Blogcation! Happy Holidays!

Our current sermon series--"A Time for Everything," which is largely based off Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3 has been teaching me quite a bit about my current life and what God is calling me to live into in each season.  It's led me to ask the question, what is the point of the seasons God has created if I'm trying to accomplish all things for all people in every moment of my life?  Aren't seasons by the very nature of their definition marked by distinctions?  Fall isn't winter because there isn't typically snow.  Spring isn't summer because the temps haven't reached 100 yet.  Fall has falling leaves, Spring has blooming flowers, etc...  We're blessed by these seasons.  They make our lives rich and the various parts of our lives unique.

So why are we so often attempting to live seasonless lives beyond how we make it through the different times of the physical year?

Although it's been on my heart for quite some time, today I'm announcing a season in my life called "Blogcation."  After 177 weekly blogs, I'm feeling the need to step away for a while and let me heart and attention focus on other areas of life and ministry.  I've struggled with this because I'm afraid others will see as though I'm being lazy, or that I'll look like a quitter in comparison to some of the Blogging Giants who have blogged for years on a daily basis and have thousands of readers.  I'm also hesitant to take a break from blogging because I'm afraid others will perceive that I'm failing and my intuit that for their confidence in my leadership.

But in truth, I know I need not worry about any of these things.  It's easy to worry the tree is dying when it loses its leaves or that a plant is cooking in the summer heat, but in truth, each is living into its natural function during that season, and that is how it continues to live and thrive for many, many seasons yet to come.

So!  Here's to the seasons, and here's to "blocation!"  I'm looking forward to this new season.  If you are a consistent reader of my blogs, here's an opportunity to explore other blogs for a season.  I found a blog just today that may help you get started.  It's all about joy!  Joyless Christianity is Dangerous

More to come (after blogcation)!


Jason <><

A Time for Everything

This Sunday we started a new series in Ecclesiastes 3, focusing on the opening words:  "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..."

We talked Sunday about how those words that follow aren't from the perspective of taking the bad with the good, but rather that there are times in our lives when we are called to live into each of those times through out our lives:  a time to plant and a time to uproot, for example.  This is poignant, yet powerful for understanding the richness of the life God intends for us to live while here.

However, another powerful perspective comes from understanding what this chapter is saying not only about the places we'll be called to along the way, but also understanding the concept of seasons and times.  Often when I fall into a particular "season" in my life, I don't see it like I see fall, winter, or spring.  In fact, when in the midst of them, I often don't see the parts of my life as seasons.  Instead, I end up seeing them and believing that somehow they are fatal statements of the rest of my life.  For example, if I'm in a busy season of life at church, instead of embracing where I'm at and what's being asked of me, I become anxious and worry that my life as evolved into this new status and I may never leave it.

But that's why it's called a season, and that's why God breathed His words into life in Ecclesiastes 3--seasons come, and seasons go.  Some seasons last a week, some a few months, others a few years.  But no season lasts forever except the season of eternity with Jesus in heaven.  The rest, even the best, most glorious seasons, are here for only a time.  But that's often the best news we can hang onto when pursuing hope in the midst of challenging times--it won't be this way forever, and so I'll simply live it, learn from it, and find ways to point to Christ because of it.

That's when the richness of our lives comes to full life!  Embrace this season, even if it's not your favorite.


More to come!

Jason <><

Anywhere Christians

The other day I was reading through a list detailing signs of a mature Christian.  The list told me I'm on the right track, but that I have work to do.  One area I wasn't sure applied to me though was living into the concept that there are no "off-hours" of our faith lives, that it's a 24/7 thing.  As a pastor, I've seen what happens to pastors who treat their role with a sense of 24/7 priority--burnout, moral failure, and neglect of spouse and family.  I decided to ignore that one--or at least pretend it didn't apply.  For me, a sign of maturity is a healthy balance and to know the bounds of what I believe is personally in my hands to achieve or tend to.

Yet, I have ultimately concluded there IS wisdom in that sign and challenge that I couldn't ignore.  While I may not be in active ministry everyday--especially when I'm taking my weekly Sabbath or spending time with family, etc.--I'm still a pastor and have an example to keep.  Furthermore, even when I'm not actively in my pastoral role, I'm still a Christian and seeking Christ in and through my life.  There's a subtle difference between being a pastor and being a Christian, and that's where this sign of maturity comes into play:  regardless of whether I'm off or on as a pastor, am I the same Christ follower during my "on" days as I am during my "off" days?  Is my faith life a profession or a way of living?  What do I value behind closed doors?  How do people see me when I'm in a different city?  This matters.

The bulk of this wrestling came to a head for me just yesterday (Sunday 11/01) as I stepped up to the starting line of my first half-marathon--the Good Life Halfsy.  I was excited to be there and was proud to think about what this meant for people around me, at Horizons, and in my life:  I am an example that keeping fit AND being faithful is possible.  We don't have to choose to worship fitness OR Jesus; we can be fit AND keep our eyes on Christ.  Yet, there I stood at the starting line also just minutes away from our first worship service starting at Horizons.  In the back of my mind I also contemplated what example I was setting--am I saying sometimes there are more important things than being in worship??  That doesn't sound very good to me.  Nothing is more important than routine, joyful worship of our God.  Nothing.

So I decided there was only thing to do--be a fit, 24/7 on-call, running-but-not-preaching-today pastor AND Christian at the Halfsy.  If I'm going to miss worship, I'd better still be praising my God!  

I'm sure I was annoying to my fellow runners, and I'm sure many spectators chuckled as I ran by and thought to themselves "there's one of those guys..."   But regardless, I knew what my duty was:  not to run this for myself and my own goals, but to run and be a witness.  So I yelled along the way, in response to cheers and encouragement "It's all for Jesus!  I run for Jesus!"  That was my call and role Sunday.  Running came second.

In the end both the witnessing and running turned out.  I actually had more energy and enjoyment when I was busy shouting out my savior's name--I wasn't focusing on myself!  I also received several "amens" and "yeses"  along the way.  When I finally crossed the finish line (200th place out of 6,100 runners), I pointed upward to God.  He's why I run.  Of course Sarah, for a moment thought I was holding up a number 1 sign and was preparing for how she would gently break the news to me that I was not the first runner to cross, but quickly caught on and joined me in celebrating: this is why we're alive, no matter where we are--church or the finish line!

