tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321763882024-03-21T19:48:36.521-05:00JazeA place for thoughts and updatesJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-65085362823800691812015-03-06T10:30:00.002-06:002015-03-06T10:31:59.917-06:00Missing my best friend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Wow. It’s been a year already since I’ve had to say goodbye
to my best friend, Garold Shafer. Some quick reflections from the past year:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When you have to say good-bye to someone so close, you
actually do it many times over. You do it almost daily, if not multiple times a
day. I do it every time I think about the great times we had, but more so when
I have a story, joke or memory to share and I know he’s the only one who would
get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when the perpetual
goodbye is the most difficult. <br />
<br />
Why do we grieve so hard? I’ve read a lot on this before and was reminded of
this again with this week’s curriculum for my small group. In the author’s
words, “we grieve because deep down inside, we know <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">goodbye</i> isn’t supposed to be the last word.” It’s not how the story
is supposed to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the
conversation Kevin O’Neill and I had when he said, “It’s not how it’s supposed
to be, but it’s the way it is.” All of these words speak to just how important,
yet temporary this life can be. It also speaks to how broken things became when
sin entered this world. <br />
<br />
But, for believers in Christ, this isn’t the final word. This isn’t how our
life ends. This isn’t the last chapter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But we do not want you
to be uninformed brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve
as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen
asleep. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
1 Thessalonians
4:13-14<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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IF Jesus really did rise from the dead on the third day,
then this changes everything. Death has been defeated. This broken world is now
only temporary, AND there is hope that we too, only because of God’s grace, can
enjoy death defeated. Paul mocks death because to a believer in Christ, it’s
only temporary and has no grip on us.<br />
<br />
It doesn’t mean that we grieve less. In fact, I think it increases our depth of
mourning, because we know how the story ends and we long for the beautiful
ending that is yet to come. That is what makes it SO hard some days, but it’s also
what gets us through each day as well.<br />
<br />
I’m longing for that day more and more. But at the same time, every time I
drive a dirt road I feel like he’s there riding shotgun with me. That thought
makes me smile and I crank up the radio just a bit louder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Garold would want us all to go on about
our lives and to spread as much kindness, love and service to other people so
we can enrich their lives. I know that’s what he would want us to do because
that’s exactly what he did so well for those who knew him and loved him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-34571602117309893732013-07-01T09:11:00.002-05:002013-07-01T09:14:23.138-05:00A busy June '13 updateJune. Whew! What a month! Crazy busy. SO much took place, yet to others on the outside, it may seem like nothing eventful took place. To me though, June was fun AND BUSY!<br />
<br />
June:<br />
<br />
Josiah turned 10 months old! He also learned to wave, give "low fives," sprouted a few tooth buds and learned how to feed himself....kind of.<br />
<br />
We also worked on our house a bit, started harvesting from the garden, went to theater in the park, visited Diana Rose Farmstead, celebrated our 8th anniversary, I got strep throat, saw Huey Lewis and the news in concert and I helped out with VBS.<br />
<br />
I told you it was busy!<br />
<br />
The end of a month also means it time for a goals update. I do this for myself for reflection on how the month went, accountability to keep me pushing towards my goals and to help stay focused. So.....here we go!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#1) Running Frequency (85% of all days)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">May was awesome. The previous 2 months, not so much :(</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">I ran 24 out of 30 days in June. I was doing well, and then strep throat hit. Blah! I didn't help my running percentage much as I only ran 80% of the available days that June had to offer. That brings my 2013 total up to </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">I did get in 145 miles though. Again, that was an increase over the previous month so I can't complain about that</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#2) Goal Weight</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Down another 1.5 pounds for the month. Still right on track. I only have 5 pounds to go!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#3) 20:00 5k</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">I still have a ways to go here, but this week I should find out exactly how close I am. I'm hoping to break 21:00, but as long as I'm low 21's I won't be disappointed yet. It's a work in progress for sure!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#4) Grad Class</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"> I am continuing to save money for this though so it might sill happen. Life happens a bit too fast for me though sometimes and some things have to be sacrificed. It could still happen before the year is up though</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#5) Finish the guest room (pictures forth coming)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"> Officially done! Just have to move the furniture back in :)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#6) Reading 3000 pages this year</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">326 pages read this month. It's slow going, especially when I'm not reading Clifford the Big Red Dog anymore. I'm up to 1030 pages for the year. Still, I'm not on pace yet, but getting closer each day to getting back to the pace I need to be on. Maybe I'll do an easy read for a change (no, still no Clifford) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#7) Clean the Basement</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Done!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#8) Trombone Practicing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Nope</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#9) Athletes at State</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Trying to help motivate my XC runners via Face Book. Hopefully it's working a bit. State athletes are developed during the off season for sure! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">#10) Family Time</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Playing in the park! Again, going to see Huey Lewis and the News and visiting Deanna Rose Farmstead. Laying on the floor for impromptu tickle fights, running early in the morning to free up more time during the day. Evenings watching classic t.v. shows on Sunday nights, cookouts, etc. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-8793026409446698892013-06-02T07:05:00.001-05:002013-06-02T07:18:36.729-05:00May goals updateThere's a reason I haven't revisited my goals for 2013 for a few months. It's because I was doing a poor job of moving towards them. March and April were horrible. Trying to manage and motivate the varsity softball team was tough this year because it seemed like it rained every day. We couldn't get outside on most days and it seemed like we were never going to get any games in!<br />
