Words for your journey.

This is for my Life church family. We have done life together for more than 4 years. As that comes to a close, I wanted to leave some words with you. Most of this will sound familiar. They are things that I have preached about. They are things that we've talked about in conversation...whether in my office, after service, on a trip, or over a cup of coffee.

Words for your journey...

My heart to yours. Pastor Jared.

1. Love God. Love People. Let everything else flow out of that.
2. Make the connection between real life and real faith.
3. What you do today is forecasting your tomorrow. Your choices matter.
4. Man up. The buck stops with you.
5. His grace is enough. He makes all things new.
6. Be repentant. Be humble.
7. Be obedient. Obedience produces faithfulness. Faithfulness fuels anointing. Anointing is the fire of Godly passion. Passion fuels calling. Put it all together and you have the life that blows your mind.
8. Jeremiah 29:11. Write it on your heart.
9. You’ll never feel more alive or more like Jesus that when you’re helping others.
10. Spirit vs. flesh - what you feed will win. Feed your spirit.
11. Live a life that constantly allows God to disrupt your regular lifestyle.
12. Don’t live to please people. Live to please God.
13. Don’t make other people’s issues your own. You can’t fix them. Only God can.
14. Make tithing a priority in your life.
15. Worship. Read. Pray. Repeat.
16. Praise your way through...everything...
17. Worship like no one else is around.
18. Pray scripture. Speak scripture. Memorize scripture. Live by scripture.
19. Keep scripture available. Make it digestible.
20. Pray. And stay around people that do.
21. Guard your influences. Guard your eyes and ears. Keep the Godly close.
22. Live heads up. Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove.
23. Stay plugged in to church. You need other believers, and they need you.
24. Sowing wild oats isn’t worth it. Ever. You reap what you sow.
25. Go. Mission trips, conferences, retreats... get away, let God speak to you.
26. Be a catalyst for Godly change without becoming cynical. Keep a firm resolve while staying tenderhearted.
27. Live a life of excellence. Find mentors & learn from them.
28. Don’t settle for coffeehouse Christianity.
29. Don’t settle for anything but the best that God has for you. Don’t ever give up. It’s character building.
30. Ashley and I love you. We believe in you. Can’t wait to see what God does through you........ and when in doubt, always follow the #1 rule!

Barely Blogging Lately...

Life has been in fast forward... actually I guess I could pose the question, when is it ever not? Lately, I havent taken the time to blog - much less do the things that I want to... like sleep!... Ever feel like that? It seems that at times life gets ruled by the have to's and the need to's, and they end up trumping the want to's!

I've been keeping it to 140 characters lately (Twitter).

This fall, I've narrowed my scope in ministry in an effort to be more streamlined and effective. I'll write about that soon. Its been an incredible, strange, wonderful journey lately... and I wouldn't trade it for anything. God is doing good things.

Constant Connection...the New Disconnection...

Yesterday evening, our family was out to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant grabbing a bite to eat. I noticed a cute little picture of a table next to us - it was pretty evident that it was a Grandmother and Grandson spending some quality time together eating dinner. As our meal progressed, and Ashley slipped off to the bathroom, as is usual custom to feed our 7 month old son, I began to notice the scene at the Grandmother/Grandson table in a little more detail. I noticed that they were not talking. The grandmother was eating quietly, and the grandson was... are you ready for this??? TEXTING... was I surprised? No, not at all. I've worked with teens long enough to know that texting their friends is something that comes as a no-brainer/must do for a teen with a cell phone today.

The scene that was being played out just made me a little sad though. No personal interaction. No conversation. An occasional short phrased question with a quick one to two word answer... The grandmother continued to eat in silence, and the grandson would give a brief smile and text a response between burrito bites each time his phone would sound the new message alarm.

I love technology, and use it. Texting, twittering, facebooking, etc... But seeing true personal interaction take a backseat to a cell phone really made me want to rethink my communication. It made the desire to display the details of my life on the web, and stay "connected" dry up pretty quick.

No matter how small technology makes the world, and how "connected" it makes the world... it can't replace the personal, raw emotion, and meaning of true face to face conversation. The teen at the table, it seemed, hardly knew how to act with out a phone in his hand...