So that's what this 24/7 life in Christ looks like.  It's good.  Go live yours!


More to come!

Jason <><

Whining Isn't Winning

Sarah and I love to play games--card games, board games, mind games, etc.  We've been learning and teaching them to each other since we started dating.  But I can still remember the first game Sarah set out to introduce to me:  Phase 10.  Not only was it a comical yet somewhat frustrating evening, it was also an introduction into a silly dynamic that is now an ongoing part of our relationship.

This is how that day went early in our relationship when Sarah taught me Phase 10:

Sarah had made a special trip to Bellevue that day to hang out, and while I was finishing a project, she had cleared a spot in the living, laid out a blanket, and set up a picnic lunch for us.  I finally joined her to let the learning begin.  What Sarah hadn't yet learned about me and one of my family traits is that I tend to be a tough learner.  Not necessarily a slow learner, but to be sure, a tough learner.  It's something I inherited from my dad.  When it comes to learning new things, the initial "hump" may be a bit more challenging to get over for us than most.  It just doesn't come to us immediately, and an immediate feeling of defeat and frustration quickly sets in.  

And so, as the teaching began and my lack of success at the game bloomed like a hibiscus before us, I grew sour and frustrated--just like clockwork.  Sarah's feelings were hurt and she too began to grow frustrated--it's just a game... she would patiently repeat from time to time--why are you making such a big deal?  The more Sarah excelled at the game and seemed to run further and further ahead of me, the more soggy and whiny I became--like father, like son.  Finally Sarah gave me the ultimatum I needed:  if you can't learn to play this game without making such a big deal about it, then we aren't going to play.  I agreed I'd settle down and we made it through our first game of Phase 10.  Sarah won by several phases, and I felt like a failure.  Nevertheless, we began another round.

As round two began, Sarah again started to pull ahead right from the start.  I did my best not to start whining, but it seemed as though I could hardly control it.  Sarah looked at me and asked are you really still doing this?  It's a game.  Somebody has to lose.  I agreed but still complained about about the fact I was losing even though I was just learning.  Yet we plodded forward, with Sarah beginning to feel more and more guilty with each successful turn--I'm sorry J, this is just how it's turning out.  

Finally I hit my lucky streak.  One successful turn led into another great turn.  Soon I had caught up.  Sarah was happy for me and said See?  Now you're getting the hang of it!  By the close of that game, I had pulled ahead and won the game.  Sarah asked if I felt better and if all the previous commotion was worth it.  I agreed it wasn't and apologized.  We ended up playing two more games of Phase 10 that day.  I ended up winning both of them with significant margins.  By the end I was feeling quite good at the game and was enjoying myself immensely.  Sarah on the other hand, was beginning to feel frustrated:  you mean to tell me I felt sorry for you, and now I can't win a single game?  I felt badly.  I lost one game and made a big stink, while she lost the next three and was being a good sport about it.  We didn't play anymore Phase 10 that day, or for a while.  

We eventually laughed about our first Phase 10 experience, but it has seemed to haunt us as a reminder that my whining doesn't translate to winning.  The kicker is now Sarah rarely wins against me in Phase 10.  In fact, we've been through this similar process in many new games--she pulls ahead quickly, I whine immediately, and right when Sarah feels bad about winning so greatly I go on to become very good at the game, rarely allowing her the victory.  This happened to us again just the other night during Skip-bo.  I was sulking because I was behind, and yet I eventually pulled ahead to win three of our four games.  

Ultimately, however, no matter how many times I win the game, when I whine my way to final victory, I'm not really winning at all.  It does no good.  My poor wife Sarah is the true winner, no mater how many times she loses a game, because of her patience and willingness to play again and again for the shear sake of spending time with me.  She continues to have much to teach me in her patience

.  I have much to learn.

So as we begin our days today, regardless of our losses, let us each remember that our whining never leads to true winning!

More to come!

Jason <><  

No Solicitation Please!

Today's thought is short and simple--no need to sell the Gospel!

Yesterday as I was delivering my message in church, I noticed how hard I was working to present God's word in an ultra-attractive manner--highlight the drama, connect every aspect to our personal lives, add humor, reinforce with other cites of scripture, provide numerous examples, and sound convincing.

Really?  Is this necessary?

It's funny how this happens without even noticing.  Fear creeps in, and I begin to worry no one will find interest, that others won't make the connections, that it doesn't apply to our lives, etc.  How foolish we can often be.

The truth is, God's word has clearly stood the test of time and relevance.  It's the most widely printed, translated, and distributed collection in all of history.  God's story has the capacity to change the very course of our lives as well as the very course of our entire existence.  It has saved more lives than all rescue teams combined, and has changed more lives than have cumulatively filled all football, soccer, and other major sporting event arenas across the globe.  It is powerful, it is full of life, and can break through any barrier.  How could we ever doubt it?

Yet, Satan enjoys the easy attack, and at least for a moment convinces us that God's word alone isn't enough, that its success in the world and in our churches is ultimately in our control and under our responsibility, and that personal failure is worse that failing to trust God.  

Ultimately, we end up trying to doctor up God's word because we're struggling to believe in it ourselves.  This is why so many of us are terrified to speak in a church.  This is why many of us swear we have not been called to be evangelists in the world.  

But the powerful truth, whether it's in regard to preaching or sharing with others, is that God's word doesn't need elaborate proofs, heart-throbbing stories, or knock-dead presentations.  It doesn't need smooth talkers, debate pros, or holy sales professionals.

All it really needs is an honest heart, a true story, a simple trust in God's power and work, and a willingness to let go of control and fear.  God's word will sell itself, and it will be the best heard yet.

More to come!

Jason  <><

Too Much Pain?

One of the most powerful acts of love and sovereignty Jesus demonstrates in His three short years was healing.  Massive crowds resulted from His grace, touch, and miraculous power--so much so that they often threatened to crush Jesus.  To say healing in Jesus' ministry was important is an understatement.

