Proud of Kristi

Kristi has accepted a job with HamptonRoads.com!!! Later this week she will begin working as an online producer for this Virginian-Pilot affiliate. She finally has an opportunity to work for the Interactive Media Department. Here she'll begin to use and improve her online communication skills. She's been dabbling in wedding photography, website design, and site management and this new job should give her plenty of opportunities to learn the ins and outs of the world of online production.

It's Kristi's last day working for the Chesapeake Clipper. We just had lunch with her entire office and I can tell that she is going to miss this place. For the past 1.5 years Kristi has been working as an editorial assistant. She has been updating calendars, writing 2-3 stories a week, and quaterbacking the Close-Up column (spotlight of a unique local citizen). The job may have begun to wear on her, but it's obvious that the people had not. I'm sure that the staff baked-goods, team lunch celebrations, the nicknames, the inside jokes, and all of the special people she wrote about is what she is going to miss the most. It's not what we do in life that gives Kristi and I such joy. It's always been about who we do life with that makes all the difference. I'm thankful that she got to work with such a great team.

Kristi starts her new job, for a new town, with her new staff this Wednesday. Cross your fingers.

Fantasy Football part 2

Well gang, as it turns out, Michael Landon was right, where there's a will there's a way...or an A or something like that. Earlier this fall, I vowed to end a very hazardous habit in the world of fantasy football. Many call that habit...Sucking at Fantasy Football. Three months later, I'm in the championship round of the playoffs!!! That may not sound like a big deal, but trust me, the probability of me making the championship is comparable to biting into a snickers candy bar and finding that the peanuts have been replaced with jelly beans (that actually doesn't sound half bad). Anyway, root for me this week. If you see a game on this weekend, be sure to yell Go Jason! or Go Older Hairier Greek! which happens to be my team's name.

One Year Ago

I started this blog just about a year ago in hopes of finding ways to write just a little bit more each week. At that time, I was thinking about my developing future in ministry, and if I were to continue down that road that I should consider applying to seminary. What does that have to do with this blog?

Well, ever since high school I've had this habit of avoiding reading and writing assignments like the plague. Catching up with the reading was never a problem, but I always seemed to hurry the writing assignments due to lack of focus, motivation, and time. I usually spent the majority of the time I had to write papers on something completely unrelated to school like friends, girls, sports, movies, and other enjoyable endeavors. Most of my papers in high school and college ended up being rushed and underdeveloped. I really want this to be different in graduate school.

Knowing that seminary will demand a certain kind of focus and a considerable amount of time spent researching, dialoging, rereading, and evolving my current understanding of God, I still need to practice the act of writing little by little. If you've been reading this blog over the last year, chances are you've read some pretty silly entries and some pretty serious ones as well. I'm going to continue to use this blog as an outlet to share my thoughts and life experiences on paper. Hopefully, through this process, I'll be a bit better equipped for a life in seminary. Now I'll just have to work at writing 1500 words per sitting. Hope you brought your reading glasses.

Christmas Time

It's really hard to believe that Christmas is 8 days away and the new year is upon us. We're getting cards in the mail everyday from friends and family, the radio refuses to take a break from playing holiday tunes, and our tree is up and ready for action. Kristi and I had a really good time decorating the tree in our dining room. Before this week gets all holiday-ed up, I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2008!

National Youth Workers Convention 2007

Atlanta, Georgia, may not have been the most desired location for a 5 day convention, but the experience was right on the money for someone in my position. Getting to sit in on over a dozen great conversations with experienced professional youth workers, seminary professors, and world-class communicators provided a unique perspective on the world in which I currently live. Although, there were too many “ah-ha” moments to record during our trip, there were a few that are definitely worth mentioning:

Mark Oestreicher
The final general session of the convention was lead by the President of Youth Specialties, which is the company behind the NYWC. Mark went over the evolution of youth ministry in America taking us right into 2007. One of the changes that he challenged us to be more aware of is the need for our student ministries to no longer be driven by a program. Gone are the days of students hungry for the next big production. Nowadays, students are looking for real community and authentic relationships. Mark asked that our ministries begin to take on a more organic feel so our programs remain almost “not-driven” as opposed to “program-driven.” This was a statement that I was very ready to hear. The president of Youth Specialties was saying that our kids deserve more than just a program. They deserve a ministry that is “present” in their everyday lives via small groups, effective and passionate leaders, and a culturally relevant teaching atmosphere.