What really hit home was remembering something that happened the other day when I was at home with my daughter. We were playing in her play room, and I of course, being the "connected" youth pastor that I am, had my phone with me. I received a text and continued to respond to it. That in turn became a series of texts, a quick check of email and a check of twitter updates... Ava, sat patiently, and when I was done, said "Daddy, put your phone down...play with me..." That hit hard. I don't want my daughter to feel like she has to play second fiddle to Daddy's phone because he's a "connected" youth pastor. I don't want my daughter to have to try to play with a Daddy that has his attention split between his little girl and his mobile device.

Constant connection won't be my disconnection from family, friends, and real life in general.

Just some food for thought.

The Marathon Season...

Every year I brace for a season of ministry I refer to as "the marathon." It usually starts in February, preparing for early spring conferences, and ends when school starts again in August... Between now and then there is little stopping... conferences, graduations, camps, retreats, summer events, leadership training, discipleship, community outreaches, mission trips, speaking engagements... sandwiched in is family time and vacation in there somewhere...

This year the marathon kicked off with our Sonfest event in Orlando. It was a great conference for the teens, and an awesome time for everyone in general. Now, the dust is settling from that event, and I am looking at a long list of what is to come. Exciting? Yes. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? You bet. I'll catch a break in September when the world of youth ministry snuggles back into the groove of fall, school, sports, and the "regular" schedule. Until then, its time to keep pace for whats ahead this spring and summer. I find that this time of year, I can see more growth in the life of a student that at any other time. Whether it be at a youth camp, small group outing, mission trip, back to school retreat, or just hanging at the office because they have nothing better to do with the summer day... its time to capitalize on every opportunity... and rest later.

Those of you in student ministry know what I'm talkin about. Make the most of it!

Been awhile...

Wow. Blogging has totally taken a back seat to family, life, and ministry. I guess its time for updates and such, and continuing to post - Its just one of those super busy seasons in life when you buckle down and just focus on what is MOST important. We've all been there. When pressure is on, priorities rise and take their rightful place in our lives. For Ashley and I, lately, it has been raising our 2 year old, 5 month old, and managing our ministry. Here is a run down of the past couple months:

No sleep.
Changing diapers.
Pacifiers and burp cloths.
Early mornings, late evenings.
Tivo.
Caffeine addiction increase.
Making ends meet.
Trusting God in all things.
Vision casting for ministry.
Building teens in ministry.
Budgeting in life and ministry.
Traveling and speaking.
Building momentum, then rebuilding momentum in ministry.
Trying to stay warm, trying to stay healthy.
Seeking direction.
Ear aches, runny noses, and ER visits.
Gaining perspective.
Re evaluating.
Re caffeinating.
Being shocked by how quick the calendar is moving this year.
Trying to stay a step ahead.

Can you relate to any of this?

Through it all here are the words I've held on to:

Matt 6:33-3433 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Priority first, and all else falls in line.

And over our ministry and life, this is what I've been speaking and praying:

Jer 33:33'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

I'll be the first to admit I don't know it all or have it all together. Thank God that HE does, and is ready and willing to guide us.

Recently...

Its been awhile since my last blog entry. Much of that has been due to how busy life and ministry has been lately. Crazy seasons come and go don't they? It seems to me that the constant season in life is crazy, and it and how out of whack we feel depends on how much crazier it gets from there. In the middle of it all though, there has been some awesome things going on in my soul. I feel like I am going through some sort of Holy Spirit detox plan. Getting a lot of junk flushed out and re-focusing as a minister... and it feels good. My prayer lately has been "God how would you do student ministry here in Huntsville, AL." I feel like he is getting the tradition, the entertainment mentality, and the church as usual mindset truly out of my system, and replacing it with the urgency of the times and showing me what truly needs to be instilled in the life of teens today with in the church. He has been rocking my boat lately on discipleship and what students are taking with them in life as they filter out of our ministry. Are they truly prepared for life? Do they have a developed prayer life, knowledge of the Word... are they living a lifestyle of worship... do they know who they are in Christ... can they effectively communicate the gospel... I am hit with the need to forsake the model of church that looks to entertain, hope to keep people, and patty cake around with the gospel. People need something deeper than that. They need a changed life, a renewed mind, a purposed and fired up soul... More thoughts on these ramblings to come later...

Stay Disrupted...

Living a lifestyle of allowing God to continually disrupt our regular lifestyle is one of the best things we can do. It keeps us from getting in a rut.