That healing power continues to be a focal point for our faith relationships yet today.  We continue to praise and seek God in part because of this power and His promise to heal and relieve our pain, worry, stress, anxiety, and discomfort.  We cling to Peter's words in his letter and to Paul's in many of his letters encouraging us to embrace our pain and know that it will be healed for God's glory.  These words and encouragement truly resonate with us in our current time.

Yet, today I dare to ask the question, how much pain is too much ?  I love listening to K-Love and other Christians stations as I drive--especially because my CD player is toast!  However, the other day on a longer drive I noticed a consistent theme in the lineup of songs:  pain--pain of living, pain of losing, pain of stress and disappointment, etc.  I do understand how difficult our lives can be and how much stress we often carry on our shoulders.  And it will ALWAYS be a crucial part of our worship and praise as we exalt God's healing strength.

However, I'm concerned we may be making too much of our pain--that our tolerance continues to erode to the point that anything outside of what we consider intended, anticipated, likely, favorable, predicable, desirable, or pleasant becomes a significant source of "pain" in our lives.  We make jokes about "1st-world" problems and the moans of entitled whiners because of this syndrome.  In fact, it's at this point that we begin to make pain an idol.  We sing about it, we focus on it, we make everything about Sunday morning and our practices of seeking God and praying to Him mostly about relieving our pain and the pain of others.  We've become so obsessed with pain we often neglect any other aspects of our faith, of who God is, or of what God wants for our lives.  It's just like an itch or rash--the more we scratch and pay homage, the greater of a "thing" it becomes.

So today I encourage each of us to take a reality check regarding our own worship of pain.  How focused are we on it?  How often do the stories and reports of our pain get shared with others?  How often do we allow ourselves to feel pained on a daily basis by the inconveniences of life?

It may sound rough, but maybe God's inviting us each today to "get over it," to quit letting that be the only thing that we focus on, and to toughen up a bit.  Christ is our strength so that we may withstand more, not so that we have no strength on our own.  Here's to His gift of freedom in our lives today!





More to come!

Jason <><

Your Bar's Too Low!

I'm a runner.  I enjoy running.  I run as often as possible (which is 2 or 3 times a week with my Pastor's schedule).  When I'm driving and I see people on trails, my blood flow changes.  BUT, I'm not a distance runner.  I don't claim that name, own that body, have that time, and don't have any of the right gear.

But, I love challenges and slightly foolish ideas, so I signed up for the Good Life Halfsy, which is now less than a month away.  I've been running as much as I can, hoping not to get hurt and hoping to enjoy the run over just finishing it.  In the process of training, I've been struck by the results.  My training goal for ANY run or climb is to get to 7-minute miles before the event.  Usually I barely get there.  For me, that's awfully fast!  With this in mind, I had no real intention of getting to 7-minute miles for a half-marathon.  Whew!

Yet here's the kicker:  for my longer training runs, I've decided not to map the route before running it so that I would focus on running for a long time, rather than trying to be fast.  Each time I've come back from my long run, I've stared at the screen in disbelief as I log my route and time:  7:41 min/mile at 10.6 miles... 7:29 min/mile at 13.13 miles...  NO WAY!!...  That's impossible.

I'm not a distance runner.  But as it turns out, I've been given the ability to run long distances.  After about 30 minutes of running, I find myself just running, just putting one foot in front of the other, just breathing like crazy, just talking to Jesus, just singing songs about His name.  After a while, I forget I'm running.  I don't feel like I'm running fast.  I don't imagine I look like I'm running well.  I just keep going.  It feels good.  But there's no way it's actually good.

The clock doesn't lie.  There are a ton of people who are significantly faster than me.  But what's happening in my own running life is happening to a guy who hasn't ever claimed to be who he's turning out to be.

I'm thinking about this on a Monday morning because this is the story of our leadership and Spirit-following lives.  Week after week I see leader servants from the Steering Team at church tell me they aren't speakers, that they don't speak well, and that they're completely uncomfortable come out onto the stage and offer thoughts and examples that simply blow us away.  Week after week I see people insist they aren't teachers, they aren't good parents, they aren't good leaders or administrators or fundraisers, only to find themselves in the place they insist they shouldn't be, doing better than they ever could've imagined in their role!  The problem is when we set the bar way too low.

But THIS is the work of the Spirit--in the places and roles we least feel comfortable or affirmed in.  This is when the Spirit says THIS is what I do in the areas you DO NOT.  In fact, I'm pretty sure the Spirit's most difficult task is to work in the areas where we already feel competent.

So you want to grow in the ways of the Holy Spirit in your life and faith?  Let your bar be raised.  Quit deciding what you can do based on your own ideas.  Let the Holy Spirit decide!


More to come!

Jason <><

Come On Church!

It's been on my heart quite a bit recently, and perhaps the best way to let it breath a little is to share it. I love worship, and I appreciate the chance to worship an various settings.  Recently however, I was struck by the words that often seem to have the most weight and energy within them during the song, and I'm not sure I'm too wild about it.  In fact, it may be one of the silent poisons the church is drinking that tastes great, yet leaves us weak and frustrated.

It's the focus on what God has done for me.  ME.  God is my redeemer, Jesus set me free, and I praise Him for what He's done in my life, for me.  I have always been aware that our current expression of faith and religious organization has been bent far more individually based than communal, just as our modern society has also grown.  Yet it hasn't bothered me much because the same God is still be praised and glorified, and in some cases, there is often much more accountability and intentionality when each individual is responsible for his or her own faith and relationship status.  

It most likely struck my heart recently as not being okay as I've felt the tug and push of the Holy Spirit calling us as Horizons, us as a family, and me personally to begin really pouring myself out to the lost and the least.  Project Hope (or extensive Orphan Care project at Horizons) is growing by leaps and bounds to include more children, we've set new long-range strategies at Horizons to grow more mature in the Spirit and lead all children and youth to Christ, and the emphasis about being vocal about Jesus with others has grown much heavier recently.  There is so much momentum and movement in the direction of pouring into others and fulfilling Jesus' great commission. 

