Elders or not...

Here's a question for all you scholars out there: What is your take on Biblical eldership? Some friends and I recently hashed this around, as we usually do, discussing the various ways to interpret the NT's suggestion for local church leadership/pastoral role.

Yes, The Black Hat

For all of you who guessed "the guy in the black hat", that's right. It's me at age 18. Here's another picture from that night...ugh, what a look that was...

A Blast From The Past

Wow! My High School mentors sent me a picture of me and the guys at a Youth Valentine's Day C&W banquet. I believe this picture is February, 1988. Can you guess which one is me? Yes, I am in the picture.

"They say that the road ain't no place..."

It's official: I'm old. I turned 37 a week ago, and didn't really think much about it. However, two Disciple Nows later, it's hit me. At both places there were leaders who were so young they could have been my kids. At the DNow in Groesbeck, there were several of the leaders who were teenagers in my youth groups. And, after two weekends on the road, my body is feeling it. Can anyone tell me why it takes 4 hours to fly from Lubbock, TX. to Harlingen, TX.? Ummmm, because you fly from Lubbock to Dallas; Dallas to Houston; and Houston to Harlingen. Thank goodness I'm home for the next 12 days. Then, it's a DNow in Seminole, a DNow in Houston, a ski trip to Telluride, a speaking gig in Houston, and a speaking gig in Tyler to round out March! Oi Vei! I'm feeling it this morning.

I remember a time when Lock-ins were a joy and required no recovery time. Now I have to recover from being up past midnight! I remember when a popping sound as I did something strenuous was a rarity. Now I have my own sound effects while doing routine things. If you ask Cayla how old I am, she'll tell you 37, but she says it like it's 86. And, honestly, if the average male lives to be around 72 years old, 36 is middle age, and I blew threw that a year ago.

A nostalgic look at how to know you're old:
*You know what "psych!" means.
*You know the profound meaning of "Wax On Wax Off".
*You know that another name for a keyboard is a "Synthesizer".
*You can name at least half of the members of the BRAT Pack.
*You know who Tina Yothers is.
*You wanted to be a Goonie.
*You know who Max Headroom is.
*You ever wore Flourescent, neon clothing.
*You could (or wished you could) breakdance.
*You believed that "By the Power of Greyskull," you HAD the POWER.
*Partying "like it's 1999" seemed sooo far away.
*You thought that Transformers were more than meets the eye.
*You wanted to be on StarSearch.
*You remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off.
*You have worn a Banana Clip, or knew someone who did.
*You owned a doll with "Xavier Roberts" signed on its butt, or knew someone who did.
*You knew what Willis was "talkin' 'bout".
*You HAD to have your mtv .
*You hold a special place in your heart for "Back to the Future."
*You know where to go if you "wanna go where everybody knows your name."
*You thought Molly Ringwald was REALLY cool.
*You actually thought "Dirty Dancing" was a REALLY good movie.
*You have heard of "Garbage Pail Kids".
*Punks actually "shocked" people.
*You knew "The Artist", when he was humbly called "Prince".
*You actually saw Ted Danson as the MacDaddy he played "Sam" to be.
*You remember when ATARI was a state of the art video game.
*You own many cassettes.
*You were led to believe that in the year 2000 we'd all be living on the moon.
*You remember and/or owned any of the CareBear glass collections from Pizza Hut, Or any other stupid collection of glass they came out with.
*Poltergeist freaked you out.
*You carried your lunch to school in a Gremlins or an ET lunchbox.
*You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the ONLY female smurf.
*You wore biker shorts underneath a short skirt and felt stylish, or know someone who did.
*You ever had a Swatch Watch, or three.
*You had a crush on one of the Corey's (Haim or Feldman).
*You had a crush on Bo Derek or Heather Locklear.
*You remember when Saturday Night Live was funny.
*You had WonderWoman or Superman underoos.
*You know what a "Whammee" is.
*You had a crush on Jon BonJovi, or knew someone who did.
*You thought eating Reeses Pieces would attract your own Alien.
*You have ever called 867-5309.
*You had a poster of Rob Lowe, Kirk Camron, or Michael J. Fox on your wall.
*You held the top score on PacMan.
*You owned a T-Shirt that said, "I shot J.R." or know someone who did.