How do you stay disrupted? Prayer? The Word? Fasting? Accountability in your life? Books you read? Conferences? I'd love to hear about how you stay open to God and allow Him to change your thinking, ways of doing things, etc...

Back in Bama

Ashley, the kids and I are currently trying to get over the jet lag. Long flights with kids can take a lot out of you! On one of our flights, I realized that we are the family that no one wants to see coming down the aisle of the plane - a young couple with a newborn and a 2 year old! I could see the fear in people's eyes and could almost hear them saying..."please, not by me. Please don't sit by me!"

Our trip to Seattle was great. It is always awesome to see family! Here are some highlights from our trip:

Celebrating my grandfather's 50 years in full time ministry at one church!
Hanging out in downtown Seattle.
University of WA vs. Notre Dame - the Huskies lost, but it was great to be there!
Walking the path to the game with my dad.
Getting to preach in my grandfather's church on Sunday morning.
Having a big family dinner on Sunday night - brought back great memories of times past.
Watching Ava interact with Grandma, Grandpa and the rest of the family!
Browsing my grandfather's car garage.

I will be posting pictures of our trip soon!

Headed to the Land of Starbucks, Nirvana, and the Space Needle...

My family and I are flying out to Seattle tomorrow to visit family in the area. It is going to be good to head West. You can take the boy out of the North West, but you can't take the North West out of the boy. Somethings I am looking forward too: Ivar's clam chowder, Husky Stadium, milling around Quest Field, seeing Puget Sound, Pioneer Square, Woodland Park Zoo, fresh salmon, Pike Street Market, being with family and just hanging out, preaching on Sunday in my Grandfather's church... What I'm not looking forward to is the flight from Birmingham to Seattle with a 2 year old and a new born. Ashley and I have our hands full...

Fall Fun at Tate Farms

This weekend our family went an hung out at a place here in Huntsville called Tate Farms. It's been in the area since 1947, and kind of transports you to different day and time. It was some good, country fun! Corn maze, hay ride, pumpkin picking, apple cider... we had a blast! Ava had a great time in their little petting zoo - goats, rabbits, etc... She loved it! It was fun being out doors and feeling fall in the air. I love this time of year!

Words for my day...

Jeremiah 33:3
"...Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know..."

Ever get to that point where you feel like your creativity and innovation is just tapped out? Ever feel like the well is dried up for your ideas for fresh ministry, a teaching series, the next step in planning and vision casting, etc...? Let this verse change your perspective. We serve a God of unlimited resource, and is so willing to work with those who have a heart for Him to do His work. He will show you the next steps, birth new creative things in your heart, show you how to do ministry the best way possible where He has placed you... just ask.

I'm Going With God's Bailout Plan...

This morning I was watching Good Morning America as I was getting ready. There was heavy reporting on everything going on in the economy and the bail out rejection, and what is going to happen next... The reporter had an almost frantic air about him as he reported and interviewed from Wall Street, and I remember the member of congress that he was interviewing at one point even telling him to calm down...

I think it could be easy for everyone to fall into a state of panic lately...especially when you read articles like these, and realize the uncertainty of things ahead...

BAILOUT PLAN REJECTED, MARKETS PLUNGE

Wall Street Journal

Full Article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122270285663785991.html

"...The House of Representatives defeated the White House's historic $700 billion financial-rescue package -- a stunning turn of events that sent the stock market into a tailspin and added to concerns that the U.S. faces a prolonged recession if the legislation isn't revived. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sustained its biggest point drop in history and its biggest closing decline since the day the markets re-opened after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks..."

News reports, articles, debates, politics...lately it's gotten a little overwhelming.

This is what I'm holding to:

Phil 4:19-20 "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Is the church stepping up from the pulpit with reassurance that we serve a God that provides?

Is the church delivering messages that raise faith?

In times of economic uncertainty and fear, are we reminding people about the incredible God that we serve that is committed to take care of His own?

This video is a thought from Francis Chan. He brings out an awesome principal in the Word as he talks about the prayer that Americans refuse to pray. Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2oi6y292kE

The safest place that our lives, finances, families, homes, etc... can be is in the hands of God. In this time where our economy is shaky, where is your dependence? Is it in yourself and what you can manage with your own two hands, or is it in Almighty God?

Words for my day...

The same power that conquered the grave lives in me.
Your love that rescued the earth lives in me.
Lyrics by Hillsong // This is Our God

Lives in me. Wrap your mind around the truth in those lyrics. They've been feeding my soul all day long.