BUT, it's difficult for a community to get behind this as our greatest goal and highest ascent when many of the songs we sing place what God has only done for me in terms of redemption, salvation, grace, provision, blessings, etc as the highest value and at the top of the journey.  It's quite possible after singing 4 songs with that focus to leave feeling fulfilled and thankful, yet entirely unmotivated to care about anyone else or feel a burden for the greater community that may still be wrestling with life.  Sure, making faith personal may be a great way to enter into a more intimate relationship, but ultimately, when there's so much pain out there in the world and so many being left behind, it should make us even more passionate about a relationship with a God who cares for those needs and not just my bad day. 

We need to consider the fact that God will always have a higher regard for communities than individuals.  From the very beginning, while God may have chosen one man to be the father of His people, God didn't choose to make a person for himself, but rather a people, a nation.  

MY CHALLENGE TO YOU THIS WEEK:  regardless of where you worship, is to change the words as you sing.  Amazing grace, how sweet thou art to save wretches like us.  Sure, it's going to feel awkward.  People may turn their heads.  But try it.  See how it instantly brings you into this great big community of people God has chosen to adore, heal, redeem, and bless.  

Amen!  More to come!

Jason <>< 

To Retire or Not to Retire

If any readers saw the title of this post and panicked, have no fear.  I'll ALWAYS be a pastor, and I'll be employed as a pastor as long as God is willing.  But my life as a DJ?  That's where I'm not sure.  

I used to be a DJ on the side of school and college.  Often I'd have a wedding or reunion every weekend.  It was a good gig.  I enjoyed it, and I usually received quit a few compliments "Best DJ ever!"  But, as college came to a close and I went into seminary, I officially decided to call my DJ days to a close.  I gave away thousands of dollars worth of lights, lasers, fog machines, controllers, and speakers to friends in ministries that could use them.  The rest of what I kept went into storage for years.  No more DJ Kennedy.  It felt sad but good.  

Then, in 2011 it happened.  A high-school friend asked me if I'd fly out to Grand Junction to DJ his wedding.  I wouldn't need to bring any equipment, just music.  Okay!  I can do THAT.  So I re-entered the DJ world, but just that once.  But then, in 2012 it happened again.  This time is was my own wedding.  Why pay for a DJ when I already have everything we need?  I asked a friend to be the emcee while I dug my remaining equipment out.  It went great!  

It had been since my own wedding in 2012 until this year that anyone mentioned my old DJ days.  Then it happened.  My sister-in-law and her fiance wanted to know if I'd consider it.  Initially I said no.  I'm really not a DJ anymore...  Eventually I caved though.  I actually wanted to do it.  Shortly after saying yes to Emily, in a completely unrelated event, my best friend who used to help me DJ in high school and college texted asking if I'd be willing to DJ for his brother-in-law.  Of course I said yes.  Why not?  What could it hurt?  I've now DJed twice this year.  Both weddings went great.  The funny thing is I've barely married more people than I've been a DJ for!  Who would've thought that would happen?

So now my two DJ gigs are finished--the last one being just this last weekend.  My mind is still a little in DJ mode--that's a great song, I'll have to make sure to add it...I'll have to see what light to purchase to replace the one that went out...new microphones...need a dolly...  But now I'm faced with the question:  Am I done with this or am I a DJ??  I've already retired twice, and neither time stuck.  I do love DJing.  I am good at it.  But it's a lot of work.  I really don't want to put all my free-time toward this.  I work enough already, and I don't need the money...

It's a difficult choice.  What does God want me to do?  What will honor him the most.  I know the answer when it comes to that perspective.  While I may from time to time get out the equipment, I am happy to wish myself a third happy retirement!  

More to come!

Jason <><

Chewing on a Big Mountain!

Today I'm back in the office after my September mountain climb.  I go with some guys from Lincoln in July as well, but this fall trip is strictly my personal climb, which is in conjunction with some meetings I have in Denver.

The results of my hike made me laugh as I own up to my own bad habits.  So often in life we tend to run around with too much on our plates--hurrying, scurrying, confusing our weeks, and rushing past the greater things in life.  Many of us, when cornered about the nature of our hectic lives, choose to place the blame on other things:  it's the kids' schedules, our jobs, this particular season, the result of spousal under-performance, the need for more money, etc.  I sometimes do that too.

But my hike Thursday told the tale of the true one to blame, at least in my situation (and quite likely, in many situations).  It's ME!

I had been looking at maps of my climb for weeks.  As the day came closer, and I looked a little closer at the mileage of my route I had pieced together, I realized I had chartered a 32-mile hike!  Even for me, that was too much.  So I reassessed and agreed with myself to hike up-and-back rather than attempt a round trip route.  I'd still be getting 16.25 miles in.  Good enough!

That decision was good enough all the way until it became decision time.  I was at the top of Mt. Antero in record time.  I was feeling good, accomplished, limber, well-hydrated, and optimistic.  From my vantage point at 14,269 feet, I could see the trail from which I came, and I could see the trail that would lead me down and around Mt. Antero.  As I stood there, my internal conflicts came rushing forward:  Stay the course Jason; it'll still be a good climb.  BUT, if you go back the way you came, you'll be down before lunch, which will be dissatisfying.  BUT, if you go back where you came from, you'll be able to meet a friend for dinner.  BUT, this other route and mileage would be EPIC!

It's easy to guess which route I chose.  I thundered down the trail leading down and around.  I don't know how I thought I'd really be able too accomplish 32 miles in one day.  I guess I just went for it.  Finally, around 4:15 in the afternoon, I had reached the paved road my car was on, and began to tackle the last 9 miles of the trek.  My body was sore, my water was low, and my feet had numerous blisters, some the size of caterpillars.  That's when the thumb came out.  Somebody please give me a ride!

After three miles of brisk trudging, a ride finally came.  As we drove to my car, the driver asked if I had gotten lost or had an emergency.  Ha!  I had contemplated what story I would tell my kind driver about not planning on needing a ride or about getting off track or lost.  But those were all lies.  All I could ultimately confess to was intentionally choosing a trail I was unlikely to finish solely by foot.  My driver laughed, but seemed a little confused (rightfully so!).

