief/excitement/shock/love in her eyes when we found out she was pregnant, to watching her be such an amazing woman under this stress has made my love grow so much deeper than before. There is a song that goes, "and I thought I loved you then..." and I am so thankful that God has given me the chance to live this life with the most wonderful friend and wife that I could have ever found. I can't believe that I get to wake up each day and find her right there beside me. Our child is already blessed to have Sarah as their mother. She is a Proverbs 31 kind of wife!

"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. " -Proverbs 31:10,(The Message)

Encouragement for a Friday Morning...

2009-08-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle.

-I Corinthians 4:7-8

Jellyland update 8.25.09

2009-08-25T09:25:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! Thought I'd give you an update on this beautiful Tuesday morning. I hope this finds you strong in your faith as we all learn to lean.

10. I am loving the "Summer" of 09. It hasn't really been hot at all. I am ready for the cool breezes and leaf changing of Fall and the bone-chilling, snow falling coldness of Winter. I know people really don't like the Winter but just think how boring it would be if the weather was the same all year round? I mean, it would be like Florida. I guess I'll have to retire somewhere else.

9. Sarah watched HG TV a lot. So that means I get to watch it too. I have grown accustomed to shows about people buying their first house or getting a new one and I've come to one conclusion: People are crazy. It is funny to see how people walk into a room and within 3-5 seconds have made up their minds about the room. I can't stand it when people go in and say something about the paint or wallpaper and let that be a deciding factor. That is like a lot of us who make some of our decisions based on absurd guidelines or standards. I am just saying...

8. Someone updated their status on Facebook the other day in the morning and said something about how frustrating life is and the usual tag lines that go with those words. Then later on in the day, the same person said that things worked out and that God was good. It made me kinda feel guilty because I do the same thing. I am reminded of the southern Gospel song (I know right...childhood memories are like Jiffy mix...they just seem to stick around) that goes "the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times" and how human we are to doubt and sulk and stomp around when things are going wrong. (read my blog from yesterday for more about that)

7. As I am compiling my bucket list, a wave of sadness I guess you could call it, swept over me. If I could map out all the places that I have been over my 27 years of existence on this planet, my map wouldn't be that big. The middle of Indiana from Anderson to Plymouth would be covered with lines. I have been to New York, Washington D.C., along the eastern seaboard but much past Indiana to the West and the lines are few (Arkansas is as far west as I have ever been). That is sad. I am trying to talk Sarah into renting an RV-type thing and taking a road trip out west...however, it would take some BA Baracus type sedatives for Sarah to let me drive her and the kiddos in something like that! :) A man's gotta try right?

6. Speaking of bucket lists...what is on your bucket list? Do you even have one? I don't know why this has come to the forefront but I find myself thinking about this list more and more often. It is probably because I want Baby Jelly to see some incredible things when she gets here. But what is on your list? I've only got one thing for sure on my list so far. Help a brother out!

5. I am not a parent yet...so though...but not yet. It is frustrating to see parents with young kids (3-5) out in public like the scene yesterday in a local establishment. This lady was speaking VERY loudly to her son. She didn't do it once or twice...it was like every two or three minutes yelling about this or that. It drove me bonkers. Her's why: trying to reason with a toddler seems like trying to reason with our two Boston Terriers. They understand some things but you can't get into deep conversations as to why they shouldn't throw food and hit the old guy in the next booth. Oh, my kids will behave...Sarah was already practicing her mean face during lunch yesterday, and there will be times when I get frustrated with them and try to reason with them...but Lex and Flash are dogs...so I treat them like a dog...a child is a child and we should treat them like a child and not an adult. I know, I am not a parent...I know I know...but we can all have our pet peeves can't we?

4. Football season is just days away...I am ready for some gridiron goodness. I am also ready for Sports Illustrated to send me my Madden 10 game already! There is a new store here in Plymouth that is going to have a Madden league. Dude...I played in some leagues during my days at IWU but nothing since. This is one happy fella'! I need some male bonding over a good game of Madden. I know, I am a geek...but I fully embrace my Geekness. Deal with it...

3. Images have more power over us than we know. Point in hand, since Sarah has been pregnant, and since Sarah watching any show that deals with cake (seriously, you should see our DVR) every time she watches a show I will hear at least once, "OH...I want some cake." Has she went and made any? Nope...every time we get near the cake isle I say something and she doesnt want it then. However, if I get my way, last night during the "Andy, I am in bed and I can't get comfortable and fall asleep so you can't sleep either" stage of our evening, she was watching a show about Rice Krispy treats...and I think we (and by we I mean me) just might be scoring some ooey gooey marshmallowy goodness today. But seriously, we must be careful what goes before our eyes...it has more power than we think.

2. So every year we have a youth kick-off. Every year I challenge the kids to get a certain number. Each year I have some unsuspecting target that I get to offer up their hair for mine. This year, things kind of spiraled. At first it was my hair for one of the student leaders hair...simple. Now it has turned into a gigantic hair affair. It is the students hair vs. my hair, another sponsor hair and 'stache, another students hair AND eyebrows (I always try to get people's eyebrows...lol) and finally another sponsors CHEST HAIR! Seriously...Sarah is super worried because she rags on how big my head is all the time...we've measured our heads and I do have a large melon (25 inches! Size 8 fitted hat) and she thinks I am going to look crazy...I will keep you updated...it is September 20th...pics to follow!

1. Finally, baby update. Sarah has had some issues with some blood pressure and them thinking she has pre-ecclampsia. We went to the hospital sunday morning and missed church because the Dr. wanted her to come in and get monitored. The BP went down and everything looks fine. She is having some contractions here and there but nothing steady whatsoever. We are taking long walks and doing our part. Pray for her comfort the last few days as she is uber-uncomfortable right now and sleeping is an adventure. Baby Jelly is due this Thursday (August 27th) so hopefully we have some new family pics soon!

"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life." -Eph. 6:13-16 (The Message)

September Newsletter article

2009-08-24T10:16:00.002-05:00

Do you smell that?

I am different. Some maybe even think I am weird. I am picky about the food I eat and I like certain drinks in certain glasses. Weird, I know, but that is who I am. We all have weird things that we do or don't do. One of the semi-weird things that I do is burn candles. I don't know many guys that like to burn candles as much as I do. I really enjoy this one candle that is cinnamon and clove scented, it sets off a festival in my nose! It is a package of awesomeness that is rarely matched aromatically. In my office, I have a candle burner with four different candles that I rotate. So what you ask? Well there are two things I want to remind you of.

One, whenever I leave a certain candle burning in the office for an extended period of time, after a while I can no longer smell it. If I pull the candle up to my nose, then the scent is there. But overall, the scent is missing even though the candle is burning. How many times in our lives do we just do things because that is the way we've always done them? I mean random things like cook a certain food or watch a certain news channel. Things we do without even really thinking about why we are doing them. Things that we don't miss until we can't do them anymore. I love traditions. I love having the warmth of the familiar in my life. I love even more knowing why we do what we do. More importantly, what it means for me to take part in this tradition or that act. It is of vital importance to, as Hebrews 10:25 says, to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..." However, it seems to me that a lot of Christians have become Spiritual Bulimics. They come sunday mornings, maybe sunday night, definitely not Wednesdays and get their fill of everything God. They serve, teach a class, fill this spot or attend a bible study and then do nothing to advance their relationship with God the other days. They binge on the spiritual and starve themselves the rest of the week. This should not be so. Being a follower of Christ is a daily thing. Jesus said that we must take up our cross DAILY. Sunday morning for too long has been seen as the "filling station" to get you through the week. It should be seen as the celebration station where we come together and share our victories and our defeats. Our joys and our sorrows. Each day we should seek the strength for that day.

Secondly, every candle smells different. II Corinthians 2 talks about how we are all a fragrance to God. So, what do you smell like? Now I know that there are times in everyone's life that we go through tough spells. Times where things just aren't going right and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. We all will have our bad days. However, for some it seems like they are having a bad month or year or ... What I am saying is that we simply need to be aware of how we are "smelling". How do we react when things don't go our way? How do we respond to those tough days? How do we relate to those around us when we aren't in the best of moods? We only get today once. There are no do-overs. So if you are a mother...be the best mother and wife and daughter and sister that you can be today. If you are a father...be the best father, husband or son that you can be today. No one else can fill those roles for you. You will be the only father, husband, wife or mother to who God has gifted you with. Don't come out smelling like a black licorice candle when you could smell like...well...roses!

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln

Baby update

2009-08-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone...

We went to the Dr. yesterday for Sarah's week 38 appointment. The heartbeat sounded great and Sarah hasn't been feeling too bad. However, Sarah's blood pressure was higher than it has been throughout the pregnancy. She has been having headaches and some swelling. The Dr was worried a little about it being preeclampsia. So that is causing some major concern for Sarah. She just wants everything to be good and for baby and herself to be healthy. We are trusting God that He is in control and it would be silly to stop trusting Him now after He has brought us to where we are now!

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." I Samuel 7:12

How do you build a church?

2009-08-10T08:39:00.001-05:00

So I got to thinking yesterday about this. How do we build a church? Christ's Church? I know there are some people who have come to the conclusion that you can live a life that causes you to become more like Christ every day without being involved in a group of "Christians". I believe that everyone needs to be involved with a group of believers, urging each other on towards shared goals and lifting each other up through Scripture, music and fellowship. I believe that when people are not in a group that has the same shared goals, our priorities get out of whack and we start moving away from the model of Christ and start losing communion with His spirit. You can feel free to disagree with me but that is not what this post is about. That was just to say this: I think that the Church is worth it. The Church has its flaws. The Church , or any "church", has never wronged anyone. As Rob Bell said, "Churches don't wrong people. People wrong people". So with that said, how do we build a church? How do we attract those who need Christ to come into our group or any group of believers?

Is it with guilt? Do we go after them and tell them that if they don't "turn" that they'll "burn"? I've heard that one.

Is it with our services? Does that bring people in? Can they just not wait to worship together with other believers and feel God's presence?