<br />
All that aside, May went well and so now I'm trying to bounce back on these goals. I can see the need for continued revisiting as a reminder of what I want 2013 to look like.<br />
<br />
<br />
#1) Running Frequency (85% of all days)<br />
<br />
May was awesome. The previous 2 months, not so much :(<br />
<br />
I ran 30 out of 31 days in May. I had a mini-streak of 23 days straight. So yes, I missed a day. Grr!<br />
My frequency for May was 96.7% That brings me up to 69.5% for the year. A far cry from where I want to be but another month or two like May and I should be back to where I want to be!<br />
<br />
FYI, during May I ran 138 miles. That makes an average of 4.6 miles per day ran. Getting better!<br />
<br />
<br />
#2) Goal Weight<br />
<br />
Most of May I did awesome at this, I was down about 2 pounds (exactly on track) and then Memorial Day weekend happened. Ugh!<br />
<br />
#3) 20:00 5k<br />
<br />
The variables that contribute to this are looking nice right now. I wouldn't be able to do it right now, but in July I'll be entering at least 1 5k, hopefully 2 to determine exactly where I'm at. 2 speed workouts a week though is helping. I'm putting up workouts that I haven't done in several years. All mostly pain free! Speed workouts, along with progress on goals #1 and #2 will get me there....hopefully!<br />
<br />
#4) Grad Class<br />
<br />
Hmm.....not so much. I am continuing to save money for this though so it might sill happen. Life happens a bit too fast for me though sometimes and some things have to be sacrificed. It could still happen before the year is up though<br />
<br />
#5) Finish the guest room<br />
<br />
Getting ready to start this one. No really! Sandra and I have started to cart things out of the room and have made a few purchases. This week we should get crackin' on it!<br />
<br />
#6) Reading 3000 pages this year<br />
<br />
Again, this spring was tough. I'm up to 712 pages read for the year though and crashing through a lot more right now :) Fun times!<br />
<br />
#7) Clean the Basement<br />
<br />
The finished side is looking clean! It's oped for guests if anyone needs a place in KC :)<br />
<br />
#8) Trombone Practicing<br />
<br />
I forgot this was a goal even. Oh geesh!<br />
<br />
#9) Athletes at State<br />
<br />
Hopefully I have some runners getting ready to start running this week. I have some quality talent this year, but potential only goes so far. At some point kids have to run over the summer. They have to if they want to be successful. We've talked some about making goals and trying to work towards those goals. I've made a FB page to communicate better and hopefully motivate them and encourage them as well. Some have a goal of state. Some have a goal of finishing a race. THIS is why I love XC. It's about setting appropriate goals, putting in the work and seeing the results. LOVE IT!<br />
<br />
#10) Family Time<br />
<br />
Memorial Day is all about family time! So this was easy during May. Time slows down in Caney, KS and allows for time to play with family members at parks, in the yard, etc. With a baby and his three young cousins, there is no shortage of people to play with :)<br />
<br />
We also went out and watched Sumner's girls soccer team play a bit. That was super fun, even though they lost. Outings look different sometimes for teachers. They look like supporting and cheering on students. I really like this part of my job, seeing them work hard and compete. Now, if only I can get them to do that in all phases of their life. Grades! *cough* *cough*<br />
<br />
Lastly, thanks to the baby sitting talents of Pam and Kent, Sandra and I.....wait for it...actually went out on a date WITHOUT Josiah. It's the first time that we had done that since December. Whoa!<br />
<br />
We ate at Arthur Bryant's and finally watched Iron Man 3. Good times!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-2677729449790058512013-02-01T13:19:00.001-06:002013-02-01T13:19:44.941-06:00Goal CheckJanuary is now in the books so it's time to review to see where I'm at on the status of my 2013 goals:<br />
<br />
#1) To run 85% of all available days<br />
I was doing great on this until this past week. It's tough to run AND be in charge of softball conditioning at the same time. I ran 25 of the 31 days that January offers. That's 80.6% I'm close but need to get better at the consistency. No large cycles of laziness!<br />
<br />
#2) Get back down to "competition weight<br />
The consistency of running alone has helped. Also not having the big holiday meals around helps too. I lost exactly 10 pounds in January which better than my expected pace. Goal for Febraury: 4 lbs closer to race weight<br />
<br />
#3) To run a sub-20:00 5k<br />
This doesn't happen overnight people, but both #1 and #2 are contributing variables in making #3 happen. I'm getting closer every day, but >20 is going to be tough. That last minute is going to be HARD to drop I think<br />
<br />
#4) Take another grad class<br />
I haven't done much here, but I know I have two strong options to look at I think. I just need to decide which to go after, look up deadlines and make it happen!<br />
<br />
#5) Finish the guest bedroom<br />
Sandra and I have agreed on a color :) I think we both really like it too. MAYBE I'll start on it during spring break. Any volunteers to help?<br />
<br />
#6) Read 3000 pages this year.<br />
<br />
I started out with a bang, and then the business of being a teacher and coach has slowed me down a bit lately. I read one book and have started 2 others. Good for a total of 244 pages. Not too far off the goal if you extrapolate that, but I still need to step it up a bit<br />
<br />
#7) Cleaning the basement<br />
<br />
The unfinished side is quite a bit cleaner now. I have to work on the finished side as well though. Sandra's craft corner has turned into a craft hemisphere so we need to figure out a way to clean and organize, but retain easy access<br />
<br />
#8) Trombone practicing<br />
<br />
Ugh! I haven't touched in once yet. I played the guitar once for an evening and it put Josiah to sleep. I really doubt the trombone will have that effect. No, the opposite is probably the most likely outcome. Maybe it's time to get my Silent Brass mute out again<br />
<br />
#9) Have athletes compete at state<br />