I finally arrived at my car where I slipped into sandals, took a huge drink of water waiting for me, and began my trip out of the mountains and into cell reception to tell Sarah I was alive and well.  On my way out I thought about the trip.  Why didn't I just go for 16?  BUT, that hike was awesome!...  Ultimately I concluded in my thoughts that it shouldn't surprise me the trip turned out like it did:  You know me... I told myself.  I'm never satisfied with just doing what I can.  I'm never okay with just fitting into the day what would leave with time for other things.  I'm an all-out kind of guy; it's what I do!...  And myself said in reply  Yeah, I do know you; you are that kind of guy.  But it doesn't always get you to where you want to get.  Now you're tired, you won't get dinner, and your wife hasn't heard from you.  The day's done.  Is that what you wanted?...

Oftentimes it's nobody's fault but our own when we're running ragged and overwhelmed.  Although I hate to admit it, I think it takes even MORE courage, training, and integrity to set reasonable, healthy goals than it does to take on a 32-mile hike up and around a 14,000+ feet mountain.  I wrestle with this all time.  My hope, in addition to hiking all 56 14ers someday, is to learn, one day, the skill of setting better rhythms.  That would be nice!  I also wish that to many of you, who also struggle with the same thing.  Learning this skill is well worth it!

More to come!

Jason <><

For the Love of Zombies

Just this last Saturday I was asked to be the official chauffer for my sister-in-law's bachelorette party in the Haymarket.  At one point during the night as I drove down to take the girls to another location, I was face-to-face with an amusing cross-section of our American culture.

Somehow the traffic signals had been reversed so that people were queued to walk across a busy street while cross-traveling vehicle traffic had a green light.  In a mass moment of confusion I pulled forward to take advantage of a green light in front of me only to find a large sea of walkers who were also determined to take advantage of their queue to walk across the street.  As I sat in my vehicle for my personal front-row seat to the show, I watched a peculiar mix of zombie fanatics on parade for Zombie Fest and of long line of spiritually renewed women leaving the Women of Faith conference at the arena.  The women walked across full of lively chatter and oblivious laughter, and the Zombies limped, dragged, flailed, and glared their similar paths across the street.

The women were completely unaware of my presence (small sedans are nothing compared to the freight train of the Holy Spirit), while the zombies were very aware of my presence.  I get it.  It's part of being a zombie.  Zombies glare.  Zombies want to take my life.  Zombies don't care about danger or inconveniences they might be causing.  They're free from caring about anything really.  At least that's what I've gathered from the shows I've seen.  I commend both parties for living into their parts quite well.  Yet, I struggled with the scene.

I've always loved Halloween.  I love scary movies, gore, fright, and scary stories.  I love haunted houses, and I love dressing up for the day.  It's fun!  It's festive.  It doesn't mean I worship evil or am supporting dark spirits.  So as I watched the zombie parade, a fair part of me wished I would've thought to attend Zombie Fest.  Yet, as I watched our zombie fanatics participate in the massive parade of the living dead, I was struck by how popular this trend has become and how heart-captivating it is as I watched even small children walk with their parents in line dressed as dead people.  What is it about zombies that cause us to desire, glorify, and uplift the lifestyle of the living dead?  How is the concept of being dead inside yet still being animated and driven only to destroy other life so attractive compared to the lifestyle of the One who says I will carry your burden and make your load light and give you life everlasting, though you may parish, you shall have everlasting life and be with me in paradise?

It's funny how life works oftentimes, and how we as humans respond.  Hopelessness often feels more comfortable and attractive than hope.  Hope is hard to keep a hold of; hope is demanding of our attention and our efforts; hope often seems to disappoint us; hope rarely guarantees we'll be taken care of along the way or that the path will be easy; hope often requires us to make changes in our lives if we wish to still have it within us.  Conversely, the life of a zombie requires little, if anything at all, is accountable to none, has few cares or goals, leaves little to be disappointed about, and yet has a remarkable amount of power and control over others.  The life of a zombie, for many who are burdened, overrun, and tired of the weight of life, seems VERY refreshing.  If we can't seem to fit into the world, the march, and the lifestyle of the majority, we might as well fit into something that works and won't so quickly kick us to the curb--even if it means we don't truly have life within us.

And so, for the sake of reflection I offer this:  faith, hope, belief in a living God, and a relationship with the savior are not easy.  Sometimes people get their own pursuits wrong and try to exclude others from similar pursuits.  Yet, the pursuit is worth it; it truly is the only way, the only truth, the only life that fills us overfilling.  It does take time, it does take effort, it will involve pain.  But it's worth it.  It's good.

To my zombie-loving friends, I get it.  It really can just be for fun.  I may also choose to dress like a zombie someday.  It's a pretty easy costume to put together.  But to all my friends, don't let your hope dwindle to the point that accepting failure feels like a better option.  Keep going.  Keep seeking.  Keep striving.  This life that Christ offers us really is all good.

More to come!

Jason <><

Looking at 5 to 10?

Nope!  It's not a sentence.  Horizons leaders have been working since early April to discern more intently for the church where God is leading us into the next 5 to 10 years.  We've been calling it the 5/10 Plan.  We sought the hearts and dreams of all Horizons people, we surveyed a broad spectrum of leaders, we prayed for days, studied scripture, held hours worth of gatherings and meetings, and we worked together to learn a ton!

And now the plan has nearly taken shape!  Final drafting and future picture-painting will happen this week, and the broad spectrum of leaders will gather again this Sunday to see what has come of this process.  After conversations and prayer happen Sunday and perhaps some final edits, we hope and pray to share the plan with all of Horizons!

As the Pastor, I share my excitement and my anticipation!  It's been clear since last fall this is what was next for Horizons.  For nearly 3 years since I first arrived, we've been working tirelessly to return Horizons to a healthy state.  It's been great seeing what God can do!  Yet, going through a process of future planning, especially if it's truly Spirit-led, cannot be forced or manipulated.  If the activities of something like this are not in line with what God's intending, there's simply no going forward.