My Freebirds Story

I was recently contacted by Freebirds about helping with a commercial. I called in and told the story of our camp out at the Lubbock Freebirds. They made it into a commercial with me narrating. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpSsEirKxzE. Enjoy! And, if you live in a Freebirds market, it's playing on TV even as I type this.

Video Blogging

I have a bit of a dilema. Freebirds sent me my commercial this morning, and I want to post it here, but I'm not sure how. If any of you techno gurus out there can coach me thru posting it, I would be grateful and forever in debt to your wysiswig debt.
J

The Tabernacle is Moving...

I've just finished a great conversation with the owner of Aroma's (Yes, I know they changed the name to Aroma's Therapy, but old habits die hard...), and it looks like The Journey has a new location for our Gatherings. Starting February 4, our worship gathering will be moving to the coffee shop. We'll be changing our time to 6:30 - 8:00 for The Gathering. It's an exciting time for us as God asks us to pack up the tabernacle and move across town with it.

The Illusionist

Last night, after putting the kids in bed, Caryn, Ken, Miho, and I watched "The Illusionist." It was a rather entertaining movie. Aside from a greatly predictable plot, it was clean, engaging, and fun. I give it a thumb up!

How shall two walk together?

"Daddy, they said I am beautiful today." It was Cayla's first response to me after her first day back at school. As I mentioned last week, she got her ears pierced, and apparently the boys likey-likey. But the breaking of a father's heart in watching his little girl worry about what the boys think of her appearance is overwhelming sometimes. There was an instance earlier in the year where a new girl came to Cayla's class and started getting all the attention. Cayla wanted to know if she could wear a headband so she would be prettier and get the boys attention back. The odd thing is, she is a beautiful little girl that is well loved and well cared for by her family. We tell her all the time how great a person she is, how beautiful, creative, and energetic she is. And yet, she sees herself through the eyes of her peers. Normal? Certainly. Healthy? Probably not. But don't we do the same thing? Every one of us has a Father who loves us, cares well for us, tells us of our great attributes and loves us inspite of our bad ones. We have a Father who sees in us so much more than I see in my daughter, and yet, I base my self image and worth on my own impression of other's view of me, or my distorted view of myself. This week I am dwelling on my Father's view of me. I am focusing on allowing Him to define me. I will not allow others to define me. It's not just a healthy thing for my little girl, it's paramount for my own health. But there's more to it than that. My dear friend, Claude Townsend, used to ask me how well I accepted myself. Dr. Townsend had a slight speech impediment AND a Mississippi accent, so it is very distinct in my memory. He'd say, "On a scale of 1 - 100, how well do you accept yourself?" I would answer with a high number, saying, "Oh, on the average, probably 80% of the time." He would respond with, "That's good. How much does God accept you?" Of course, the answer is 100%, now that I am His child. Then Claude would say something very profound. He would pause and then say, "If God accepts you 100%, why don't you? Amos 3:3 says, 'Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?' IF we are going to walk with God, don't you think we need to agree with Him and see things His way?" So true were his words nearly a decade ago that they have stuck with me to this day. How can we walk with God if we don't agree to walk with Him? And how can we agree to walk with Him if we don't see things His way? The agreement to make this journey with God is an agreement to see things His way. And that goes for how we see ourselves. Let me ask you a question. How well do you accept yourself? Today rest in the FACT that God accepts you 100%. When He looks at you, He sees His Son in whom He's well pleased. Don't worry about how others see you. Find yourself in Christ today and be at peace.

Multi-Cultural/Multi-Generational Christmas 2006

We had our first multi-cultural/multi-generational Christmas Day yesterday. We shared the holyday with our friends from Taiwan (Ken and Richard), our friend from Japan (Miho), and our friend from the coffee shop (Mr. Dillon). We had an outstanding time. One of the highlights was the gingerbread house competition. I think the girls won. Thank you Ken, Richard, Miho, and Mr. Dillon, for making our family Christmas Day a memorable one.