Is it with our small groups? Do we grow our churches through spending personal time with people in small groups, house groups, pods, or whatever the new buzz word is?

Is it with more church plants? Do we grow the larger Church by creating new churches that are more flexible and thus able to do the things that are reaching new generations of believers who have for decades been leaving the church? The numbers are staggering.

Is it with mega-churches? Online services?

I don't know exactly what works for you. However, I have this uneasiness in my spirit that the church ,as it stands today, is too rigid and its traditions too powerful that it is causing us not to be able to reach today's young generations. Church members who "pay the bills" feel threatened if things change and they feel as though they might get pushed out. Is that biblical? Isn't being apart of the body about sharing what Christ did, and is doing in us , with those around us? Change is scary. Taking risks and failing are heart wrenching. Still, if we are not trying to do things that reach those who don't know love, who don't know Christ, who don't know the warmth and love that a community of believers can offer...whats more heart wrenching? Being comfortable now...and watching those people get bitter and move farther away from love? Or sacrificing some of our ways and opinions and traditions for the sake of reaching a base of people who need to know that they are loved by Jesus? I vote for number two. But maybe that is just me.

What is your church doing?

Jellyland update 8.07.09

2009-08-07T10:29:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope this letter finds you well and counting your blessings. Not a ton of stuff has happened since the last installment of Jellyland update. But I had a nagging need to update so here goes:

10. I love fishing. We took the youth group fishing last Wednesday and had a blast. It is always better when you go fishing and actually catch some fish! I caught a couple nice bass and a few other fish. It is fun until you get them up on shore and have to take them off. I hate getting stuck by those spiky fins. But then again, if someone had a piece of metal in my lip, I probably wouldn't go quietly either.

9. Our softball season ended last Saturday in grand fashion. We were down by 3 heading into the last inning where we scored 2 runs, got two outs then had a man on second when one of our guys hit a two run home run! We led by 1 heading into the bottom of the inning. We quickly got two outs, they got a runner on and we got two strikes on the next guy. Now if you hit a two strike pitch foul in our league you are out, the guy hits it down the line and it HITS THE LINE! They score two runs and win the game. Wow...it is no fun to lose but I would rather have lost that way than most other ways. It was a fun season.

8. We go for our baby "birthing" class tomorrow. I will probably have a few new life experiences to share with you! :)

7. Due to some oddities in the schedule, I have been able to preach a lot more on Sunday mornings lately and I am loving it! There is just something about being able to speak into peoples lives and have God speak through me that revs my engine! Is it weird that I almost find the giving of a sermon fun? If so, I am weird!

6. I am ready for some fantasy football! It is my second favorite fantasy sport to play (I only have two of them so...). If you want to join in on the action, there are a couple of leagues to join. One, the Monsters of the Ministry league on Facebook. The second is the Indiana North Youth Leaders league on Yahoo. Or the third league is for all my old friends who used to play in the Cabbage Bowl on New Years Day forever ago, it is on Yahoo as well. Let me know soon if you are interested. Spots are filling up fast.

5. I think my favorite TV show is Big Brother. I love the dynamics of the game and watching the different people interact is incredible. It makes me wonder a lot about how we take things and actions by others in real life. To constantly know that you are being watched changes people in the house and they can't be who they are in real life. Plus, I like to root for anything...I am just that competitive. Any other Big Brother fans out there?

4. I am curious today. Who reads my updates? However, I don't know who they are. Would you do me a favor and comment me if you read this...just this one time...I am just curious who is reading my ramblings. Thanks.

3. Do you go through musical stages? I find that throughout the years, my taste for types of music has changed. Growing up, it was strictly Southern Gospel with a slim dose of country (thats why I can sing most every Garth Brooks song). The first non country song I can remember liking was Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You" and Bryan Adams (thanks Kerry). Then the 90's hit...from Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey (before she went all nasty), and others to the explosion of Christian Contempory...DC TALK (SPEDS 4 LIFE), Audio Adreniline and Third Day. Then came my season of Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Josh Groban (thanks IWU and Jones). Then during college John Mayer hit me hard, I liked a lot more diverse music than before. Then after college ended and I started playing guitar, I tend to favor music that has a strong guitar influence to it. NOW, being married to Sarah, and her taking control of the air waves, country music has started to fill my brain cavity. Not the George Strait/Toby (Goatman) Keith/Kenny Chesney country. The Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Darius "Hootie" Rucker type country. The stories are where you are at and if you can get past one of the most annoying instruments in the world (the steel guitar) it is some good stuff. Anyways, how about you...do you go through stages? Does it change monthly, yearly, seasonally?

2. We feel very blessed to have so many family and friends support us with the 4 showers that we've had. We know that you will all continue to pray for us and baby jelly in the coming days and months. Pray that she says daddy before mommy for me will ya? Just kidding...pray for health and wisdom...for happiness and safety...for wishes granted and dreams realized. 20 days to go...maybe less because:

1. Sarah is about to POP! She had three people tell her yesterday that she doesn't even really know, that she won't make it to the August 27th due date. She is going to go sooner...she wants it, I want it and the Blueberry Festival Blueberry Donut makers want it! Thats right, if she comes earlier, we can DEFINITELY make the Blueberry Festival over Labor Day weekend. If you've never been, you are missing quite possibly Indiana's best fireworks display, wonderful food...crap booths (I mean craft booths) galore...and did I mention Blueberry donuts?! Anyways, we have everything we need to get started with baby other than a years supply of diapers. :) We can't wait!

Some pics from the summer

2009-08-04T10:36:00.001-05:00

Jellyland Update 7.17.09

2009-07-17T10:52:00.003-05:00

Hey all...how are things with you? I pray that all who read this are blessed by God in all your dealings. The past few weeks have been busy and growth filled (I'll explain later). It is nearing the end of July and it has been hard to remember a year that has gone faster than this one while at the same time been filled with tough, life-altering decisions and events. Well here goes a half-year update.

1. Since finding out that Sarah was pregnant on Christmas day, it has been a whirlwind of doctor appointments, planning, baby showers and hearing all the bad stories. It is crazy and somewhat irrational of the numerous people who love to tell an emotional pregnant woman all their horror stories about pregnancy. Still, even though seasoned parents love to say "enjoy this..." or "get this while you can..." we are so ready to be parents and tackle whatever comes our way with Baby Jelly.

2. Having a few really close pastor friends leave the district has really given me a new perspective and a lot of other good relationships. Over the past year and a half, since they have left, I have really gotten to know other youth pastors in this district. While it was hard to see them go, God has really used this time to help me reach out and make new connections with people who I never was that close with. I am greatful for the friendships that have come over the last 18 months.

3. Getting past the leases and getting new cars has lightened the load on our minds. We are both loving our cars. I miss my truck now and then but I love my Equinox. Sarah loves the heftiness of her Freestyle and will "hopefully" get stuck a lot less than the 5-10 times she got stuck with her car this past winter! :)

4. Senior High Camp went well. We had one teen who's been coming regularly for about a year now accept Christ so that makes it all worth it. It was very different doing it this year without Ben and Amanda/Brian and Matt. It was good to get to know Ryan Nelson more and have Uriah there with me too. It was a good week and I loved hanging out with the other youth pastors, it was so different than last year (see #2).

5. Missions Week 09 was good. I was disappointed in the number of kids who showed up (5) but very proud of all the work that they accomplished. I couldn't have asked for 5 kids to work harder than these kids worked all week. Thanks to Bobby and Anna for helping and all the other people that did their parts.

6. Softball has been good this year (save for one evening when we played a certain team) after having my season cut short last year because of my broken finger. I love softball and it is a good relief and time to spend with the guys in our church.

7. There have been some great relationship building moments in the past few months. It seems as though God is pushing me into these times with ease! Even though they have been tough to go through, getting on the other side has been a huge payoff.

8. We once again had a great time in South Carolina this year. There were considerably less people but it was good to just chill and relax and unthaw from the goings on of every day life. I love spending time with the SC family and just the laid back demeanor that we had this year. Can't wait for vacations in the future!

9. Things have been hectic this summer. We've had something going on every weekend from May 23 until August 8th! Different things have been fun and some things have been flat out tiring. It was good to see some family on July 4th at my family's baby shower. I wish we could have seen a few others but it was a holiday weekend and we didn't have any other time to do it on. Getting to go to Jon and April's the Friday before was a great thing. We got to spend time with them and the Blairs, other Wallaces and Charlie. It always does me well to be around SPEDS.

10. Last but not least, Sarah is doing really well. She hasn't had any sickness with the baby (yet). We've been blessed to have a "quiet" pregnancy if there is one. Things have gone by the book and we thank God that everything seems to be progressing the way it needs to be. Here's the new update: we went on Wednesday to the Dr. and Sarah is measuring larger than normal which could mean a few things. 1. We have a big baby coming (sarah was 9 pounds...I was 9 lbs 11 oz. !) or 2. they have our date wrong and we get to meet Baby Jelly sooner. Who knows....I am just hoping that Baby Katherine waits until after next saturday when we have our birthing class!

We can't wait! May you be blessed and know that God loves you...Oh how He loves you!

2009-07-01T11:16:00.001-05:00

i am in the library wadding through my thoughts and trying to get a sermon for sunday am and 4 messages for missions week next week!

Update from Jellyland July edition

2009-07-01T11:15:00.002-05:00

Hey all...life is/was/and will be crazy for a while. Things are going...that is about the extent of my describing where we are right now. Staying afloat and taking it one minute at a time. Here is what's being going on lately:

10. Softball season is about half over. It has been a good year. the extra baby weight has been felt and dually noted. I love softball...

9. Watching the Lakers win a championship was a much needed break from my sports year. After clawing through a 6-25 season by my IU Hoosiers, I needed something really good in the world of sports to happen. It was good seeing Kobe change from being a diva to being a great leader and teammate.

8. I have been listening to a lot more country music lately than I'd like to admit. I don't know what it is...if I am getting older and the songs resonate with me more...or that Sarah turns to the stations that play country music every time we get in the car...or what...anyways...whatever it is...