The depth to which this process has taken Horizons and me personally has been astonishing.  There were several times when I questioned if we'd need to prolong the process--not because it wasn't going anywhere, but because the more we learned and the deeper we dug, the more we realized we had more work, more learning, and more digging to do (digging includes praying, searching, etc.).  Even as our final focused study group opened its third meeting of three hours, I wondered where God would lead us.  My hope was simply that the Holy Spirit would be present, strong, and willing to bless our hopes and desires.  It was mind and heart-blowing to see just what God can do so perfectly with imperfect hearts.  By the time we finished, I could see it!  Our work was still a diamond in the rough, but we could see it!

In reflecting on this process personally, I am blown away by how God has been working through it to grow me.  I've never led any process like this.  Many churches and businesses will pay thousands of dollars to have a trained person take them through this process.  Additionally, there was much to learn about Horizons itself--where our dreams and fears and hopes and hurts all lie.  There have been some challenging moments and opinions.  There have been some surprising twists and turns.  I read through dozens of interesting articles and have engaged in various conversations. All along, the dialogue running through my heart has been  God?  Am I doing what you need of me?  Will you reveal to us where your heart for Horizons truly is?  Will you give me what I need to lead this faithfully?  Jesus, is this part of what you were willing to die for? 

Leadership and servanthood are terrifying.  Yes, they are also immensely gratifying, but mostly only in hindsight.  Godly leadership leaves all of the ego behind and most of our worldly confidence and assurance, because God's plans are always bigger, typically less comfortable, and often more radical than our human-contrived plans.  God's plans don't always seem to make sense or seem possible.  Sometimes they feel quite counter-intuitive.  Being the one God calls to champion His plans requires all the humility, trust, and courage we possess.  Nothing more.

Yet, I'm thankful to have the chance.  I'm grateful to be used as God chooses.  I continue to pray daily for where God's leading us, and I work to lay down my needs and ego.  Sure, I'm not Moses, Peter, or Paul, but at least I can play a small, yet important role in building God's kingdom!

Here's to the upcoming 5/10!

More to come!  


Jason <><

Rebel With a Plan!

It's old news by now, but I recently signed up to run my first half-marathon (the Good Life Halfsy).  I'm excited because I rarely sign up for these things.

Now that I'm all signed up and the event is nearing, the chatter and e-mails are increasing as well.  Apparently, it's time to start training.  I knew this was part of it.  I've blogged several times about how foolish it is believe we can go from 0 to Marathon in a couple weeks.

I will be training and getting ready for the event, but when it comes to training, my rebel side starts to kick in.  I don't "do" the plans, I'm not a gym junkie, and I don't spend money on expensive clothing, shoes, watches, special food, equipment, personal trainers, or other such "necessities."  Some of them may be very helpful, but my rebel heart tells me it's mostly for profit and little for performance.  I still seem to do quite well in my climbing, running, and racing endeavors without all the stuff and on my own program.

Yet, the other day as a Halfsy e-mail came in, my interest was piqued by a recommended Halfsy Training Plan.  I figured I'd take a look at it just to see how close my "most excellent" Jason-designed training plan is to the promoted plan.  There were many similarities, but in truth, I picked up some really good insights on how far my runs should be.

Additionally, and this is the kicker, I realized what an event like this has to offer that appeals to us so much:  the "big mission and community" aspect of it.  The first training run was set for yesterday (Sunday the 16th), and it was going to be a big event with vendors, sponsors, and activities.  Additionally, just reading through the plan made me feel like I am part of a big group and that we're all going to be striving for this together.  I printed off the plan and proceeded to run a 9 mile course the next day, as sort of recommended by the plan (I'm a bit ahead).

As I was running that 9-miler and thinking about this whole event I am now part of, I realized what we are often missing in our faith lives:  a larger, more unifying mission and plan for our goals.  Good Life is so effective at what it does that I'm confident many Horizons people chose to go to the opening-day training event (Sunday at 9 a.m.) instead of worship yesterday.  I admire the work these organizations are doing, and I'm glad to learn from them at every step.  The church needs this as well!

So here's to the plan.  I'm now in prayer about how we might be able to create similar plans at Horizons and get on our mission together!

More to come!

Jason <><

3 Guidelines for Knowing What's Right!

A question I often get asked and was posed again to me yesterday is how do we know what is truth--especially in more turbulent, unsettled days.  Even Pontius Pilate, face to face with Jesus before Jesus' condemnation and crucifixion and seeking for Jesus' real identity, scoffed at Jesus' mention of truth and retorted asking "Ha! What is truth!?"

I appreciate the question.  There are thousands of pastors, politicians, and other concerned/outspoken individuals wishing to lead and impress those around them to what they believe is right--and each one believing they have discovered the true truth while the rest have arrived at some form of false truth.

So how do we know?  How do we discern what it true?  Discernment, which is essentially decision-making based on the knowledge of the Holy Spirit, is our greatest tool.  Yet, most of us aren't well enough versed in the Spirit to discern as we're called.  Below are 3 guidelines to developing a more Spiritually discerning heart:

1.  Let Seconds be Second
When considering the sea of voices all calling out to us, the sheep, it can be confusing to know whose voice is reliable.  How can it be that two leaders can share really sound advice, yet be completely contradictory to each other?  One lesson we need to remember is the difference between primary and secondary sources.  Writers and researchers know this distinction well, as their use of these sources will often determine their credibility.  Essentially, when it comes to us seeking other leaders' voices and thoughts based on their research, study of scriptures, and experiences, we're accessing secondary sources.  The data have been filtered through someone's heart, mind, and bias already.  Secondary sources can be very helpful, but they should NEVER trump the primary sources available to us.  Go directly to the source.  Do your own praying, scripture reading, and wrestling before immediately putting someone else's word first.

Why is secondary information so appealing?  We often follow others because they clearly have a gift for making sense of things and for making compelling arguments.  Yet, we often gobble up the "wisdom" of others because it's easier.  We don't have to do the work that way; all we need to do is jump on board and enjoy the ride.

2.  Really Live With God's Word

If we want to begin truly communing with God and His Spirit, we have to spend time in His Word.  People often say they have made worthy attempts at doing this, but still end up confused and unsure about what to think.  Yet, what I often discover is when most of us attempt to make the journey of studying the word and seeking its truth, we attempt to go directly to the end for the answer, without actually taking the journey.