In the picture (from left to right): Caryn, Cayla, Miho, Ken, Jeremiah, Mr Dillon, and Richard (in the foreground)

Los Angeles

I had a great time in Los Angeles. I went with my friends, Roy McClung and Joseph Cartwright, to spend some time dreaming and processing some kingdom thoughts with our friend, Neil Cole. Between meals (isn't that how it always is?) we talked philosophy and theology for the kingdom and coming harvest.

From left to right you have Roy, Neil, and Joseph. We're enjoying the SoCal weather and a cup of coffee from It's A Grind. It's always great to find out that I am not a freak because of the way I think the kingdom should grow...or that I am, but at least I'm not alone! Thanks, Neil, for your gracious hospitality. I'll be posting more on my thoughts from our "think-tank."

Snow Day!

Last Wednesday, as I drifted off to sleep, the snow was falling and the wind was blowing. Thursday morning, we awoke to somewhere between 4-8 inches of snow. Snow? It's only November! And, from what I read this morning, more could be on its way.

Yamagata

Caryn and I spent Thanksgiving night with some new friends. Our friends, Ken and Miho, own the Yamagata Japanese steak house on W. 82nd. They were closed for Thanksgiving, but wanted to use the down time to decorate for Christmas. Caryn and I helped decorate, and then the 5 of us went to TGI Fridays. The 5th person with us was Ken's older brother, Richard. Richard is new to USAmerica, but is having a great time. One of our friends, Parke, helped make Richard's first night in America a much better night than it would have been. Richard was stranded at D/FW airport because he missed his flight to Lubbock. Parke took great care of him and made sure Richard got on the plane to Lubbock the next morning. Thanks Parke!
Yamagata is a regular part of our week, so Ken, Miho, and Richard have become regular friends in our week. We are thankful for our new friends, and encourage everyone in Lubbock to give Yamagata a try. The food is great and the service even better! If you stop in, tell Ken that you read about them in my blog!

Happy Turkey Day

I just wanted to tell everyone "Happy Thanksgiving." I'm settling in to watch the Cowboys beat the Bucs. Have a blessed and relaxing weekend.
J

Be still and KNOW

Being still is such a hard thing to do. I mean, here I am sitting on Lake Austin, at what may be my favorite coffee shop on the planet, Mozart's, and I'm working...

I discovered Mozart's about 11 years ago by accident. Caryn and I lived here right after we got married in 1996. I was serving a small country church as the Youth & Music Minister, and coffee shops were just becoming hip. I was surfing the internet checking out the local coffee scene when I happened upon a review of Mozart's. We loaded up a van full of teenagers and came to listen to jazz music on the deck that overlooks the lake. It became a regular outting for us. Caryn and I would come here often and just sit on the deck. I would have coffee and she would get a smoothie from the health store next door. There's a funny story I always think about when I'm here. After Caryn and I moved away, we would come back to Austin and meet with former students who were now adults. One of our former students had just met a girl at the university where he was attending, and wanted us to meet her. He brought her over, and we all sat out on the deck. Right in the middle of our conversation, a bird swooped down on her and pooped in her hair! She was mortified and embarassed. We were all very comforting, assuring her that it could have happened to any of us. Her greatest fear was that we would only remember her as "the girl that got pooped on at Mozart's." Well, they didn't date long. And sure enough, when we talk about that fateful day, we don't remember her name. We just say, "Remember that girl that got pooped on at Mozart's?"