7. Vacation was good...it took me a while to thaw out...but it happened for a while. I love being with our Carolina family and being able to spend time with my momma was an added bonus. Seeing a 4 foot shark eat a fish 20 feet away from me only served to validate my fear of sharks...i don't care who makes jokes about it...sharks ARE SCARY!!!

6. Sarah is doing so well. There haven't been big issues and she hasn't been sick. God has blessed us with that. We had her families baby shower in May and the district youth pastors wives had one during camp. We have one this saturday with my mom and my family. Then in august the church is throwing one for Sarah. Continue to pray for health and saftey for sarah and baby jelly.

5. I backed into a light pole with my car right before vacation. It cost us our deductible but the repairs cost over $4000! I was kicking myself for a good long while. Accendidents do happen. Just not to me! :)

4. The baby's room is finally done being painted. We just have to organize and get everything set up. Sarah is 32 weeks this Friday! It is crazy to think that NEXT month I will be a Dad to a baby girl! Wow...

3. Sr. High Camp ended last Friday night. It was a good week. A lot of good things happened in the lives of the students of this district. God has blessed this district with a great bunch of Men and Women of high character and talent. It is great to be a part of that.

2. Missions Week starts this Sunday night. We will be having a church work day, doing a free car wash while giving out free wiper fluid and free ice pops...going to the eye glass factory in upland, going door to door collecting food for the Bread of Life food pantry and going to a local nursing home one morning to play games with the residence. then at night we'll have a "rally" where we'll worship and have a devo and then we all stay at the church! Fun week.

1. We are busy. We have a shower this weekend. Missions week next week...a wedding next saturday...my annual district conference the following saturday...then a guys night out for our church to a SilverHawks game the following monday and then taking the youth group to the Indiana Dunes that Tuesday! Before you know it, I'll be posting pics of Baby Jelly!

I hope this finds you doing well. That you are trusting God for everything He is and that you are not! That you know that you are loved....deeply and unconditionally. That God is in control. May God make your cup run over!

July Newletter article

2009-06-16T09:51:00.004-05:00

Oh be careful little mouth...

Life for the Jellison household has been emotional lately. Sarah has said numerous times, "You try being pregnant". With no response from me until recently when I started replying, "You try being a husband to a pregnant woman". There seems to be a lot of emotions circulating not just for us but for a lot of people lately. There are different issues and things that need to be resolved and instead of brainstorming and figuring out ways to resolve them people have been blamestorming around. It does few people any good to complain and gripe about things without bring a solution to the table. Listen to what Paul says in Romans 14:6-9 (The Message):

"What's important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God's sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you're a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It's God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other."

We are all so persistent in letting others know how we feel and making sure that our opinions are known. However, that is "unChristian". Again in Romans 14:10-12 (The Message)

So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I'd say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit.

Goethe puts it best in this quote:

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of.

We can use our freedoms, given to us by all those who fought and gave their lives and fought and came home, to uplift and help those around us become better people. Or we can use those freedoms to tear down others and hurt them.

Life and death. Encouragement or disdain. Your freedoms are just that. Yours. You have to use them as Christ told us to and Love those around you just as much as you love yourself.

I will leave you with this verse that it may be true of us all as we strive to love each other better:

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
-Phil. 4:8

Supporting vs. Not Supporting

2009-06-03T08:34:00.006-05:00

Caution: The next few paragraphs will be filled with the ventings of a man who is about to head off for vacation and has had his fill. Just thought I'd give a warning before you read it all and found that out. :)

So there I was. Stretching and warming up for a church league softball game (with very few people on our team that actually go to our church, 3-5 depending on what you consider "going to church means") and I hear someone with family members on our team and that claim Shiloh as their home church say, "Well I don't support the youth group." Now, I know that when you are in leadership and in any place of power, you will have people that don't like you. They have this reason or that reason or you get that or you don't do this. This is one of those people. I don't ever remember doing anything at all to this person or her family and they just don't like me. I'm ok with that. However, what I am not ok with is her statement. Here's why:

Youth ministry has changed. It isn't just a bible study for teens anymore and maybe an outing here or there. It HAS to have something fun. It cannot be something boring and 1980's because these kids don't do boring and they weren't even born in the 80's! Seriously? I HATE when I hear that parents are keeping their kids from going to youth group because they THINK____________ (you feel in the blank). Here's the thing, some youth leaders or youth pastors even might have tainted the view of a generation. They think that youth group is all fun and games and their kids are just going because it is fun and their friends are there. Ask a student about youth group and what happened and they will tell you all the fun things. They won't tell you about their "God experience" that they will rely on 10 years down the road when they remember that and have something to stand on. They won't talk about the bonds of being together with other people who have the same goal (to look, act and become more like Christ every day). They won't tell you about the worship that is what they were made for. They won't tell you about the messages about honoring your parents, watching the words you say, watching the places and music and movies that you watch, giving respect to everyone around them, staying pure sexually, or the message about how much Jesus loves them and wants them to spend eternity with Him rather than apart from Him. They won't tell you that!

When this topic comes up I hear, "well that is just how parents are" or "we just have to deal with it because it isn't going to change". I am FED up with that! For someone to say that they don't support the youth group just makes me grit my teeth. Not just my group, all groups. All the youth pastors and youth leaders out there trying to make a difference in the lives of the teens. Here's the kicker:

If we are on God's side, trying to do what He's called us to do and bring these kids closer to looking and acting and being more like Christ. If we are preaching from the Bible and giving them solid truths. If we are telling them that whats most important is loving God with everything and loving everyone around you like you love yourself...and someone says that they don't support that, guess what? They are on the enemies side! They are a tool of the enemy of my God! They are helping Satan. Do you know what those people are called in the Bible? Demons!

I will leave it at that.

On the road again...

2009-05-27T10:58:00.003-05:00

The great poet Robert Frost talked about two roads and which one to choose in his poem "The Road Not Taken". I got to thinking about all the choices we make each and every single day. Some, seem small and trivial. Others, large and heavy. We make decisions what to wear, where to go, how we'll spend our money, who our friends are, what to eat and when to go to bed. Other times we decide which car to buy, what to name our first child, whether or not to look for another job or when we'll buy a house. I preached a message to our graduating seniors this past sunday and I told them that wherever you end up will be determined by what road you are on.
You see, you can't end up somewhere, even if you had good intentions and good planning if you are not on that road. Our choices and decisions generally determine what road we are on. Circumstances and other people sometimes cause us to go down a different path but most of the time it is a daily journey that leads us and brings us to where we are today.
So, where are you? What is happening in your life that brings you passion and joy? How is Christ reflecting off of you? Can others see Him in your daily words and actions? Or is that light reflecting dimly to those around you? It is a daily process that leads us to look, to act and to become more like Christ. We must choose daily to make other peoples problems our problems. To come along the sick, the hurting and the oppressed and just be with them. It isn't someone elses job or something we should do because that would be nosy. It is the Church's job to be Christs' hands and feet. To accept all people but let them know that Christ loves them too much to let them stay on the path that they were on.
Where is your path leading? What choices do you think about that you haven't made in the past but should have made? Here's the kicker, we still have time. We have time to make a new choice. Start down a new path. One that leads to our lives reflecting the forgiveness, the grace, the mercy and the love of Christ daily to those around us.
Don't expect your path to lead somewhere where the road you're on isn't headed.

Jellyland Update Memorial Day Edition

2009-05-25T11:33:00.002-05:00

Hey all...we have been uber busy lately...so here is an update from the Jellisons of the North!

10. Two out of the last 3 Sunday mornings I have preached and led worship. It takes a lot out of me but I love doing both things! I love leading worship and playing the guitar. I am so glad that I took the time and taught myself to play. Preaching on Sunday mornings is something else that I just love to do. Still, it takes a lot out of me.

9. I haven't been getting enough sleep lately because of the stupid NBA playoffs. I can't remember a more exciting playoff season than this year. Go Lakers!

8. We leave for vacation to Myrtle Beach a week from this Thursday. I am so ready! We are flying down this year because Sarah didn't want to make that trip being nearly 7 months pregnant!

7. It seems like time is just flying by. It seems like the year just started and yet here we are in the last full week of May! Summer is upon us and I am not sure that I remember Spring every getting here. It went from cold to hot.

6. We have painted the baby room. We did it in a dark brown and rich pink. It is definitely girly! I am sure that baby jelly will love it!

5. I have felt Baby Jelly kick already! It is an amazing thing to be on this journey. I can't wait!

4. A couple of weeks ago we held a fundraiser for our youth group missions week. Usually we do this fundraiser (selling chicken) in July. However we needed to do it earlier this year with everything going on. It was FREEZING!!! We sold a lot after the sale because one of the parents of a teen went around to different people and sold the leftovers! As soon as we were done, the clouds parted, the sun started shining and it warmed up. Fancy that!

3. I was shocked that Kris Allen won American Idol! We started rooting for him a long time ago and kept voting to the end. I love his style of music and his humble attitude (unlike someone else). We also liked JT from Survivor so we were two for two on winners this year.

2. Sarah and Baby Jelly are doing great. God has really blessed us with good health for both of my girls. Sarah is always concerned about this or that but overall, things are going as smoothly as they can.

1. We had our first shower this past Saturday in Bluffton. It was good to see family and friends. We also got a lot of the things we need, I am sure that the other two showers will help with that!

Target Lady

2009-05-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Baby Jelly is a Girl!

2009-04-23T17:21:00.001-05:00

Here are some pics of baby Jelly...wow...I can hardly wait!

What tests do you have? May newsletter article

2009-04-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

Nothing frustrates me more than when some electronic stops working like it is supposed to. Whether it is a computer, phone, stove or the TV, I am an equal opportunity distributor of angst and gritting of teeth to one and all. I hate when things hang over my head because they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing. I try to move and they follow me. You know what I mean? We’ve all been there. Standing before this piece of plastic, trying to get something else done, but we can’t concentrate on anything save that solitary issue. We have expectations that things should do what they were meant to do and we don’t think about them when they do them.