<br />
Another work in progress that doesn't happen overnight. I need to start reviewing my summer running schedules that I hand out AND plan on when the team can get together and train this summer.<br />
<br />
#10) More family time.<br />
<br />
We've done a few things this month that include: eating breakfast at IHOP together ( family date), shopping at the Legends when it was warm and attending a CRAZY high school bowling tournament together. Also quite a few evenings that are spent at home without the t.v. on (our t.v. is hard to watch anyway b/c it's so little)<br />
<br />
There's work to do, but I don't think I'm too far off track. Just got to keep pushing if I'm going to make 2013 awesome!<br />
<br />
<br />
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-54931963527183298202013-01-14T19:26:00.000-06:002013-01-14T19:26:04.142-06:002013 GoalsI'm not big into resolutions. I don't want to "be a better person." Actually I do, but I'm much more of a concrete person than that so I need a few, very focused goals to work on in order to do this. So, although a bit late, here are my 2013 goals.<br />
<br />
1) Run 85% of the days of 2013. That comes out to be a total of 311 days this year. Or roughly 6/7<br />
days on average.<br />
<br />
2) Get back down to race weight. With the injury that I sustained last summer, my weight went waaaay<br />
past competition weight. I'm working to get back down to where I need to be. I have numbers<br />
attached to this goal, but I'm not sharing those :p<br />
<br />
3) I would also like to run a sub-20 minute 5k this year. With the past seven years of focusing on the<br />
marathon I've gotten away from being able to run a solid 5k. My XC runners have inspired me to get<br />
faster so I can push them just a bit this year.<br />
<br />
4) I want to take at least 1 grad class this year. The biggest question here is where and what in.<br />
<br />
5) Finish the guest bedroom in our house. That implies that at some point I need to start too, eh?<br />
<br />
6) Read 3000 pages this year. Sounds like a big number, but really it's less than 10 a day right?<br />
<br />
7) I also want to clean up the basement so that it's an empty palate. Ready for someone who's smarter <br />
than me to tell me what to do with it.<br />
<br />
8) Practice my trombone more.<br />
<br />
9) Have athletes compete at state.<br />
<br />
10) Spend more time with the family. Our kiddo is already growing up SO fast. I need to stay on top of<br />
grading papers, planning, etc, to free up time for this goal and other goals to happen!<br />
<br />
That's the list. I'll check in from time to time to update you on how I'm doingJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-69296963137543163332012-12-24T15:06:00.001-06:002012-12-24T15:06:19.572-06:00Christmas Countdown: #1Drum Roll.....diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity crash! My number one FAVORITE Christmas song is not other than <u>O Holy Night</u>. Once again, if I have to choose an artist, I would go with Nat King Cole, just because he seems to do the song right.<br />
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The song started out as a poem by Pacide Cappeau de Roqueamure. He was asked by the local parish priest to write a poem to be shared on Christmas Eve mass. He did so, using the Gospel of Luke as his guide and, though not being a musician, he knew his poem was more than just that. So he enlisted a friend. A Jewish friend at that, Adolphe Adams. While being a challenge to set to music as he neither celebrated Christmas nor believed in Jesus' divine nature, he wrote a beautiful score to go with Pacide's poem. In all, three weeks after the request from the church, the song was complete.<br />
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The song was a success...until Placide Cappeau joined the Socialist movement and the church leaders found out the music was done by a Jewish man. Though it was one of the most popular Christmas songs in France, it was denounced by the church. The church tried to bury the song, but the French people kept it alive.<br />
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A decade later John Dwight, an American, thought he must include the song in his publications. Part of the lyrics to this song even supported Dwight's abolitionist beliefs.<br />
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<i>Truly he taught us to love one another </i><br />
<i>His law is love and His gospel is peace</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother</i><br />
<i>And in His name all oppression shall cease</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Fast forward a bit to Christmas Eve in 1906. Reginald Fessenden, a professor and chief chemist for Thomas Edison, using a type of generator, spoke into a microphone and for the first time in history, broadcasted a man's voice over the airwaves. He read from the Gospel of Luke. After finishing his recitation of Luke, he picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night" the first song ever broadcasted via radio waves.<br />
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I can't for say what it is about this song that I love, but it definitely transports my imagination to the very night of the very first Christmas. It wasn't much of a joint celebration. In fact it was anything but a celebration here on earth, but the significance of that night was huge.<br />
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I also enjoy the song from a pure music standpoint. It's a challenge to sing or play due to it's range. The haunting of a cold, clear winter's night, knowing that nothing will be the same again moves me.<br />
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Pick a version, any version of this song, listen to it and think back to what Joseph and Mary must have been thinking. And think of the significance of such a majestic event.<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!!!<br />
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<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-49524553023889819382012-12-23T17:14:00.002-06:002012-12-23T17:14:50.513-06:00Christmas Countdown #2My number 2 song is <u>O Come All Ye Faithful</u>, particularly the Nat King Cole version. I absolutely love this song. What a call to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas! It's a call to worship. Anyone who listens to Christmas music and isn't worshiping God at the same time is missing the point, that Jesus came to earth incarnate and took on the flesh of a child.<br />
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Nat King Cole's version gives me goose bumps. His tone is so pure, clean and rich. He's a pretty straight shooter when it comes to his Christmas recordings. i don't know about his theological stance, but he hit the nail on the head when he recorded this song. He sings this song with the utmost respect and with such reverence that only a King deserves. Beautiful song, and yet...only #2 on my list!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-87800234737830625772012-12-22T17:13:00.000-06:002012-12-22T17:13:47.476-06:00Christmas Song Post: #3My number three Christmas song, in similar fashion as my number 4 is <u>Christmas Time is Here</u> by Vince Guaraldi. What's there to say about this song? Everything I said about my #4 holds true for #3. I prefer the pure instrumental version of course, without the singing.<br />