What I mean is this:  when we are confounded by a difficult decision or a heart-breaking issue and decide to go to scripture for direction, we often do a word search or a topic finder, and locate scripture that speaks about the issue or choice with which we're wrestling.  When I say really live with God's Word, I don't mean just to go to the end and read those passages over and over.  I mean go to the very beginning.  Start reading God's word, start downloading God's heart, start putting the pieces of His puzzle together.

The truth is all the words, stories, and lessons that seem to have absolutely nothing to do with our issue are absolutely crucial to the specific passages we believe will best guide us.  It's just like attempting to translate a French sentence into English (thank you Google translate).  We may get the words to match up, but rarely will we ever get the real meaning until we learn more about the French language and culture.  Read Psalm 42.  The Sons of Korah are reaching out to God for direction.  They too feel lost and as though God is distant or absent.  Yet, as the psalm progresses, the writer affirms God's presence and direction saying "deep calls to deep, and God is speaking in and through many things."  Essentially what is being said here is that deep wisdom doesn't call to shallow hearts or superficial knowledge.  The depth of God's words speak to the depth of our hearts and relationship--only formed out of intimacy.  Ultimately, God's specific word that applies to our issues won't be discernible to us until we know God's general word applying to the depth of wisdom!

3.  Cry Out
Even after we have rejected the easy road of taking someone else's word for truth and have begun to read God's whole word, we still often miss a crucial step.  We forget to cry out.  Isaiah 30:20-21 reminds us of a powerful promise God has given us:  How gracious will He be when you cry for help?  he asks.  As soon as He hears, he will answer you.  You will still face adversity and affliction, but when you seek me, I'll teach you.  You'll see me and you'll hear my voice guiding you whenever you begin to stray to the right or left. 

Discernment is less about knowing and far more about seeking what we'll never know on our own.  Rarely do we ask God face to face to speak to us, to reveal Himself to us, to lead us through something.  Instead, we read a passage, face an issue, consider a secondary source, and in solitude try to make sense of them, making our own conclusions.  We believe this is Holy work because we've considered holy sources.  But nothing can be holy if not brought before the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, crying out means something far different than what we make it.  Our crying out is done in the middle of the storm as the boat begins to fill with water.  Living with and and intimately communing with the Spirit takes time.  The type of crying out the Spirit requires is a constant, frequent, and consistent crying out.  God's direction is often only revealed over time because God is  seeking reconciliation with us in relationship, not just seeking to be our Holy Google for quick fixes and instant resolution.  When we seek God's revelation through true discernment, it make take months or years before God develops a sound direction for us in our hearts.

I know for each of us, this is hard work.  It takes time, and it's nearly always less fulfilling in the short-term.  Keep going.  This is our life's work!  It's in this that the true beauty of our relationships with God begin to flourish!

More to come!

Jason <><

A Week Not to Forget!

Wow!  VBS 2015 is complete, and our VBS and His Little Feet Sunday has come and gone.  What a beautiful 7 days to be a part of and witness!  Many have asked me, so how do you feel VBS went this year overall?  It's difficult for me to rate this VBS against others, but this is what I can say:

By far, of four VBS seasons I've now been a part of at Horizons, this has been the most spiritually engaging of them all, which I LOVE!  Horizons staff and leaders make it a priority to be in prayer for each event and effort we offer.  Yet, as the saying holds true, one can never pray too much.  This year more than any other, we quickly found the need to be in deeper prayer during the week.  Here's why:

VBS is Never on Auto-Pilot
Few churches can boast about their VBS being to the same caliber as Horizons'.  It's one of the areas in which we absolutely excel!  Yet, because the event and its success seems to come so easily to Horizons, we run the risk of thinking the event will nearly take care of itself.  This year we were reminded that it takes the WHOLE church, it takes EVERY volunteer, it requires EVERY invite, and it still demands EVERY ounce of passion we've poured into previous years.  One might propose we were reminded to work harder.  But in truth, more than we needed to put more effort into the week, we needed more prayer.  As we found ourselves short on volunteers this year and lower on registrations than usual, the opportunity to be in greater prayer became apparent.  And so we prayed!  By prayer and prayer alone we witnessed the miracle of volunteers come forward and invites to friends increase.  Never have those attending VBS invited more friends during the week than this year.  That's how powerful prayer is!

VBS is Never Just About VBSWithout the focus prayer brings about in our hearts, it's easy to hope and strive for something for the wrong reasons.  We LOVE VBS.  We yearn for it, get excited about it, and we push to ensure it goes well.  Yet, as we truly set our hearts to praying for the week, we were reminded what it's all about.  It quickly feels funny to ask God to make sure VBS is big.  It's like asking God to let the Huskers to win the championship.  Does God truly care about who wins the championship or how big our VBS is?  This last week, prayer reminded us of the deeper, more life-changing reasons why we have VBS.  It's through VBS that hearts, lives, and stories are brought to life, are redirected, and are filled with Jesus' life and light.  That's why we have VBS!  God DOES wish to bless things that will bring more of His people back to Him. Our constant practice of prayer over the week reminded us THIS is our true purpose and intent behind the events we hold.

Small Visions Cast Small Nets
Without prayer we often forget how powerful and grand God is.  Without prayer, we might feel as though it's only possible to welcome 200 children to VBS.  We look at numbers, trends, resources, our energy levels, and the energy of others, and predict by ourselves what is possible.  But in prayer, God reveals what His plan is.  It was God who brought thousands to faith in Jesus in just one day during the growth of the early church, not the efforts and estimations of the apostles (Acts 2:41).  Without prayer, our visions tend to be too small, and our efforts often render small results.  But in prayer, God gives us HUGE visions, blesses the efforts of servants, and renders unbelievable results!

Even Greater Things Can and Will Happen
Without prayer, we strive to meet all our goals and simply hope we might get there.  But as we saw this last week, in constant prayer and devotion to God's will, God will bring about even greater things, things far beyond what we could hope for or imagine!  It was while we were in prayer this last week His Little Feet called to ask if we would consider hosting them that Sunday.  Only God could have orchestrated this.  VBS and HLF children together?  It was a dream come true.