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. When bad things happen that are so much bigger than something not working, what do we expect of God? Do we pray and get no answer and expect God to “fix” our problem…now? When things aren’t going well we often turn to God and cry and beg and plead that this would be taken from us. Listen to what Jesus said to Peter:

Luke 22:31-32 (The Message)
31-32"Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."
Most of the time when we go through trials of any kinds, the thing that Jesus most often does is pray for us. How amazing is that?! Jesus prays for us. We all have to be sifted and ground down sometimes. It is then that our faith grows and we rely more on God than before. Christ often intercedes for us rather than intervening for us.

So no matter what you are going through, no matter what the world tells you will happen to you, know that Jesus is praying for you. Right now. Before the Father. On your behalf. You can get through whatever it is you are facing because you have the same power in you that raised Christ from the dead! You have the same power in you that was used to create this world. God still reigns. He still loves you and He still has the best for you in mind. Period.

Jellyville Update 4.7.09

2009-04-07T10:49:00.003-05:00

Hey all...just wanted to update on the goings-on of the Jellison's of the North!

10. Does anyone else HATE having something hang over your head? I was feeling very overwhelmed this morning and so I had a great idea (where most of my great ideas come from...) while I was in the bathroom. I went and wrote down everything. split it into categories of personal or church related. Pressing or Future. After I got done, I realized that there is always more above your head in your head than there is on paper! HA!

9. We turned in our Honda's...both of our cars for the past 3 years. Sarah got an '06 Ford Freestyle. I got an '06 Chevy Equinox. We are very happy with the new vehicles and are ready for Baby Jelly.

8. Sarah is really starting to show. She has gained 1 pound so far but everything else is shifting! It was like WHAM and everything decided to move up front! She is still so amazingly beautiful...

7. Basketball season ended last night. That means I can now look forward to an IU season in which they win more than 6 games. Only 213 days until they play again!

6. We go in for our ultrasound on April 22nd! We will definitely post the first ever pics of Baby Jelly soon after.

5. Only 58 days until we go on vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC! I love going down there. It is so relaxing and I love the people and family down in South Carolina...

4. I am stat heavy today...there is only 140 days (possibly) until baby Jelly joins us! wowsers!

3. I love the winter season. I love being able to put on a hoodie and taking off. I am always hot so the winter gives me a break. However, I am done this year with snow and cold and ice and snow...seriously...snow in April?!

2. It is odd seeing my sisters (on my Dad's side, that are younger than me) on Facebook. On the internet alone is crazy! We weren't allowed to have a TV...the internet wasn't invented yet but I do remember my Grandpa making a poster up one time that had the alphabet assigned to numbers and the word computer somehow added up to 666! HA...unbelieveable you say? Think again.

1. Please keep Sarah and Me and Baby Jelly in your prayers. Like always we need wisdom and grace and mercy as we are going down this crazy journey we call life!

Hope you have a great day!

April 09 Newsletter article

2009-03-23T09:23:00.003-05:00

I was thinking about Easter and everything that it encompasses. The different family activities, the Easter egg hunts, the choir specials, the planning of meals and the general business of this time of year for those involved in a group of believers. I want to slow down for a second (or two) and focus on this though:

We all have a longing inside of us to be wanted. We need to feel like there is someone out there, some cause, some purpose needs us. There are moments that capture us and our hearts and make us feel like we are needed. However, those moments are fleeting at best. They are temporary and never really satisfy the thirst for us.

Enter Jesus. And the cross. His death. For YOU. He wants you.

That is amplified for me in this song by Squire Parsons called "He Came To Me":

The gulf that separated me from Christ, my Lord,
It was so vast the crossing I could never ford;
From where I was to His domain, it seemed so far;
I cried, "Dear Lord, I cannot come to where you are."

He came to me, O, He came to me.
When I could not come to where He was, He came to me.
That's why He died on Calvary;
When I could not come to where He was, He came to me.

He came to me when I was bound in chains of sin,
He came to me when I possessed no hope within;
He picked me up and He drew me gently to His side,
Where, today, in His sweet love I now abide.

He came to me, O, He came to me.
When I could not come to where He was, He came to me.
That's why He died on Calvary;
When I could not come to where He was, He came to me.

He came. He died. He lives. All for You.

What will you do with that kind of love?

4 months

2009-03-11T09:07:00.004-05:00

Sarah is 4 months today! Holy Cow!

It is Amazing to think that in two weeks Sarah will be half way through having Baby Jelly! For real...

It has been fun and definitely exciting at every turn so far. We don't even know if we are having a boy or girl...we don't know a lot of things but we are so excited to finally be on this journey!

Sarah is doing well. She isn't having any major physical problems. She is INCREDIBLY, and UNCONTROLLABLY tired all the time. She is handling it great though...she is such an incredible person, friend and wife! You're going to be a great mom

New ImNotBuyingIt.com Video

2009-03-09T22:09:00.001-05:00

this video makes my heart ache...i just wanted God to use it to touch your heart as well

Update from Jellyland 3.06.09

2009-03-06T10:30:00.002-06:00

Hey all...

not a ton to post about recently...but here goes:

10. We got our tickets yesterday to watch IU play in the Big Ten Tournament next thursday. I am so looking forward to getting away for a bit.

9. That Friday, we are spending time with friends in Anderson and I am playing some ball with the SPEDS and others that night...I miss those guys!

8. I have a pastor friend who is able to get jerseys, like the real jerseys, for cheap and I am enjoying my Roethlisberger jersey as I write this. I don't like the Steelers but I wanted a black jersey and the Steelers are a franchise I respect because they do it right.

7. I am so ready for Spring and warmer weather...we grilled out last night...yum

6. Sarah will be 4 months next wednesday! YIKES!!!

5. We heard the heartbeat of baby Jelly last week...it was an amazing start of some amazing things over the next few months

4. Sarah is doing well...no sickness yet...just some uncomfortable days and tons of being tired

3. We are in the process of finding new vehicles...Sarah pretty much knows what she wants...I on the other hand am still quite uncertain.

2. We turn in our leased Honda's soon...we have never gone through a return-leased vehicle and are quiet unsure about how much they will charge us for wear and tear.

1. My Scrabble winning streak ended after I was beaten by Sarah and then my mom in the same week...oh well...nobody ALWAYS wins!

have a great weekend and don't forget to set your clocks back if you have to...later!

American Idol recap 3.4

2009-03-06T10:28:00.000-06:00

Here's what my mom wrote first and then I my opinion second

1. Von Smith.......he was just ok for me
I thought he was much better tonight than previous times I saw him

2. Taylor Vaifanua.......she was ok.....she didn't blow me away
ummm...she was overcooked and the song was not good on her

3. Alex Wagner Trugman........his growling was weird....kinda different
I really liked this guy's personality but he just doesnt have the voice and yeah what was with the growling? seriously?

4. Arianna Afsar........beautiful voice......my favorite so far
Abba...for real? she was not good in my opinion...she was shaky at best!

5. Ju'Not Joyner.........very good voice......fav guy so far
he was silky smooth and I loved his spin on Hey There Delilah...really good

6. Kristen McNamara...............she

was ok...not my fav
ummm...no...she was fake all the way to her smile...she couldn't even get all the words in for the song she was singing because it was too fast

7. Nathaniel Marshall.............not too impressed
haha...Meatloaf? figures...he did ok...I felt bad because of his story and stuff but he isnt that good

8. Felicia Barton..........high notes were not the greatest for me.....just ok
she was my favorite girl not named lil rounds...she wasn't perfect but she was really good

9. Scott MacIntyre........he did a good job....still not my fav
dude is blind...he is an ok singer...but I wonder if he'll get votes because he is blind...he picked a really weird song...it's funny...sarah is liking most of these weird songs and I have no idea why...

10. Kendall Beard..................she could sing but not sure she's good enough to go on
uh oh...it looks like there might not be a top12 girl that sings country this year! what are all the hillnecks going to do? she was just not that good

11. Jorge Nunez........very good voice.........could go through
i told sarah it looks like enrique iglesias and marc anthony had a baby together and jorge came out! he did ok...he was too shaky for me...had the best line of the night though..."I get thinking so fast that I start thinking in Spanish"!

12. Lil Rounds...............good voice......could go through
wow...she is very good...the best girl of all three rounds so far. she is polished and fresh...gonna be a shining star...

My favorites were:
1. fav guys were Ju'Not Joyner and Jorge Nunez
2. fav girls were Arianna Afsar and Lil Rounds

Top 3:
Girl- Lil Rounds
Boy- Scott Macintyre or ju'not joyner
other- Scott or Ju'Not

I think that Felicia, Von, and Kristin could all be singing in the wildcard round

What do you think?

American Idol recap 2.24

2009-03-06T10:21:00.001-06:00

The top comments are from my mom...mine are below ...
1. Jasmine Murray.......didn't care for the song..... didn't do the greatest, disappointed.
Everything she did was overdone...she wasn't that good.

2. Matt Giraud.....he seemed really nervous......didn't care for him. Liked him in Hollywood.
We really liked this guy and we hoped he'd do better...he didn't but i voted for him anyways

3. Jeanine Vailes.....sounded off key at times.....not very good.
Everything about her was wrong...she was needy and she picked a really bad song

4. Nick Mitchell.....what is there to say about this guy, I think he could maybe really sing, but he is more of a comedian. Shouldn't make it through.
I love Norman Gentle...we had to pause it once I saw that he was dressed like Norman...wow...he is so funny...I voted for him like 15 times!

5. Allison Iraheta.....sang really well.....one of the best so far tonight.
She did a good job but she was dead behind the eyes...she was like a singing robot...I didn't really like her

6. Kris Allen......he was ok.....nothing exceptional.
If he was allowed to play his guitar, he'd be going through...BUT he didn't and he won't...we liked him though...but we really never knew ye!

7. Megan Corkrey.....not too bad.
We loved her voice but she didn't do so hot...she was too focused on her dance and stuff that she neglected her song...