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Kick back, poor some egg nog, light a fire in the fireplace and turn this song on. It'll make you sigh a big "ah". THAT'S why this is my #3. Easily the most relaxing song on my list. Easily one of the most relaxing songs that I can think of. I'll never get tired of this one. Enjoy!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-934810866007916812012-12-21T16:06:00.003-06:002012-12-21T16:06:55.056-06:00Christmas Countdown: #4It's time to start the power list. It's the final 4. I get pretty traditional when it comes to the top 4, but you'll see where my alliances are at by following them. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#4 on my list is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><u>O Tannenbaum</u> by Vince Guaraldi. Yes, I love Vince Guaraldi. I was a fan of his before he became trendy again. His trio plays cute the first time through the song, then it's on! Once the bass and brushes come in, who can think of anything but the Peanuts Christmas special on t.v.? </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">I would venture to call this a piano jazz masterpiece. Some may not agree with me and I admit I'm biased to west coast jazz. I just love that "cool" laid back feel. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">While being a stand-in, for their normal bassist, Puzzy Firth helps make this song what it is. There's something about a piano/bass/drum trio that just puts me in my happy place. It's cool. It was very cool back in the day, and I suspicion that this genre will always be cool. Maybe not, but they always will be in my book. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
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Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-11897906385363901362012-12-20T21:01:00.000-06:002012-12-20T21:01:03.899-06:00Christmas Countdown: #5My #5 Christmas song is <u>Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas</u>. The artist? Ugh! After much debating and self-deliberating, I have to go with the original, Miss Judy Garland herself. I was close to picking the Diana Kroll version, which I love, but when one reflects on the history of this song, you have to go with Dorothy, er... Judy's version.<br />
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The song was written for 19944's "Meet Me in St.Louis" Right in the middle of WWII, the song was supposed to be sad they said. Said, yet Judy was supposed to sing it and somehow smile through her tears. Judy, being Judy refused to sing it. The authors of the lyrics, knew they had a great melody and didn't want to re-write the lyrics, so there was a stand off. Thankfully Judy and company won.<br />
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Original lyrics:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">Have yourself a merry little Christmas</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">It may be your last</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Next year we may all be living in the past</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Have yourself a merry little Christmas</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Pop that champagne cork</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Next year we may all be living in New York</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">No good times like the olden days</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Happy golden days of yore</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Faithful friends who were dear to us</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Will be near to us no more</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">But at least we all will be together</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">If the Lord allows</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">From now on, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">we'll have to muddle through somehow</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">So have yourself a merry little Christmas now</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> I could see these lyrics being sung by the senior class where I teach, but for Judy to sing them, during Christmas time, during a time of war when the world needs some home, what was the writer thinking. While a possibly realtity, maybe those lyrics were a bit too cynical for its time. Who knows what would have become of this song, or Judy for that matter, had the lyrics not been changed to something a bit more hopeful.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Recorded lyrics by Judy Garland:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Have yourself a merry little Christmas</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Let your heart be light</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">From now on our troubles will be out of sight</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">Have yourself a merry little Christmas</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">Make the yuletide gay</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Next year all our troubles will be miles away.....</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Faithful friends who were dear to us</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Will be near to us once more....</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Yeah...a BIG improvement. Thanks Judy. Whenever I hear this song, I think of the movie. Hard to do if you've never seen it though. Be sure to over this Christmas break :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-7724851706640826452012-12-19T15:51:00.004-06:002012-12-19T15:51:50.735-06:00Christmas Countdown: #6Christmas Countdown #6: O Come, O Come Emmanuel by The Blair Band. Yep, that's right, the Blair Band strikes again!<br />
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Originally an extremely old Christmas carol. Possibly the oldest that is t still sung today. It was written all the way back in the 9th century, the dark ages. While the melody is basic, almost monotone, the lyrics paint a beautiful picture of the many O.T. prophesies fulfilled. This version in particular, reflects the darkness and seriousness of the need of a Savior even better than other versions thanks to the deep drone of the bagpipes. In order to "get" the power of this song's lyrics, you have to have a bit of an Old Testament background. Only then can you feel the desperation that is intertwined into the lyrics and grab the references.<br />
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Though desperate, the Savior has come and for this, we REJOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE! (listen to the Blair Band's version an you'll get this reference :)<br />