Do you believe that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do? When we let our faith rise in the all knowing, all powerful, ever present God we serve it does amazing things for our lives.

It changes the way we minister.
It changes the way we pray.
It changes the way we think.
It changes the way we dream.
It changes our doubtful and negative tendencies.
It changes the way we respond to problems.
It changes the way we respond to people.

We could go on and on about how taking God at His word and taking His promises to heart can change us. Has it changed you?

Great Quote!

"You can either sweat in preparation or bleed in battle..."
Blaine Bartell

I love this quote. It is one that I come back to time and time again. It helps me fight tendencies to put things off, do it later, or take a passive approach to ministry and life in general. I've "bled in battle" before... I've learned the importance of "sweating in preparation."

New Reading List

This past month, I started back to school. My Master's program has begun. I am prusuing a Master's in Youth and Family Ministry from Lee University. I am wading into it pretty easy though - starting with just one class - Leadership Dynamics and Development, taught by Tom Madden. We have met once already, and I believe that it is going to be an incredible class. I am doing my Master's as a road warrior - traveling once a month to class all day - 8:30 am to 5pm. All my reading and work is done in the in between times. Because of the class, the syllabus reading list has currently trumped all the other books I have been currently digging into. What I am excited aobut, however, is that the reading list for the class is made up of books that I already wanted to read.

If you have read these books, let me know what you thought of them!

Camden Hart Waldrop

This past Tuesday, Ashley and I had our second child - our son Camden. It has been a whilrwind lately - fixing the nursery, preparing the house, waiting and waiting and waiting...but now the wait is over and the little guy is here! The miracle of new life and the joy that it brings is always so amazing. Camden came into the world at 7lbs and 19in. I am so thrilled to have my little man - up until now, things have been pretty, pink and girly thanks to our world revolving around our 2 year old daughter, Ava. I am looking forward to the rough and tumble that a boy brings!

Blood:Water Mission...Getting Students Involved

I spent a portion of my day today getting ready to promote a cause that our student ministry is supporting. We are making a push to raise money for the blood:water organization. You can find their website at http://www.bloodwatermission.com/ . They are committed to digging 1000 wells of clean water in 1000 African communities. I am so excited about getting our students involved in causes - we don't just take mission trips to get involved, we have causes that we emphasize all through out the year. This month we are challenging our students to do a 2 week sacrifice - Go 2 weeks drinking only water, and take the money that they would have spent on any other soft drink or coffee, etc... and put it towards the cause. I am anticipating awesome results not only in the money raised, but the growth we will see in our students!

We are seeking to make them aware of these issues:
Millions of Africans lack access to clean water, but we have to power to do something about it!
People living with HIV/AIDS are dependent on clean water to survive! $1 provides one year of clean water for an African!

Cupcakes and 2 Year Olds...

Ava is now 2 years old. It dosen't seem possible! Time has flown by, and what's even crazier is the reality of another little one about to be here!

We decided to bring some cupcakes to Ava's daycare class... Cupcakes and 2 year olds are a pretty entertaining thing. There was icing and cake everywhere - but we had some happy kids afterwards. At one point, one little boy was actually massaging the icing into his cheek - bright pink. We throughly thrashed the table and floor with icing, gave the toddlers a sweet sugar buzz, and made all of them a sticky mess - all of this before nap time.

It got me thinking that if I was a daycare teacher, I would totally outlaw the whole cupcake on the birthday thing.

Daddy's Home!

Last night, as I was walking in the door, I heard my two year old, Ava, yell "Daddy's home!" That was the very first time I've heard her say that, and she said it with such enthusiasm. It was honestly the highlight of my day. There is nothing like getting that kind of a greeting!

Later on Ava and I went outside to wash the cars. She loved the bubbles from the soap, but wasn't to fond of the hose and the water that it took to make the bubbles. When I first turned on the hose, she ran hollering, "I get wet! I get wet!" After awhile, however, curiosity and fun took over - before long, she was soaked and covered in soapy bubbles. We had a blast washing cars.

Little moments like these are worth everything.

First Post!

Life is crazy. This is just another way to stay connected with the people I love, learn from others, and share ideas with those who are selling out to their calling as well. This blog is intended to be a chronicle of my journey as well as a place that other student pastors (and anyone for that matter...!) can hopefully find insight and fresh inspiration for life, ministry, etc...Welcome...