8. Matt Breitzke.....he just did ok.......not a good song.
Nice guy...ok singer...thanks for playing

9. Jesse Langseth......weird song for me.....unsure about her.
Not good...you can't pick weird songs and expect to get through...

10. Kai Kalama.....liked him...thought he had a good voice.
we liked him a lot...however...his song was boring and there was nothing that made you go wow!

11. Mishavonna Henson.......liked her voice........did a good job.
In our opinion...best girl of the night...she was on it and just needs some more personality and to not be so serious

12. Adam Lambert.......I think the kid has a voice..... yelled through part of the song, it seemed........good chance of going through.
Least favorite of the night...seriously? He was yelling and sounded like an altar boy who hadn't hit puberty yet...he'll probably get through but I will cringe all the way...yuck...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mom's picks...........
Boy..........Adam Lambert
Girl............Allison Iraheta
Third person........Mishavonna Henson

My picks
Boy... due to all the Twilight loving-emo-esque tweeners- Adam Lambert
Girl....allison Iraheta..
3rd...Norman Gentle-Nick Mitchell

I would love for it to be
Norman Gentle
Matt Giraud
Misavonna Henson

but we can't always get what we want...

Lightbulb Moment for today...

2009-02-27T09:54:00.002-06:00

Here is a couple of things that hit me...

From the Message in Exodus 6:9...

"But when Moses delivered this message to the Israelites, they didn't even hear him—they were that beaten down in spirit by the harsh slave conditions."

It got me thinking...what is beating me down and causing me to "not even hear" or see what God is doing in my life? There are always things that are at us...Satan is ONLY out to tear us down and destroy us and we need to always be aware of this.

What is beating you down today? Talk to God about it...

Second...
Exodus 6:20 and Exodus 7:1
And Moses answered, "Look at me. I stutter. Why would Pharaoh listen to me?
God told Moses, "Look at me."

This made me laugh because I do this so often and God tries to tell me that very same thing.

I say "but God...look at me...I can't do this or I don't know if I can do this..."

And God says, "Look at me...I can do that and I know that you can do it too!"

Ouch...Ouch and more Ouch

Have a great weekend!

American Idol recap 2.17

2009-02-18T11:00:00.005-06:00

Hey...

I was talking to my mom about Idol and told her to talk about the singers and I would tell her what I thought too...so here goes:

This is what she said and my comments are in bold:

WEEK ONE FEB. 17, 2009 AMERICAN IDOL

Contestant comments 1st 12

1. Jackie Tohn had a different type of voice.....not bad.......ok (I really like her energy and she is different...I don't think she'll get through)

2. Ricky Braddy very, very good.....really liked him maybe yes (He was a great singer but he didn't have that "star" quality to him...like the judges said, he needs confidence)

3. Alexis Grace she was pretty good sang really good maybe yes (Sarah and I both thought she was ok...nothing blew us away but the judges loved her...didn't get it)

4. Brent Keith good country voice ( one word: NO! He was not that good...and if someone likens you to Bucky Covington...that is NOT good!)

5. Stevie Wright not very good....didn't care much for her NO (Out of her element...nothing really bad or good)

6. Anoop Desai he is good....nothing fantastic though (He is just another so so singer that is different looking so they put him through)

7. Casey Carlson not impressed with her NO (I don't even remember her singing...that says it all)

8. Michael Sarver he is one of my favorites..wasn't crazy about song Hopefully yes (To me it seems he tried too hard. He is a good guy...but didn't stand out vocally...people just like him because of his story)

9. Ann Marie Boskovich One of the better girls so far maybe yes (She was good in the auditions but she picked a really bad song and sounded like Celine Dion...which in my book is not a compliment)

10. Steven Fowler he is ok...didn't like the song ( ummm....no)

11. Tatiana Del Toro did ok on the song....don't like the girl (she was really wierd last night...she had some moments that really surprised me...but she is a bi-polar type personality)

12. Danny Gokey one of the best tonight YES (I love his story...I love his voice...I love his attitude...I love that he works in a church as music director...He is my favorite so far.)

My favorite of the night was Danny Gokey!!

My guess on who will make the Top 3:
1. Danny Gokey
2. Rickey Braddy
3. Jackie Tohn/Alexis Grace/Ann Marie Boskovich could all make it...but I'll pick Alexis Grace

there you have it...what do you think?

Cadbury Eyebrows (official version)

2009-02-13T11:14:00.001-06:00

Worrying

2009-02-11T10:38:00.003-06:00

I've posted about worry before. However, I just wanted to pass along this too...

Last week, we had this "thing" that was causing Sarah and me to be well...worried. It had caused us cause for concern since last July! Seriously...

The time came for this thing to be taken care of and it turned out completely different and so much better than what we were told or expected. It got me to thinking...

When was the last time that I worried about something...anything...and after that thing happened...did any of my worrying matter?

No matter if that thing turned out good or bad...my worrying didn't matter. I always have to deal with the thing when it happens no matter how much or how little that I worried or "thought" about that thing.

"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

Matthew 6:27-34 (The Message)

May God allow you to live your life...don't live tomorrow or the next day. Live today...you can't live tomorrow today so don't freak out about it! Seriously...live your life

Renewal Weekend 09

2009-02-04T09:36:00.003-06:00

What a great time. In years past we have spent a lot of time with just one couple and really neglected getting to know a lot of the other couples in our district. This year was different. We really "got around" in a good way. We got to spend some great time with The Farmer's and Lee's and really were glad to have made those connections. You always go home from things like this and say to yourself, "we should have spend time with (fill in the blank)"...not this year. What a great group of leaders this district has and I really appreciate them all. We are looking forward to getting together more often with the couples. Jeff planned another great weekend!

update January 27.09

2009-01-27T15:00:00.002-06:00

Hey here's what happening in Jellyville:

10. I am finding it fascinating to see all these people, who I wouldn't otherwise stay in contact with, show up on Facebook. People that you wouldn't think you should or could ever see on there...and poof...there they are...asking to be your friend. My biggest pet peeve is being friends with someone I have no earthly intentions of ever talking to but would feel bad if I said no. So I usually just add them as friends and then delete them later! I know...I'm mean.

9. Sarah is doing rather well. She hasn't gotten sick as of yet (fingers crossed). She has felt bad and has stuck out her tongue a million times when I bring up food options. Her nose has turned into the SUPER SNIFFER...for real. She won't go near a Subway!

8. I am loving me some online preaching! I have talked about Perry Noble before but now I am really getting into Steven Furtick from Elevation church as well. Listening to them makes me want to go deeper and be a better communicator to those listening to me. Peggy, Sarah's Mom, has been to Elevation church and said she loved the preaching and didn't love the music (too loud for her post-39 year old ears! lol).

7. The whole baby thing isn't really real yet. It is some abstract thought that is just out there and not actually tangible in ways that I probably cannot even imagine will be felt in 7 short months!

6. We got our oven fixed after nearly 3 months without having one. I made Sarah some wicked good PB and Chocolate Oatmeal cookies. dude....

5. Here is what I am getting ready to begin reading...ie...books I just ordered:
So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore by Jake Colsen
Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic by Anne Jackson
Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us by Seth Godin
Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite A Holy Mess by Matthew Paul Turner

4. Indiana Basketball is not doing well. They have lost 8 in a row and I have watched every minute of every game. I WILL NEVER become a band wagon fan. This season is separating those out for us. And yes, I did say US...

3. I have recently hooked my record player back up and love the nostalgia of listening to old music and hearing that popping and cracking...nothing quite like it is there?

2. We are in the planning stages of our 4th annual vacation trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Hurray!!!! Sarah will be 7 months pregnant though so it could be a long trip down having to stop every hour or so... :)

1. I am on a wicked streak in the world of Scrabble. I haven't lost a game, online or in person, since Christmas! I am unbeaten in 2009! I played two words yesterday against Sarah that got me 90 points combined! I know you don't care...but hey you are still reading this post...

later

For anyone involved in church leadership...

2009-01-21T11:03:00.002-06:00

Take the time (like 60 seconds) to read this post by Steven Furtick. It is great and goes deep.

Retaining Encouragement.

Surprised by love

2009-01-21T10:19:00.004-06:00

In our culture, few things ever truly surprise us. We have become a culture that is over-stimulated in many different and alarming ways. Still, sometimes things catch us off guard and really stand out and cause us to at least pause for a moment. That is what happened the other day to Sarah.

I love being a jokester. I've tied the occasional rubber band around the sprayer on the sink so that water comes shooting out onto the unsuspecting aqua seeker. I've played practical jokes and gotten many laughs out of it. The other day was a pretty good one. Sarah and I were getting ready for bed and I had finished first and went on to bed. Well, the covers were placed in such a perfect pattern of lumpiness that Sarah didn't see me. I know, a miracle but nonetheless,it happened. Well, she came in the bedroom and I really didn't know that she didn't see me so I was making a crazy face with some crazy eyes. That's when it happened. After setting the alarm and grabbing the remote, her eyes caught my eyes and after much laughter (on my part) and remote-throwing (her part) Sarah was genuinely surprised.

Erwin McManus tells a story in book "Soul Cravings" about some ducks that had taken up residence in his back yard. The couple had some ducklings and as the harsh world goes, the small birds began to come up missing. With the crows and cats and skunks being the hunters, McManus tells of a night where he was surprised.

One evening I woke up in the middle of the night...and found myself shouting, "Did you hear that quack?" Kim tried to calm me down and encouraged me to go back to sleep. As I lay there in bed, haunted by what I knew were the implications of the sounds I had heard, I found myself having an entirely different conversation. I know it was inside my head, but it was as if I could hear God screaming, "Do you know how you feel about that duckling? The anguish that you're feeling this very moment, that's how I feel for every human being that walks the face of this earth."

When was the last time that you were surprised by love? The last time that you just couldn't believe how much that you were loved? Think about the woman that the Pharasees brought to Jesus. Caught in sin. Living with guilt and pain and rejection. Jesus showed her love. She was definitely surprised by love.