So, anyway, here I am 11 years later, and it's just like I remember it, except they have wireless internet now (which didn't exist when I first came here). I'm out on the deck, literally over the water of the lake. Ducks swim by. Birds are chirpping. A gentle breeze is blowing. I couldn't ask for a more ideal setting (other than the guy having a conference call on SKIPE next to me would hang up or move away!). The guy two tables over has his headphones on and can't hear his cell phone ringing, but everyone else can. There's seven of us on this side of the building, perhaps 20 more on the main deck. Almost to a person, there are laptops, cell phones, PDA's, Blackberries, and briefcases everywhere. I've got my headphones on listening to my Lounge Worship collection (who knew I liked lounge music? hahaha). Strangely enough, though, it's peaceful (again, accept for headset man next to me). My heart is beating somewhat slower. The breeze rolls by at just the right moment to make sure that it doesn't get hot out here. And, somehow, I feel like I can hear God better. It's weird, I know. How many of the people here are experiencing what I am? Maybe all of them. Probably not. It occurs to me that I am precious and wonderful to a God who put this lake here for His glory and my connection. It's a divine moment. Like the water, God brings life and refreshing. Like the breeze, He moves where He wants, His timing perfect. Like the birds, He creates a symphony unmatched by any other. And me? I'm like one of the speed boats over there that zips and zooms through it all oblivious because I'm moving too fast. That is, until I run out of gas. That's the real danger, I think. I think we can miss what God is doing because we are so busy and so surrounded by distractions. We miss who He is because we are so caught up in trying to be who we are. Take a moment this morning (a much needed moment I'm sure) to stop and breathe. Breathe God in. Breathe Him out. Notice Him in the world around you. Are you tired? Stop. Be still. KNOW that He is GOD. Look for Him. Those who seek Him find Him and find eternal life. In Him we live and move and breathe. And when we do find Him, He is able to use us to exalt Himself in all the world; but especially our lives. Shhh. Rest. Wait. Hope. Breathe. It's gonna be alright. Look for Him. He's here. He's waiting. He's moving. Just stop and wait.

Life on the Road

The last two years, when DNow (Disciple Now is a retreat done usually by local churches for their students) season hits I get swamped. I didn't realize last year that this year would be even more hectic. Last weekend was the only weekend I didn't have a trip scheduled (and I did take a trip rapelling in Palo Duro Canyon. You can see the pictures here: http://www.theheightsfellowship.org/youth/canyonexcursion.htm ). This weekend it was a bit different. The DNow was in town, and I had a great time. Next weekend, NOTHING! and then the next is Thanksgiving, followed by a college retreat in Birmingham, AL. Then a trip to California, and then it's just about Christmas time!
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for me as I travel. God has done some amazing things.
I leave in the morning for Austin, and a much needed break. I'm looking forward to getting to hang with some friends, eat some good ol' Austin food (Chuy's, HydePark Grill, etc.). If you are down that way, drop me a line. I'm still looking for an affordable place to sleep! Maybe I can get some Barry and Cory G. time!
Anyway, things are going well with The Journey. We're actually starting to see folks step up and take on the ministry. We're starting to multiply our efforts and God is blessing.
well, that's it for now. It's 1:30 a.m. on Sunday night/Monday morning, and I'm off to bed.
Peace in the East,
Jase

And a part of me died...

Aroma's, my favorite coffee shop, changed ownership last week. The new owner seems to be a very personable lady. She's swept in and is making changes. Some of them very necessary and very good. She's working on the music system, rearranged furniture, adding live music, changing the art and decor. Business seems to be picking up. From a business standpoint, it looks very good and promising. But, I knew that some of these changes were going to be painful and difficult the first day she was "at the helm." I walked into Aroma's Therapy (the new name...) and instead of the familiar waft of coffee scent that greats my senses when I walk in, my pallet encountered the smell of berries from a strong scented candle. As I entered I noticed celaphane gift baskets on the counter. That's when it happened: my brain screamed, "the coffee shop has been feminized!" And a part of me died...

A Black Day Indeed

I just found out that Aroma's is being sold. That may mean that my time with the current staff is limited. For the last 18 months this has been my 3rd place. Will it continue to be? Will I be starting over with a new staff? Man, Oh man.

Hank Hill Would Be Proud!

I just got back from a great conference in Littlefield, TX. FBC there (one of The Journey's supporting churches) held a Global Impact Conference. They brought in missionaries from around the world, and treated us like heroes all week long. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. To be included in such a group of great men and women was quite an honor for my family. Thanks Joe, and everyone else from FBC, for a great week!

On another note, Littlefield is a rural town outside of Lubbock. I was without wireless internet and a coffee shop. HOWEVER, R & W Supply (the local propane suppy store) was kind enough to allow me to use their confernce room and cool coffee machine. So, at the local propane store I had wireless and great coffee. Hank Hill would be proud!

Longing

Coffee, music, art abound
all a shallow facade
That represent the path of life
most have chose to trod.

But here, stirring, growing
from deep within my soul
An engulfing, eager longing
to express that I am whole

And in expression, perhaps, to see
in another's face
A similar anxious longing
to live in Jesus' grace