And even beyond that, through our prayer during the week and our focus on what VBS is really all about, God's power truly worked through our words and actions.  Jesus showed up, and the Spirit breathed ardently into the hearts of our children and adults.  By the end of Wednesday night, 56 children celebrated giving their hearts to Jesus, inviting Him to be their Lord and Savior.  Without prayer, this seems impossible and uncomfortable.  Through prayer, we confident and assured--this is our greatest desire and highest effort!

I am grateful for this journey.  The experience of prayer and the reminder of how important it is to be in prayer, constantly welcoming God's Spirit, has grown my heart and our hearts as Horizons staff and leaders.  Praise God for that!  While our record number of registrations may only have been matched this year, so much more happened.  Kingdom things happened.  Amen!

More to come!

Jason <><

VBS BlogFest Night 5!

Horizons VBS 2015 has come to a close, and we now celebrate the tremendous work that has been started and completed for the glory of our God and Savior.  This year we again had record registrations as we matched last year's top number of 544!  56 children formally received Christ during the week.  2,150 meals were collected for families hoping to keep their children nourished during the weekends.  And never in the history of Horizons VBS have we invited as many friends during the course of the week.  It was beautiful!

Today's post comes from Jill Knox, who volunteers during VBS in the nursery and toddler area and is a part-time staff member in the nursery during the year.  Jill says it all--this VBS thing is REA, whether God's working in the craziness, in the less noticed hallways, and in the areas completely behind the scene.  AND, God continues to work through VBS each day following, even if the decorations and nightly parties are now behind us.

God's Working, for Sure!

When VBS at Horizons rolls around, there is a buzz in the air and excitement all around. The amount of time and energy that goes into planning and preparing for VBS is nothing other than extraordinary! As kids start arriving and volunteers are scurrying around it seems unreal that it has all come together. There is a small group of kids and volunteers that hang out seemingly in the background. When I first experienced Horizons VBS, four years ago, I was "in charge" of the nursery and toddler rooms, and I still serve there now. I initially felt like I was missing out on the excitement. I mean, all the "fun" was happening in the worship center. God has a way of sending us messages and that first year he was talking to me. We may be a small group and we do stay out of the "craziness" that happens throughout the church but there is no doubt we have FUN experiencing God in our own little ways. We tell stories, we sing songs and it seems that these little ones certainly wouldn't pick up on God's message but a few days into it, the kids are jumping, dancing and singing along to the songs. There are hugs and high fives and smiles all around. This year was no different!

The other night as I was running around and not spending as much time with the kids as I would like, I was handed a tiny infant we were caring for and it made me pause and look around. I had to sit down and watch what was going on. What I saw was nothing short of God's love being poured out into these little hearts by the amazing volunteers and the kids having a blast. I think God was saying..."here is your God sighting, slow down and enjoy it". Although a lot of folks don't see us in the nursery and toddler room, I like to think we are helping God plant the seed for future VBS's to come. Getting the kids excited about coming back and moving up to the "big kid" room the following year. As I watch kids pass along in the hallways, I see a whole lot of kids that have passed through those nursery doors. Every once in a while they stop to give me a hug and a big smile comes across my face.

As the night came to an end, I was back in the halls watching some of the decorations being taken down. It made me sad that the excitement was ending and the fun was over. As I reflect back on it a few hours later, I realize that is not the case at all. VBS is just the beginning. It is the beginning of someones journey with God, it is the beginning of new relationships and renewed friendships. Seeds were planted and I know the buzz for next year will already be happening.

Thank you Horizons, thank you volunteers, thank you kids and parents but most of all...Thank you God for all you gave us this week. I needed it!

Jill Knox

More to come!  <><

VBS BlogFest Night 4!

If you weren't at Horizons' VBS night 4 last night, it may be hard to conceptualize how something already so good could get even better.  But night 4 proves that it can and does get better--better than we can imagine!  The energy was high, our leaders were enthused, our numbers leaped forward for attendance and meals collected, and the Spirit was very present.  Last night, 56 kids committed their lives to Jesus and invited Him into their lives!  This is a true and beautiful miracle, and it's the reason we do this every year!

Today's reflection comes from Heidi McInerny about how this crazy energy and full Spiritual presence in so many things at VBS have a way of taking a hold of our hearts and leading us into the next and best of our lives!  Enjoy!

It's the Music

I remember my first Sunday at Horizons.  It was in April of 2006, and I was pregnant with my second child.  I remember how friendly everyone was as we walked into this new environment, how inviting it felt, and most of all, I remember the music.  The music is what brought us back the next week and the next.  I never knew I could feel God’s presence so profoundly through music.

Fast forward a couple of years to a Horizons VBS…..  I stood in the back of the worship center watching kids dance and sing to that year’s VBS music. They were so fired up, they were yelling, screaming, dancing, laughing, and loving on a God I obviously new nothing about.  I. WAS. IN. AWE!!! I wanted to know this God, this God that accepted this kind of craziness.  I knew I had to be part of this. I had to have this relationship with God and with all of these kids that made loving him look so easy.  Again, it was the music…

Now here we are, night 4 of VBS 2015.  Again, I stood in the back of the Worship Center watching in awe as 500 kids sang and danced.  I too, was singing and dancing and feeling such love in my heart for all of these kids.  Goosebumps rose on my arms and legs as I let the sound of their voices run through my head.  Tears stung my eyes as I looked around and smiled.  I wondered… Do these kids, these incredible kids, have any idea of how lucky and loved they are by this God that has brought us all together?  Probably not, but that’s okay.  They are here.  They are dancing.  They are singing. They are laughing.  They are loving on one another.  They are alive with God’s Spirit, I see it in all of them. 

I know that there will be kids who will be so sad when this week is over,  I will be too.  There will be kids who will beg their parents to come to church on Sunday, mine will too.  There will be kids singing those VBS worship songs throughout the coming months, remembering the incredible time they had at Horizons VBS…. I will be too!  And again, it’s the music…

-Heidi