So often, we just go on about our daily lives trying to keep our emotions at bay. Not letting people see us for anything other than being strong and in control. However, we all know that there are times that we are just sinking and sinking hard. There are times when the waves are crashing and we are unable to move. Maybe you've lost a job. Maybe you have just been stuck in a rut and can't seem to find footing to get out. Maybe you've been living with the guilt and shame of unconfessed sin. Come to Jesus. Let yourself be surprised by His unconditional love. There are no rules or prerequisites. You don't have to be perfect and have it all together to be loved by Him. You want hope? He is Hope. You need love? He is love. You need wisdom? He is the author of wisdom. You need a helping hand that loves without asking questions? He is reaching out. Don't let love pass you by. Be surprised today by Christ's love.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong

Yes Jesus Loves Me
Yes Jesus Loves Me
Yes Jesus Loves Me
The Bible tells me so!

Big news...

2009-01-14T08:42:00.004-06:00

Here's an update from the Jellison's of the North!

10. I am painfully watching every game, every minute of IU's abysmal season. They have lost 7 straight and I don't know if they will win many more games this year. Still, I love IU and won't stop watching no matter how bad or to who they lose. Go IU fight fight fight!

9. This winter has been bad so far. With really low temps and now a ton of snow, it is a bit much for Sarah. I don't mind it but I have to handle her and she doesn't handle snow well...at ALL!

8. Please pray for my Uncle Terry, he has MS and has had some recent troubles. He has always been there for my mom and me and we love him very much. Also Aunt Lana could use our prayers, she is going through a lot with that whole situation.

7. Another prayer issue. My Grandma Jellison found out that she has breast cancer. She is in her upper 80's so I am not sure what she will let them do! She is a stubborn Jellison and it was definitely passed on.

6. We are looking forward to our districts Youth Pastor and Spouse Renewal weekend here in a few weekends. This event has always been an amazing time for us and for us to build relationships with the youth pastors in the district.

5. We are planning our annual Super Bowl party for Feb. 1! Looking forward to it again even though the Colts are no longer in the playoffs...sniff sniff

4. Christmas this year was really good. I saved all my Christmas money and bought something I really wanted. An Xbox 360! I love it and am so glad that I saved up for it instead of getting things and asking for things I really didnt seriously want but needed something to tell people. You know what I mean?

3. I love watching sermons online and have watched NewSpring Community Church's service for the past three months or so. I love it and wish I would have started it sooner! Sarah says that I am having a bromance with Perry Noble because I talk about him so much to her. Oh well...

2. American Idol started last night and I am pumped. I love that show and love rooting for normal people to have the opportunity to be believed in and invested in! Who cares if most of them never make something huge of themselves. It is a great thing to see people grow in self-confidence.

1. The biggest news of all...wait for it...SARAH IS PREGNANT!!!! We found out on Christmas day at my moms in an amazing display of pure excitement and joy as my wonderful wife came running out of the bathroom and shouted "Merry Christmas everyone, I'm Pregnant!" We are so excited and blessed. Please keep us in your prayers as we learn on the go and try to be the best parents we can be. Sarah is 8 weeks today. :)

Who cares what you're not?

2009-01-06T10:25:00.003-06:00

After reading this post by Craig Groeschel, I got to thinking about how much we do this, not just with our churches but with ourselves. A lot of us gauge who we are by what we are not. So often we find ourselves building us up by tearing someone else down.

This is what gossip is all about. You see, it takes the spotlight and pressure off of the person gossiping and puts it on whoever or whatever action it is that "we have an issue over" or we say "that's just my opinion". Seriously. I need to work on a lot of things...I am far from perfect but I am finding it harder and harder when people in the church are meaner and more bitter and just plain nasty to the people inside of the church. We are generally nicer to people that we don't even know than to the people that we are supposed to love! How are we treating our families? What have you said to them that you haven't ever or wouldn't ever say to some stranger at Wal-Mart?

Seriously. Don't be defined by what you are not. Be nice...be kind...love others. Simple stuff...but seemingly hard for most of us.

My verse for 2009

2009-01-02T09:41:00.002-06:00

"However, as it is written:
No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"

I Corinthians 2:9

The Jellison's wish you a Merry Christmas

2008-12-18T06:42:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Talk about a sucker punch!

2008-12-12T10:34:00.002-06:00

Now I don't have the market cornered on how to deal with criticism but I am pretty sure this isn't the best way to go about it...wowsers!

I surrender all...today

2008-12-10T10:34:00.002-06:00

I was listening to a song by Above the Golden State called "Sound of Your Name" and this line popped out at me:

The plans we made were bound to stumble Only you remain...

So often we make plans that we want to happen. So often those things never happen or what happens don't remotely resemble what we had in our minds. Things change...people change. I find it kind of funny to think back to when I was in college 5 years ago and what I had planned on my 5 year goal list. I don't have that but I bet it looked something like: I want to be a pastor...be married and have kids. Thats it...interesting huh? Never would I have imagined how much I've learned and finding the love of my life right beside me. The kid thing is...well...part of the story yet to be written.

As I was watching a sermon online today the pastor was talking about our passions and what would we do if we knew we wouldn't fail. It hit me that I don't do a lot of things and plan things that I know that I can't do. I plan things that I have control over and know that I have the ability to do. This isn't the Christian life. This is the life of most Christians who when you ask them how they are doing they reply with their latest sad story about this or that and let you know that they are"here" or that "the bills are getting paid". Did Christ die for that? So that we could pay the bills or just be here? Doesn't John 10:10 tell us that Christ came so that we could have an abundant life?

I am realizing lately that I have misunderstood the song I surrender all. For the longest time I thought it was about a moment in time where you announce or proclaim that you have given everything to Christ. While that might be part of it, it is much more of a daily process that too many of us forget. We need to surrender the small things...the things that we don't think are that big...the times when we decide against something that is God-sized and do something that is our-sized.

Mark Batterson said that he wanted to do less things in ministry and life that he could take credit for and do more things that only God could take credit for. That is what I want...that is what all Christians should want. A life that is God-sized, worthy of the calling that God has placed on our lives. Not a calling that requires you to be in the ministry or a missionary. Rather a calling to live out your life, no matter the field, for the GLORY of God. Still, too often we find ourselves just getting by and we don't reach for the God-sized things. We fail to surrender all...we only surrender some. Today and every day forward that simply is just not good enough.

The plans we make that are our-sized rather than being God-sized ARE bound to stumble and fail.

May we all reach for things that are beyond our reach and plans that only a God like our God could accomplish!

Perspective

2008-12-05T10:21:00.004-06:00

Who is Jesus to you?

I watched a sermon online today and it was talking about perspective and how it affects us. Automatically things and songs began popping into my head about my perspective right now.

1. My Jesus by Todd Agnew talks about which Jesus do we follow. Is it the one who is seemingly after the America dream? Does he pretty blue eyes, curly brown hair and a clear complexion? Or is it the one who was battered and scarred for our sins?

The last few Christmas's I have been thinking a lot about why he came rather than about the baby in the manger. It was incredible that he came so weak and so powerless. I love to be reminded of the stories but often times, like in the movie "Talladega Nights" we sometimes stop and have warped pictures of who Jesus really is. In that movie Ricky Bobby prays to "baby Jesus" and they all go around the table saying how they like to see Jesus. That is what the American Church has done due to the consumerist culture that we live in. We turn Jesus into something specific that we need rather than him being all we need. We perceive him to be an avenue to get to where we want to go, rather than being "THE Way, The Truth and The Life"!

2. Chris Tomlin sings a song "God of this City" and it talks about how God is not done working...a line in the song goes "greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city". Wherever you are right now...don't miss God moving...maybe it is in the small things or maybe you are too close to see what he is doing. Take the time this Christmas season to look around and notice God's hand moving...changing and shaping the world around you!

3. The video above has really hit me in the face. I need to give more relationally and be aware of those around me...everyday...those people that I miss and that need to be noticed!

Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-05T10:09:00.002-06:00

I watched this on Stevansheets.com and it is powerful...may we all give more relationally...

Jellyland update 12.2.08

2008-12-02T09:02:00.003-06:00

Hey...here's a top ten list of what's going...or has happened or is going to happen in the Jellison home

10. I am loving me some Swiss Miss hot chocolate right now! There is NO BETTER hot chocolate anywhere than Swiss Miss!

9. We had a great Thanksgiving week. We went down to Anderson on Wednesday and played some ball with the guys and Sarah went shopping with her friend from college. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings (like 20 ppl!) and then went back to mom's and got in the hot tub! Thursday Kerry and his girlfriend and her kids, and Peggy came over to Elwood for food and some Hold 'Em! Great times...I got to hang out with Ben too!

8. I got a new phone but...I lost my old phone and all the phone numbers! So...if you would call me or text me with your number that would be wonderful (if you want to :) ) ...it is amazing when I think about how few numbers that I have memorized because of the lack of needing to!

7. Sarah bought me Indiana Basketball tickets for my birthday to go to the December 6th game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis...that is this saturday and I cannot wait!

6. Sarah and I went on a date yesterday to Pottery Schmottery in Elkhart and painted a piece of pottery and then they glaze it and magic... pics will follow when we get our pieces! then we went to chili's and had some great food....great date!

5. I am addicted to playing Scrabble...I cannot get enough of it!

4. We are going to put up the tree today...pray for us!

3. I had a nostalgic moment yesterday trying to find some christmas music and remembered listening to Kenny and Dolly's Christmas album...anyone still have that (EHM...mom?) with the song, "I'll be home with bells on" ? My dad ended up hating that song because we played it so much...good times!

2. We all have favorite Christmas songs...I like the one listed above and O Holy Night and The Chipmunks "Christmas Don't be Late" ...what about you? What's your favorite Christmas song(s)?

1. I am so thankful for the family that I have and the changes that have happened over the past year. I am so thankful for Sarah and her family and our friends...be thankful for whats around you now so that you won't miss it twice! Once now and then again later when you wish you had it back

Crazy Dog From The Soup.