Andy Jack
I decided to take a chance on a new name this year for one of the break out sessions. Andy Jack leads a mid-sized middle school ministry at a church in Chicago and the title of his session caught my eye: “The Art of Unplugging: Practicing Spiritual Disciplines with Middle School Students.” It was really refreshing to hear from a guy who wasn’t focusing his middle school specific session on game ideas, outreach events, chaos control, etc. One of Andy’s main topics of discussion was the idea that we focus on creating a space for God to work in the lives of these young kids. This got me thinking about A2 and how it needs to feel like a space created for Critical Thinking, Community, Discovery of True Self, and a space created for Imagination and guided Creative Expression. Though the cognitive development of most middle school students is still leaning toward the concrete, we should be practicing a bit of the abstract in order to help these students grasp the significance of an invisible God during such a pivotal time of transition.

Phyllis Tickle
At first glance, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the 70-year old woman walking on to the stage about to address some 5500 youth workers. She looked like my grandma, minus the shawl. It turns out that Phyllis is a sought after lecturer and author of over 2-dozen books, mostly on religion and spirituality. She spoke to the urgency of denominational reconciliation due to the reformation the protestant church is finding itself in right now. She went on to speak about the “emerging church” and the importance of not allowing denominational differences to get in the way of loving the lost, serving the poor, and seeking the spiritual power of God. Her remarks were profound and it really got me thinking more about the possibility of Seminary in the future. I’d enjoy being taught by someone of her intelligence and experience.

Chap Clark and Kara Powell
The 2-day critical concerns course that I signed up for was “Deep Ministry in a Shallow World.” This presentation was pieced together by two of Fuller Seminary’s most extinguished Youth and Family experts. I’ve got pages of notes that I find myself going over again and again. We focused on understanding kids and today’s culture, the transition of students moving into college, searching for deep justice in today’s broken world, and teenage discipleship. Chap and Kara also gave us steps that we can take as youth workers to help our ministry move from “Shallow to Deep”

1. Discern God’s transformative work
2. Reflect upon new insights and discoveries in the world of today’s culture
3. Realize the importance of observing other ministries that are going deep
4. Apply the information gained in our reflection and in our observations that can help bring about a new kind of deep and meaningful ministry.

There was so much said during our time together, but I really hope to use what they taught me to continually evaluate the effectiveness of the ministry God has entrusted to me.

Kenneth
Adam and I happened to meet Kenneth during a 20-minute walk through downtown Atlanta around 12:15am. We were looking for some good late night eats since we clearly weren’t ready to fall asleep. Moments before entering McDonald’s, we met a man who had certainly seen better days than the one in which he currently found himself living. Kenneth was looking for money so he could get home. We offered him food and enough cash to take the Marta a dozen times. Realizing that our time with him needed to feel like more than just a one-sided exchange, Kenneth insisted that he escort us back to our hotel. During our walk together, it was obvious that he wanted to somehow earn the gifts we wanted to give him. I was then reminded of my time in Chap and Kara’s class when we learned the importance of allowing the poor to give back to us whatever they could, in order to feel proud, dignified, and important once more. When we walked with Kenneth, we wanted him to know that we cared about his story and his life. We talked and asked questions the entire trip back to the hotel. Something that I hope to be teaching our students is to not only care about the physical needs of the poor but also their emotional and spiritual needs.


This was my second NYWC trip since my hire in September 2005, and I hope that there will be more in my future.

Getting Old?