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I haven't met a version of this song that I don't like however. So at the very least, find a version and try to dig into the passionate plea and worship that follows from the lyrics.<br />
<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-72531803827004477852012-12-18T05:48:00.000-06:002012-12-18T05:49:18.830-06:00Christmas Countdown: #7<u>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman</u> by The Blair Band<br />
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First off, what a fun song, even before The Blair Band got a hold of it.<br />
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The song written in the 15th century, was written as a song by the peasants outside the walls of the cathedral. At the time, songs by organized religion were very dark and somber and usually in Latin. With this song, and several others, the commoners led a quit rebellion against the tone of religious music of their day. The song was finally published in the nineteenth century. The lyrics clearly show that the author had a Biblical understanding of the meaning and weight of the Jesus' birth.<br />
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It's an often misunderstood song though.<br />
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Today we use the term "merry" as the equivalent to being happy. The original meaning to the word however was mighty or strong. Have you ever wondered why Robin Hood's "merry" men were so happy? That's because they were might men, not happy men.<br />
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The word rest also had a different meaning back then. It didn't mean to sleep. It meant to keep or even to make. Toss in a comma and instead of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" we have "God make you mighty, gentleman."<br />
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The challenge to readers, with the new, er...old meaning in your mind, go back and look at the lyrics. The song takes on new meaning with the original intent in mind.<br />
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My favorite version of this song is by The Blair Band. It's actually an instrumental version. For those who can't find this version, imagine bagpipes, a deep bass drum and lots of dancing. That would describe this version. But don't give up. Try to find a You Tube version of this or on iTunes or something. You'll want to hear their recorded version.<br />
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Have a mighty Christmas this season!<br />
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(historical info researched and published by Ace Collins)Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-91969315819524846782012-12-16T15:36:00.000-06:002012-12-16T15:36:19.359-06:00Christmas Countdown: #9#9 on my countdown list is <u>I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day</u> by Casting Crowns. It's nothing like the original. This version is beautiful. It's haunting and describes reality. It describes a reality that we all live in, where God is mocked and often we are left asking "Where are you?" as we yearn for something more than what we see when we turn on the t.v.<br />
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The original version was written in the 1800's as a poem during the civil war. It talks about hope for peace between all men. The Casting Crowns version has similar lyrics, but the actual score is different than the first time it was set to music. <br />
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The 2nd and 3rd versus weigh heavy on my heart in light of the 2, yes, 2 tragedies that happened in schools this week. The first was in China, where 22 school children were attacked with a knife. The second is the attack in Connecticut which killed 20 kindergarten students.<br />
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This song by Casting Crowns sings about peace on earth, which is what so many religious Christmas songs sing about. But, where is this peace?<br />
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2nd verse:<br />
And in despair I bow my head<br />
There is no peace on earth I said<br />
For hate is strong and mocks the song<br />
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men<br />
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But there is hope. Hope that we can all be saved from this crazy nonsense. Hope via Jesus Christ. A hope that someday all things will be restored to what they ought to be. Without this hope, I can't imagine being stuck in verse 2. What a low and depressing state to stumble through life in. I know that place all to well. But luckily verse 3 comes, and God reminds us that this is not forever as we are in the already but not quite there yet stage in the history of redemption. Jesus has won the war, but the battle continues on.<br />
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Just as in WWII. It's like the difference between D-day and VE day. Between those two dates, battles continues on. Lives were won and lost. The casualties continued, though the outcome was already known. THIS is where we live now. But, again, there is hope.<br />
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3rd verse:<br />
Then rang the bells more loud and deep<br />
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep<br />
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail<br />
With peace on earth, goodwill to men<br />
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I'm guessing many haven't heard this version. With lyrics in hand (or on screen) give it a listen. Powerful lyrics indeed to help make sense of a messed up world. Here's to hope.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-19353965900119064122012-12-15T13:36:00.003-06:002012-12-15T13:36:56.830-06:00Christmas Countdown: #10#10 on my top 12 Christmas songs list is <u>Sleigh Ride</u>. Ugh! The problem with this song is that there are so many fun versions of it. To me, that must mean that it's a good one right? I go back and forth on version. If I HAVE to choose I guess today I would vote for the Ella Fitzgerald version. Tomorrow it might be the Johnny Mathis version. The following day it might be an instrumental version.<br />
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My inability to decide which version is my favorite should not define this song though. This song is full of adventure, fun and Christmas traditions! What's your favorite version?Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-60708088646245142202012-12-14T05:56:00.000-06:002012-12-14T05:56:16.417-06:00Christmas Countdown #11<u>Merry Christmas Baby</u> by Christina Aguilera and Dr.John<br />
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While this could be used as a term of endearment, it's actually the title of my11th favorite Christmas Song. For those who know me well you're thinking what the heck? For those who know me REALLY well, this song will be of no surprise. This is indeed my guilty pleasure song of the list.<br />