2008-11-24T15:31:00.001-06:00

My 300th Post!!!! Youth Group Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-24T09:21:00.004-06:00

Last night we had our annual youth group thanksgiving dinner. It went off great and it was a great time of being together with each other! I am so thankful for this group of kids that I get to work with! Thank you to Sarah who did so much! I love you and Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a great bite!

Catalyst One Day

2008-11-24T08:57:00.005-06:00

Last Thursday I was able to attend the Catalyst One Day event at Granger Community Church with my good friends Bryan Donaugh and Ryan Van Matre. It was a challenging day that has given me confidence in many areas of my life. God really worked on my heart and challenged me. Steve Fee led worship and I got my pic taken with him! He is my FAVORITE worship leader out there today...he is amazing! Also, Craig Groeschel and Andy Stanley spoke amazing things into my life! Here are some pics:

Christ in Christmas- December newsletter article

2008-11-21T09:46:00.003-06:00

We've all heard the old rant that goes something along the lines of "don't let people take Christ out of Christmas" and all the soapboxers talking about people and what they are turning Christmas into. It bothers me that people who represent the church are often times known for what they are against and what they do not allow rather than being known for what they are for and what they are all about! I'm going to let you in on a secret...there is only one person who can take Christ out of your Christmas: It's YOU!
There are a lot of things that pull us and demand our attention during this season and too often we let them become the focus. Plays, musicals, family get-togethers, traveling to all these things and many more things that are really good parts of this season and should be priorities high on your list. However, if they are ahead of remembering the real reason behind the Christmas holiday there is only one person responsible for that. So this Christmas take the time to stop often during the madness and remember the age old story of salvation and love and sacrifice that was born in a lowly manger. Take the time to realize that God loves you so much and you are worth the sacrifice of sending His only Son to earth. Take the time to share what you have realized and come to believe about Christ. That is what Christmas is all about. Christ will never be taken out of your Christmas unless you forget what Christmas is.

Brandon Heath -

2008-11-18T10:59:00.001-06:00

This is my prayer today...

Vacation

2008-11-18T10:36:00.004-06:00

Hey all...Vacation was great! Here is a few tidbits:

1. We slept in (mainly Sarah) every day and then woke up and ate breakfast for lunch.

2. We went to Caribou Coffee pretty much every day and played Scrabble and Ingenious and then read some while just relaxing

3. We went and watched Fireproof. It was better than what I expected and the message is one that every married couple or couple that is thinking about getting married should hear.

4. Lake Geneva is beautiful but there isn't alot to do for the average folk

5. Sarah was getting whipped by me in Scrabble at the beginning of the week but she turned the tables at the end.

6. We did a whole bunch of nothing and it was exactly what we needed! It was nice not to have a plan or something that NEEDED to be done.

7. We celebrated my 27th birthday on Sunday and then our 3rd anniversary on Wednesday...we always have a blast together no matter what we are doing

8. We couldn't figure out how to spell that big long word from the movie Mary Poppin's ...how do you spell it?

9. Wisconsin has some weird street lights...they are on the sides rather than being overhead. Also, the streets in Lake Geneva had crazy angles and you had to pay to park...keep your cheese I'll take my basketball

10. I love doing anything and nothing as long as I'm with Sarah...

Target Lady from SNL

2008-11-06T09:24:00.002-06:00

I love this skit!

Brooke Fraser - Shadowfeet

2008-11-05T22:16:00.001-06:00

To all those who think that the world is ending...this song is for you. Listen to the chorus when everything is through we are found in Him! Be encouraged, God is still close by

Weekly update

2008-11-04T09:47:00.003-06:00

Hey...just wanted to update before we ...

1. Go on vacation! We are going to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. So excited to be able to get away for a while. This is an anniversary trip disguised to look like a vacation or something... oh well...Pics to follow...

2. My birthday is coming up this sunday...and I cannot wait for my birthday present from Sarah (IU tickets to a game at Lucas Oil Stadium December 6th!).

3. Our anniversary is a week from tomorrow. 3 years already...I'm amazed at the love that God has given Sarah and I and cannot wait to see what tomorrow, let alone the rest of our lives, will bring! I love you Sarah!

4. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas so we can see the family. It is really hard when you don't live close to your family and you are in the ministry to see family that often. We miss them.

5. I'm trying to learn the piano...but it isn't nearly as easy teaching piano to yourself as it was guitar...ugh

6. I love it when you hear an old song that you haven't heard and it brings back some awesome memory that you had forgot about. Here's to old songs!

7. Do grown-ups (over 22) still make Christmas and birthday lists? Do you? I don't...but if I did I would put a new mp3 player on it...one that you can charge with a cpu rather than buying batteries all the time

8. What is up with the weather? I thought I saw snow on the ground last week and now it is in the 70's? C'mon...one or the other...don't play with me!

9. Does it seem to anyone else that time is just flying by? I cannot believe that it is November and that I'll be 27 next week! Wow...

10. IU's first exhibition game is this Friday against...Anderson University...yeah the Anderson University from Anderson, Indiana...where I grew up and graduated High School! Go IU!

Have a great rest of the week and a great week while I'm on vacation drinking lemonade

Halloween and A Walk in the Park

2008-11-03T17:27:00.003-06:00

Meredith Andrews - You're Not Alone

2008-10-31T17:12:00.001-05:00

Mind games

2008-10-31T16:55:00.003-05:00

Sarah and I love watching reality tv. More truthfully, I loved it before we got married and now she likes it (i don't know if she really likes it or just watches it with me). Anyway...last night there was a challenge that required the contestants to have their hands and feet bound while holding a weight that would take them down to the floor of the ocean (12 feet where they were) and then back up. The last person to let go of their weight would win the challenge. It became quickly apparent that this was more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

It got me thinking, most of life is a mental challenge. I've had a really challenging week mentally. There are battles that wage that no one around knows is going on. Things that we are all thinking but never speak out loud. How much do we think and never ever say? Think about that...what do you think the ratio to thoughts thought vs thoughts spoken really is? We've become a somewhat transparent society in which people are who they are and can dress, act, date and live any which way they want to. Our actions aren't hard to read. But what about our thoughts?
The great baseball player and now Aflac spokesperson Yogi Berra once was quoted as saying, "90% of this game is half mental". Our minds wage wars that really never come out in our every day-walking around-going from here to there lives. Still, it affects us and it goes to the core. We deal with these things that even our closest friends and family members never now about or ever will. These things change us and change our attitudes and reactions and color our perspective on life. Yet they go unsaid. They go unspoken and seem to linger until those quiet moments in life. All that to say this:

Even though some of the largest battles that we will face never have words or letters behind them, God knows. He simply just knows and He cares.

Ezekiel 11:5
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and he told me to say, “This is what the Lord says to the people of Israel: I know what you are saying, for I know every thought that comes into your minds.

You are not alone in your battles. The ones that people can see. The addictions that people can see. The disagreements that people can see. Almost more comforting is knowing that we are not alone in the deeper battles that no one sees. Those fears and scars that only you and God know about. You're not alone. Listen to the song I posted above and just remember that you are NOT alone in your battles spoken or not!

Family Guy Puke-A-Thon

2008-10-31T07:03:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Night 08 edition

2008-10-30T17:27:00.002-05:00

Hey here are some pics from our 4th annual pumpkin carving night for the youth group. The carnivore pumpkin came in first and the joker pumpkin came in second.

Encouraging word

2008-10-30T12:03:00.001-05:00

Romans 12:9-19 (The Message)
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Jellyland Update 10.27.08

2008-10-27T10:13:00.003-05:00

1. The overnighter went well. The service was amazing! Teens really coming to grips that God LOVES them! One of the best memories I've had at Shiloh for sure.

2. We went to Lazer X in Ft. Wayne and I came in 2nd out of 37 ppl the first game and 1st of out 37 the second game! It is a blast...

3. Sarah and I went to Ft. Wayne on Thursday for a birthday haircut and dinner with the Peggster. It was good...I got an Italian leather wallet for my b -day from Peggy...she just got back from Italy...

4. October is almost over and that means November is here and November is my favorite month...hands down. My birthday, anniversary, vacation...IU basketball starts...Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season!

5. I restrung my guitar for the first time last week...I was worried I'd mess something up but it was good.

6. Basketball started on Tuesday night at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. I'm so thankful that they let me come and play...they also just built a new gym with maple hardwood floors! It is nice

7. I'm either tied or in first place in all four of my fantasy football leagues after this past weekend! I know...I'm a geek...deal with it

8. A couple of kids from the youth group have started playing along with me during worship. one is playing the drums and doing a great job! The other is learning guitar and he is coming along really well. It is fun to be able to play music with other people.

9. I stink at Rock Band. I cannot drum to save my life! I'm ok at the singing but I felt stupid doing it...

10. Last but most importantly....God loves us. He LOVES us! Oh how He LOVES us... don't you ever forget that!

LSU vs. USC referee

2008-10-21T22:00:00.001-05:00

Updates

2008-10-21T09:49:00.003-05:00

Here is an update on the Jellison's of the North:

1. Sarah started the meds for her thyroid problem! That is a big praise!

2. My hand is fully functional...finally.

3. We have an overnighter coming up this Friday. Should be a blast! I am using a lot of ! today...

4. We leave for vacation in 17 days...we are going to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for a whole lot of nothingness.

5. The leaves are amazing...especially down my favorite road here

6. There are some youth that are starting to play worship with me on Sunday nights...it is cool to see this finally happening!

7. IU had it's first practice last Friday night...granted they might be bad this year...still I will watch every game to the end and root the same as if they were the best team in the country...because they are (in my book)! lol

8. Tri-Way Theatre is closed for the season. We love this place...

9. I'm loving the song that I posted a few days ago, "How He Loves". It has this great line that says that "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us"! Wow...