I remember days when I used to think and talk about sports, girls, and movies all the time. There wasn't really room for talk about anything else. We sat around, ate chips, jumped on bikes, and were off to the next best jump in town that was on the way to the neighborhood home-run derby.

Soon, I found myself talking about credits, majors, professors, and job opportunities! What in the world? And if that wasn't a big enough change in conversation, God thought it was high time I got married (well...so did I, I guess). Next thing I know, I'm moving, paying bills, setting up an IRA, worrying about deductibles and mortgage payments, talking about Seminary, and installing pedestal sinks in my half bath.

The moment I start having conversations about cholesterol and high blood pressure...good gracious...let's hope it doesn't get to that.

Ultimate Event 07

This was too much fun.

Lots

I can't believe just how quickly the days disappear. It's nearly December! Since September I've watched a dozen movies, visited 2 retreat centers, celebrated my 25th birthday, read (accumulatively) 3.5 books, bought 5 Christmas presents for my wife, blogged 5 times, spent 7 days in California and 4 in Atlanta, played in two Turkey Bowls (1 Football and 1 Ultimate Frisbee), talked about Seminary a hundred times, and washed my car twice. You didn't really need to know any of this. I just thought you might want to know what I've been up to.

Books I'm reading...at the same time:
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day - Mark Batterson
Soul Cravings - Erwin Mcmanus
Searching for God knows What - Donald Miller
Deep Ministry in a Shallow World - Chap Clark and Kara Powell
The Wounded Healer - Henri Nouwen

Movies I want to see:
Beowolf
Hitman
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Sweeney Todd
Die Hard 4 (again)

Places I'll be heading:
OBX - January
Pittsburgh- January
Massanutten Ski Resort - February
Roanoke - March

hello again

Sorry it's been such a long time since my last entry. It's been a busy time of year and as I handled all of the large tasks on my plate, it seemed as though the small stuff has been piling up. Hope I haven't lost any readers.

I'm sitting next to my wife in a nearly abandoned news room while Kristi goes over her work on a website she is managing. I'm so proud of her. She's doing some incredibly complicated web junk right now, and I can honestly say that she's got more web skizills than I do. Well done, honey! Maybe she'll design a site for us someday? I guess we'll see. See you guys tomorrow.

Soon

I can't believe that by this time next week, Kristi and I will be in California!! Andrew Birnie is getting married out in wine country, and we figured we'd make a nice vacation out of it. Lookout LA, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Ynez Valley...you've got Kastrounis coming your way.

Pittsburgh Wedding

My sister is now Mrs. Eric Edwards! Welcome to the family, Eric! First things First, we got to get you a Steelers Jersey. I hope you like Jack Lambert. Anyway, I love you sis. Hopefully, I'll get out to see you, the hubby, and the ranch one of these days.




This is a picture of my dad walking my twin sister down the aisle at her wedding! My dad is still wearing a cowboy hat. It just wouldn't come off. You should see him play Walleyball with it on...yikes.

Community

The best addition to our lives over the last two years has been our friends. As soon as we moved to the beach, Kristi and I were instantly welcomed and accepted by people who attend Regent University and the people that we've grown closest to at our church. It has really been amazing to meet people that are older/younger/single/married that have really made us feel right at home here. We don't root for Virginia Tech, use the word soda, nor have we ever been to a strawberry festival, but we've spent many nights with these new friends of ours talking about sports, fashion, home repairs, married life, family, God, etc. Kristi and I have developed friendships with people that have challenged us as Christians and who have lead us through some of our latest life transitions. Kristi and I really don't know where we'd be without our friends. Getting to know some of these new faces has really made us appreciate our past friendships from home and from college a lot more as well.

Here's a couple of tasty pics


SBCC Small Group Friends


Me and Magee...busy rocking socks off


Outer Banks '06


Me and Bradshaw

No one should ever have to go through life alone. I'm thankful for everyone God has ever placed in my life: Brothers, Sisters, Teammates, Roommates, Co-Workers, Bosses, Neighbors. You have all, in some form or another, changed my life.