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First off, while not always a fan of the songs that are written and performed by Christina, and I'm not always a fan of her wardrobe either, I've always been a HUGE fan of her voice. She has a deep soulfulness to it. This song is slow and bluesy, allowing plenty of time for Christina to get in a good "growly" voice at times (I love growly by the way) as well as time to embellish the sustained moments. The girl has pipes!<br />
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Dr. John is also in this song. If you don't know who Dr. John is, then you don't know the blues. He's one of my favorite artists and celeb personalities of all time. His piano skills have always amazed me. Just think, the only reason he became a pianist is b/c his hand was shot and he could no longer play the guitar well! I've also seen him in concert before which makes this song even cooler!<br />
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There is simply SO much talent wrapped up in this song and this is one of my criteria when it comes to my music listening: Talent, Passion and Good Song Writing. These days it's hard to find all three at once! This song has at least the first 2. Good song writing, I don't know about. I've heard other versions of this song and haven't been impressed. Unless you're a fan of either of these two artists, my guess is that you haven't heard their version. You might not even know the song. Be sure to check it out and add it to you're Christmas playlist.<br />
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<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-28809955111911032332012-12-13T05:41:00.000-06:002012-12-13T05:41:09.200-06:00Christmas Countdown #12<u>Winter Wonderland</u> by Dave Brubeck<br />
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I only feels right to have Dave Brubeck in my list. I love jazz that's led by the piano and Brubeck is one of the best! So he must make the list. It only feels right, especially with the timing of his recent passing away. His entire Christmas album is great. This song in particular though swings and transitions b/w three phases: traditional, smooth as it sounds like he just scratches the keys back and forth and awesomeness comes out, and of course, bouncy. It's the bouncy sections that pick your mood up and it's the smooth sections that will wow you if you have a critical ear.<br />
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If you had any sort of background music for a Christmas office party or something, I think you'd want this song playing as well as a few others from this same album. The countdown is on!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-12395339662183879872012-12-12T23:12:00.000-06:002012-12-12T23:12:26.091-06:00Honorable MentionsThe 12 days of Christmas are starting a bit earlier than planned. Hey, this narrowing down bit is tough!<br />
Without further ado, my honorable mentions are:<br />
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The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole<br />
Auld Lang Syne by James Taylor<br />
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<u>The Christmas Song</u><br />
What Christmas song list could go without Nat King Cole's Classic? It's hard to believe that this song is almost 70 years old...and was written during the summer of 1944. The lyrics came about from the author while in southern California as a means of cooling off using word association. Fill in the blanks, jot the music, run it by your best friend Nat King Cole and whoalla! You now have probably the most easily identifiable Christmas song written in the 20th century. Anyone worth a lick at "Name That Tune" should be able to name that tune in 4 notes or less :)<br />
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<u>Auld Lang Syne</u><br />
No doubt an older song. If it sounds like a song that should be sung as the bar closes up for the night that is because it was. An old Irish tune in fact. Singing about relationships come and gone, friendships, etc. I LOVE this song as it slows me down and makes me reflect on days gone by and helps me think about how I will view today 30 years from now. I ask many questions of myself, but the two most commonly thought of 1) Did I make God smile today and 2) Did what I do today matter in the long-term or did I squander this day.<br />
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This time of year I tend to become a recluse and go into reflection mode. Thanksgiving, birthday, Christmas and New Year's all take place in about 40 days within each other. Auld Lang Syne helps me take time to start this process.<br />
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As I go through these songs, most people who read this will have no doubt head most if not all of the songs I mention. I challenge you though to listen to the specific versions that I list though. Some of these upcoming songs are going to be a lot fresher sounding that what you've heard before, while some of them are the traditional versions because they old way is still the best one recorded (in my opinion of course!)<br />
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Feedback is always welcome!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-60095357125511266132012-12-06T15:13:00.001-06:002012-12-06T15:13:03.054-06:00Christmas Songs!It's that time of year again. Time for the cheesy Christmas songs on the radio. I used to get super excited for them. Anxiously awaiting the days b/w Halloween and Thanksgiving to see when they would start and what station was going to play them. This year, I find my tastes have switched quite a bit. Rarely does the radio play Christmas music to my tastes. But alas, I'm still a sucker for many of the standards. I like versions without words though. Particularly Jazz renditions. I also enjoy songs done by Christian artists. They know the real "reason for the season" so to speak.<br />
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So.....just for fun, I'm going to be ranking my top 12 Christmas songs along with the version. I will start on December 12th and release one a day, ending on Christmas Eve. Feel free to play along if you'd like! I will be going in reverse order so I'll start with #12. We'll call it the 12 songs of Christmas. If you do play along, feel free to post your song choices here or on FB. I will be posting in both, but might possible offer up a more in-depth explanation here. This is possibly the jump start back into blogging that I've threatened to do for sometime now.<br />
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What could be interesting is if you know me, try to make your own list for Jason and compare to see if at least you might be able to guess some of my favorites.<br />
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Alright, I've got work to do. I have to go start listening in earnest with an objective ear now :)Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-21579191211494173122012-12-06T15:02:00.001-06:002012-12-06T15:02:14.225-06:00What's Your Favorite Part? ....of the church service of course. Do you thrive off of seeing friendly faces? Warm handshakes and hugs? Being in a group of like-minded people? The teaching? What about worship?<br />