10. Sarah's birthday is thursday....Happy Birthday....I love you so much

The Presidential election

2008-10-21T09:15:00.003-05:00

I have to say, I hate politics. I rarely listen to anything that has to do with elections. However, this year has been different. There are so many different things going on and with our country where it is, this election seems to loom larger than others. So...I am not going to be a homer but I just want to say this and be done with it:

I think a lot of people are going to vote for Obama not because of what he stands for or against but because he is different. Some say a lot of people are voting for him because he is black and that sparked something in my mind. Mind you, I am not an authority on Martin Luther King , and I really don't know where he'd stand on a lot of today's issues. However I do know this: He wouldn't want people voting for Barack Obama because he is black. He said so himself.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

If you don't think people are voting for Obama because of who he is and not what he stands for check out the stevansheets.com blog about a clip from the Howard Stern Show (of all places!).

It goes both ways. If we are judging charcater by what you stand for or stand against, then Barack Obama shouldn't be allowed to represent our country. A country who was founded on Biblical principles and whose currency says in God we trust. As a Christian we aren't defined by whatever color we are...we should be defined by who we are in Christ.

He is radical in his voting, his beliefs and if he wins this election those things will be seen.

Still I know this, whoever wins in a few weeks won't change the fact that my God still reigns. He is still in control and come November 5th that won't change. (I'm off my soapbox now)

How He Loves Us - Kim Walker / Jesus Culture

2008-10-18T18:37:00.001-05:00

all I can say is wow...

Happy Fall!

2008-10-16T08:28:00.001-05:00

It's finally getting colder and the leaves are turning...I hope things are good for you! I love this pic...so creative!

SPED time

2008-10-10T10:19:00.002-05:00

I am getting ready to head to Anderson to spend some time with the SPEDS. I miss them a lot. It is hard when you don't have many friends where you live and in your everyday life. So for those of you that DO have friends that are close...cherish them.

Weekly update

2008-10-08T10:42:00.002-05:00

Hey there... not a ton going on right now but here's is what is:

1. Sarah didn't get the charge nurse position. Oh well...it wasn't mean to be.

2. Sarah went to the Dr. last Wednesday and the Dr. said that she would treat her thyroid! Talk about light at the end of the tunnel...

3. October is Pastor Appreciation month...we had a good time last Sunday night at the Moore's house. I had to drive the vans because we don't have a van driver though...

4. My hand is doing good. I played some football Sunday night and didn't even notice it.

5. I am looking forward to going to Marion/Anderson this Friday and spending some quality time with my mom and then the SPEDS.

6. Things are good overall with us. No big changes...no big problems...just small ones nagging away!

7. Sarah's mom, Peggy, is going to Italy! I am kinda jealous...I say kinda because I don't want to fly over the Ocean, I'd much rather crash on land.

8. Vacation is in 29 days! Yay!

9. Sarah got us tickets for the IU vs Gonzaga game at Lucas Oil Stadium for my birthday!

10. I cannot believe that the Colts won! I'm still amazed that they came back and won that game! wow...

Have a great Wednesday!

Rewind

2008-10-03T11:41:00.002-05:00

10 years ago (1998):
1. I was a Sophomore at Jay County High School.
2. I was living with my Dad.
3. I was working at McDonalds.
4. I had just been cut from the basketball team.

5 things on today’s “to do” list:
1. Work on the youth group newsletter
2. Meet with our insurance agent to save some $$$
3. Spend time with Sarah
4. Practice my song for the special this Sunday morning
5. Drink some Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Buffalo Pretzel Chip thingys
2. Funyuns
3. Carmel Apples
4. Cookies and Creme Hershey Bar
5. Those peanut butter kiss things that only come around during Halloween

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay off my stupid student loans
2. Buy a scooter
3. Go to Europe
4. Let Sarah stay at home or open up a coffee shop
5. Buy my mom a flippin' sweet car

5 places I have lived:
1. Portland, IN: lived there until I was 8 or 9 then again when I was 14 for a year!
2. Anderson, IN: I loved and still love this place...most of my lifelong friends live there
3. Elwood, IN: Interesting place to live...you usually have to go out of town to "do" something
4. Marion, IN: IWU, oh those years were fun and I miss them somedays
5. Plymouth, IN: Present stomping ground lots of cows and corn!

5 jobs I have had:
1. Youth Pastor

2. McDonalds- I loved it...
3. Family Dollar- Assistant Manager at age 17!

4. Paper boy...hated it!
5. Wal-Mart- third shift stocker during my Sophomore and Junior years at IWU...you want to see some interesting people go to Wal-mart after 11pm!

How Deep the Fathers Love For Us

2008-10-03T11:19:00.002-05:00

I am singing this song for the special this Sunday and I thought I'd share the words on here. What a powerful song and the line that gets me is "That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure". How deep is the Fathers love? Deeper than we'll ever know.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJ esus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

This made my day!

2008-09-26T11:28:00.002-05:00

I had to put this on here...its from simplyyouthminstry.com's website... signs from above! :)

Weekly reflections 9.22-28

2008-09-26T09:46:00.002-05:00

Hey....here's an update

1. Sarah hasn't heard about the new position yet. Hopefully soon. However...

2. My Mom got a new job that is going to be great for her with all of the benefits and fewer responsibilities. It's time for her to start slowing down. Congrats momma!

3. My hand is pretty much 100%... it is nice having it back!

4. Shiloh has a multi-purpose building that is used 90% of the time for youth services called the Oasis. Well, we recently got the floor cleaned (the first time it has been professionally done since I've been here and that is four plus years). I have had 6 or 7 people come talk to me about that stupid floor and to make sure that we aren't sliding the furniture around on the floor because...

5. This Sunday is Shiloh's 140th Anniversary. There is a service in the Oasis following our carry-in. Should be a good day...

6. I have been getting out of the office/church and coming to the Library for the past few weeks and I am loving being able to come here and change the pace.

7. Our van driver resigned Wednesday night. He is in his 80's and has done a great job of showing people in our church what it means to serve. Thanks Don! However...

8. That means we need a van driver! We have not had people knocking down the doors to volunteer for anything...so please throw up a prayer that God will move and bring someone along to help with our Van ministry.

9. October is almost here...which means cooler weather and that makes me happy

10. I love watching other church services on-line! Some that I like to watch are NewSpring Church (Anderson, South Carolina) and Granger Community Church (Granger, Indiana). It really refreshes me...and makes me want to be more creative!

Have a great weekend

Worries vs Faith

2008-09-23T09:10:00.003-05:00

I was reading something the other day and it said "worry is the opposite of faith". It got me thinking about the difference and where I stand. Do I worry about more things rather than having faith about things? The transparent answer is definitely. I'm working on trusting God more everyday with everything. However, its hard. When things keep building up and don't get addressed, when issues keep popping up without answers, when things continue to go in the opposite direction of where you want to go it is frustrating. I would say that I'm an 80% worrier. 8 out of 10 things I tend to be ,as a definition of worries states, in a state of "persistent mental uneasiness". Often we think the worst about something when in reality, it is smaller or easier or really not an issue. In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus talks about this very thing. Still, we struggle with it.

So I guess it comes down to a choice. When we are faced with something in our life that causes us to pause we have to make a choice: worry about it or trust in God that He will do what He said He will do. Psalm 46:1 says that "God is our refuge and strength, a VERY present help in troubles".

Worry vs Faith: Which one will win today?

"It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him".
- Hebrews 11:6

Bluffton Street Fair 08 and moving my gparents

2008-09-22T09:33:00.006-05:00

Hey...Hope your weekend went well. Mine was good. We got to see family and go to the Bluffton Street Fair all in one weekend. Fantastic! Also, here are some pics from our youth group Fall Kickoff.

Moving and Street Fair

2008-09-19T11:13:00.003-05:00

Hey...

This weekend Sarah and I are going to Ohio to help my Grandpa and Grandma Christian move and then on to Bluffton the (in Andy's best movie announcer voice) "World Famous BLUFFTON STREET FAIR"! Pictures will follow. Also...I'll add some from last weekends Fall Kickoff. Fun times. Hope you have a super weekend. I'll be playing the Mouse Game...yep the mouse game where you put a quarter on a set of numbers you think the real mouse will go into. Sounds wierd and dirty...and it is but it is tons of fun.

I've lost something

2008-09-17T16:02:00.007-05:00

I guess being in ministry we are whipped into submission to be in the now. We try to get kids to come this week. We try and plan activities this week. Sometimes we plan ahead...plan for events, trips etc. You come into ministry thinking amazing things. Or I believe at least you should. Then, it all seems to get knocked out of you. You get criticized for this...a little knocked out. You get told that you aren't doing enough....more knocked out. You see the same people not respond to anything you feel that God is telling you...and even more gets knocked out. I want to dream big. I want to be a part of something that could only happen if God were a part of it. Something that no man could take credit for, only God. I want to dream big but more importantly, I just need to start dreaming again. I need to be more creative. Think outside of the "now" box. Think outside of my circumstances. I have become a now man...and I've let being more and dreaming for something like Paul was talking about in Eph. 3:20 slip my mind. That is what kind of follower of Christ I want to become. I want to affect change rather than be effected by the apathy of those around me. I believe that God can do anything that He wants whenever, wherever He wants. Still, those people must allow Him to do so. I have let people effect me rather than God.

May God help us to dream big. Dream things that touch God's heart. To want things that God wants. To be chasing after one thing: to know Christ and to bring others into that same knowledge. May you find that surrender is freedom in Christ. May we not be caged by the insecurities of generations past. Let us not hold onto or be tied down by their apparent love affair with the now and the comfortable. May God open our eyes to be able to dream things that only He could accomplish instead of planning things that we know we can.

Eph. 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Vacation!!!!

2008-09-17T16:02:00.006-05:00

Hey...after some searching, Sarah and I will be going on vacation November 7-14 to celebrate our "birthdays and anniversary". We will going to the Orange Lake Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It is a much needed vacation before the holidays and the start of a new year. We can't wait. It is about an hour and half north of Chicago and we are about an hour and a half from Chicago so it will be a good distance to just be able to get away. Thanks Uncle Harold! You don't know how much we need this.