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For me, its the latter of that list. While I get excited and long each day for those other pieces, I truly long for corporate worship each and every Sunday.<br />
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Psalm 122 is a great example of what corporate worship is like. The first verse describes my reaction to a "t." <i>When they say "Let's go to the house of God," my heart lept for joy.</i> Worshipping together with a group, not only helps turn my focus to where it should always be, on God the Father and Creator, it also helps give me a small taste of what eternity will look like for me when the multitudes are before Him worshipping.<br />
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So what about now? My pet peeve in church is during the worship set to look around and to see people talking and chatting away, catching up on what their week was like. Corporate worship is something that we reserve for only special gatherings. Often only once or twice a week. There's notreason that we hold ourselves to gathering only these few times except it's a burden that we've placed on ourselves. So for me, to come to church and expect to "get something out of it" yet to talk away like you're in a coffee shop is a sad tragedy to me. Corporate worship is special and it's a special privilege for us to be able to take part.<br />
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Eugen Peterson explains it this way: "There is simply no place where these can be done as well as in worship. If we stay at home by ourselves and read the Bible, we are going to miss a lot, for our reading will be unconsciously conditioned by our culture.<br />
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<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-24954838668617156802012-08-04T16:04:00.002-05:002012-08-04T16:04:59.999-05:00No running = no buenoI hate that I haven't been running much this summer. My foot (plantar fasciitis issues) has been frustrating me to no end. It gets better, I go for a run, and than it's pain for the next week. Blah! This October will be the first time since 2005 that I have not ran the fall marathon in Detroit/Windsor.<br />
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Now that the Olympics are on I REALLY want to run. I've always thought of them as quite motivational myself.<br />
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The struggle of my injury this summer has made me take a step back though and think through why I enjoy running so much!<br />
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First off, being in shape makes me physically feel better. I get the "blah's" out so any motivational funk that I enter is short lived. It's also a great stress reliever. Any time that I feel the weight of life bearing down I go for a run. It freshens my mind and helps me see things in a clearer perspective.<br />
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Lastly, it's great quiet time. Getting ready to become a first time daddy, I wouldn't know yet about "just needing to get out of the house" yet, but I think I'll learn about that pretty soon! Nope, I mean that it's a great quiet time to converse with God. He's the reason that I have the ability to run in the first place. He's helped me overcome some pretty crazy circumstances in the past when it comes to running (a pretty messed up ankle resulting in several permanent screws for instance). I think it's because He knew that He could use running as a tool for me to help connect to Him. The distractions are few when I'm running and the scenery is always nice. From wooded, rustic trails, to smoggy Asian cities, He helps me see the beauty around me and that's because His hand is in it all.<br />
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So...here's to the new XC season getting ready to start. I'm hopeful that soon I will be able to run consistently again soon, if not I'll survive, but I will have to be looking for new outlets for stress relief and new conduits for quiet times with the Heavenly Father.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-2564090582262514262012-08-02T09:12:00.000-05:002012-08-02T09:36:00.406-05:00Culture WarsThe article is not an exhaustive look at what has been going on the past few weeks, but the author does a nice job of explaining the heart of the issue so be sure to read the article to get a "taste" of what is going on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crosswalkmail.com/ViewMessage.do?m=wlgzgjznf&r=chjcdhtcghdl&s=yqmblcsgbmbsvgzfrtpypscvqrrvmkspllz&a=view" target="_blank">It's All About Tolerance</a><br />
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With that said, I have heard and read a lot of people who's motivation to support yesterday's movement unfortunately crossed over into denying execution of all three forms of tolerance that the author mentioned. That's not what the Bible teaches or is about, yet many use the name of religion to do so :(<br />
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Jesus models #2 time and time again and like the author says, the Bible doesn't oppose #1. #3 is where the line is drawn. For some reason the different forms of tolerance have been muddied, especially over the past 20-30 years. While people can put on their happy faces and pretend #3 exists, it really doesn't when push comes to shove. That's because it doesn't make any logical sense. But we live in a ever-growing pluralistic society. A society where the 2nd law of thermodynamics seems to not only be in play, but seems to be an exponential driving force. Chaos just keeps on increasing.<br />
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Will Metzger describes it well when he writes "...the definition of tolerance has changed, even though the dictionaries don't yet record it. Webster's dictionary defines tolerance as 'a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality,etc., differ from one's own'... The new meaning of tolerance has expanded to include the necessity to <i>approve </i>all beliefs, opinions, values, lifestyles<i>.</i>"<br />
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Christianity, cannot exist with this kind of tolerance, but embraces tolerance in the traditional sense. The word tolerance does not mean that everyone agrees and embraces each others' thoughts and beliefs. If fact the word tolerance implies that there is a disagreement or a need to be tolerant. Tolerance also recognizes that the convictions that people have are important topics to discuss and yes, sometimes even <i> </i> <i>argue</i> over, with humility and grace.<br />
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Intolerant Christianity cannot exist in it's true meaning. Jesus told us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to turn the other cheek when struck. If that's how we are to respond to those who offer up violence, how then should we respond to those who own different philosophy of life?<br />
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What makes true Christianity different than other beliefs and thoughts?<br />
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Dr. Phillip Ryken puts it this way. "True Christianity thus preserves a powerful combination that is found nowhere else: tolerance and truth. Some religions and most political philosophies claim to have the truth but are ruthlessly intolerant of those who disagree." (Think #1 and #2 from the article) "They offer truth without tolerance. Philosophical pluralism, on the other hand, is indifferent to the truth. It provides a pound of tolerance without an ounce of truth...<b>Philosophical pluralism idolizes tolerance while it eliminates the truth, although curiously it also tends to be intolerant of people-for example, Christians-who have strong religious convictions</b>."<br />
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And this friends, it the culture war. It's been growing for days, months, years, centuries and will continue to grow. It's not going anywhere. Sure it ebbs and tides and it has seasons. Ultimately it's just going to keep getting bigger though.<br />
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I 100% support Cathy's words that somehow started the latest chapter of this war. But notice nothing that he said opposed the first two kinds of tolerance and actually I think his words did a wonderful job of stopping short of #3 in a pretty gentle way. What happened after that is a break down of society to acknowledge social tolerance. While this cannot be said of all who spoke out or made their presence known yesterday at Chick-fil-A, I have spent the past week+ as many others have, observing social media sites as people weigh in. Jesus drew the line at #3. Cathy drew the line at #3.<br />
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Christians: Many of us have drawn the line waaaaay before that and somehow think of ourselves as more righteous because of it. Let us be reminded of our Godly role model and follow His example of how to be tolerant in truth! Also, remember Ephesians 6:12 and reflect on it often when the culture war flares up.<br />
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Non-Christians: I struggle with what to say to you in response. But you too should look to Jesus' example of what tolerance should look like. Also I would ask that you would extend a certain amount of grace to us Christians as we slowly realize our mistake of not being socially tolerant. Being a Christian does not mean that we are perfect. It means that we are forgiven by God. It also means that we have a wonderful model to look at if we would just take the time to do so. Often times we don't practice what we preach. We have a lot of change that needs to happen in our lives as we try to look more and more like Christ each day. This is not a fast process. So because of the dissonance between what we practice and what we preach, yes we look like hypocrites many times. That's because we are many times. But we are trying.<br />
<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-51492222950495911132011-11-25T13:28:00.001-06:002011-11-25T13:28:29.127-06:00Oh no!Help me people! How can I stop time so that I don't have to age another year? This is important as in less that 24 hours I'm turning...gulp...32 years old. The nice thing is that I don't think I feel like 32 yet. To be honest I don't know what 32 is supposed to feel like, but I don't think I feel it yet. Maybe I'll know more about it tomorrow!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-20029405720647575832011-11-23T08:59:00.000-06:002011-11-23T08:59:12.508-06:00Work Matters (Highlights #1)I just started this book by the senior pastor of the church that I worship at. It's about work and how it really matters, if you couldn't tell from the title :)<br />
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Ch 1 starts off talking about how God is a God of creation and is a worker as described in Gen.2 By logical thought, if God is a creator/worker and we are created in His image, then we must be creator/workers as well.<br />
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Tom continues to break down parts of Genesis to see how we are created to work and how we were initially designed to take place and work in his creation (earth). <br />
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He also takes a look at the movie <i>WALL-E<i></i></i> and says that the picture that this movie paints of humanity's possible existence is NOT how we should be. This movie, although cute has always left a bitter taste in my mouth because it hits close to home. I've always considered myself to a very strong worker. Which in contrast means when I take a day off a take a day off and it too often goes to waste. I know I need to learn how to do a better job of being in moderation of work and rest. <br />
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The biggest part to grasp for me to apply is that I'm working for an Audience of One, God. Since starting the book, a running verse kept coming up in my head (Col.3:23-24) which Tom did eventually bring into the discussion.<br />
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A nice point that Tom makes is that work matters because were created to take part in vocation along with God. Therefore we should do it well :)<br />
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I am a teacher. So while underpaid for the hours of work I put in (sometimes 14-16 per day) I've always known that my work matters. But it's nice to get a Biblical/creation side of the story. Usually I think of my job as contributing to the "common good" or I think of helping out certain individuals. Sadly I confess that I do not often think of my work as taking part in laboring with God in His design. A challenging yet refreshing thought!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-1777380289736143002011-11-23T08:42:00.000-06:002011-11-23T08:42:42.974-06:00Blogging AgainI really like Face Book, but feel the need to really share at more length what is taking place in my life. So if you're curious to follow my life through the ups and downs join aboard. Life is a wildly curious and exciting ride and I don't think my life is any different than anyone else's so hang on!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32176388.post-17864494849798331512010-11-14T07:42:00.002-06:002010-11-14T07:45:02.740-06:00Time for a re-design!Okay, In the next few months I'm going to try and re-design this thing and to actually use it again. I'm hoping Blogger has a nice way of archiving old posts by now. This was my #1 complaint that I had and I'm not smart enough to fix it. My hope is to figure it out and to start actively using this again to keep people updated on my life and what inform people of what goes on in my head (sometimes a scary place). I'll announce via Face Book one it is where I like it!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061576910342997931noreply@blogger.com0