Fantasy Football

I've never really been able to get into Fantasy Football. I've played every year since college, and it's just never been that fun for me. Probably because I'm terrible at it. I don't trade players. I don't participate in the league banter. I don't even know who I'm facing half the time. However, I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf this year.
Goal 1: Play guys that are not on the injured list
Goal 2: Play guys that don't have a bye for the week
I know this means that I will have to pay attention to my roster every week, but if this hard work pays off I can keep my buddies on their toes and lose with a little dignity. Cross your fingers.

ebay or yard sales

I've been on an Ebay kick lately. I'm not sure why. I guess sometimes I just need stuff...quickly. And I want a good price. I've been trying to shop a lot smarter lately, and this has allowed me to feel like a true bargain shopper. Ebay is like yesterday's yard sales, except without the wasted drives to the homes that were only selling old fuddy-duddy clothes.

I can remember waking up to the smell of bacon countless times as a young kid only to be duped into going to yard sales with my dad/family. Dad did the duping, family did the grumbling. But, I did love them. Not the bacon or my family, though I am very fond of both, but the yard sales. There was something about yard sales that just excited me. Maybe it was the thrill of the hunt that did it for me. There was so much mystery in "yard-saling" because we never actually said out loud, "I could really use a used pair of soccer cleats, an old cookie jar shaped like a sick duck, and a pressure cooker knob. Let's go yard-saling this weekend and get everything on our list!" There was no list. There never was. We just went, looked at other people's leftovers, bought some junk, and went home. I loved it.

Ebay is very impersonal as opposed to the yard sales of old. You never knew what kind of strange people you were going to run into. At any sale you could run into:
-the guy that's holding the item you want and won't let it go
-the old lady who's only interested in silverware
-the unleashed little boy who's playing with/breaking all the toys without buying them first
-the rugged 75 year old with the pick-up truck filled with broken furniture, 3 rusty charcoal grills, and a matress
-the owner that is asking four times the worth of everything on the lot and won't negotiate (I despise these people...because my dad did)
-the 7 year old with a lemonade stand that is so adorable you can't just pass up paying 5 bucks for a dixie cup of delicious yellow ade

Obviously, as much as I gripe about yard sales, I really do prefer them to Ebay. I just like people and the thrill of the hunt for...whatever they have that I might want...for no good reason at all. Even though Ebay is more convenient and less confrontational, I'm up for yard sales whenever. Call me on a Saturday morning and promise me bacon and I'm in.

be back soon

I'm going away one last time this summer. I'll be at Camp Westview on the James for the next couple of days on a weekend missions experience for middle school students. The last time I spoke on a weekend like this God totally showed up and changed some lives. I can't wait to get there and get started. I'm leaving in just a few short hours. Say a quick one for me.

Top Chef

Any guesses as to why I love the show Top Chef? I know, I know...it's about cooking food to perfection and competing to see who's the best. Every week I see food prepped, cooked, served, and tasted, and it makes me go nuts. But, I'm beginning to realize that my love for the show isn't because of the food. It's because chef Dale looks exactly like my brother, Matt, with a mohawk. Every week I get to watch my brother kick the crud out of the competition. You go Matt! I know that you are somewhat of an entrepenuer and a contractor, but you really know how to fry up some Poussin with Mint Gnocchi, Sweet Pea Puree, Carrots and Hazelnuts. Tasty. Good job, Bro.

Woah, I'm Back

As soon as the Summit ended I jumped on a bus filled with kids and headed to Rockbridge, a YoungLife in Goshen, Virginia. It was incredible. Another great trip. Any who...Leadership Summit Thoughts:

I'm not very savvy when it comes to the inner workings of the government and parts of the U.S. Military, but when given the opportunity to hear from someone extremely distinguished and intelligent, regardless of their political views, you just can't pass that up. I had the privilege to hear fromer Secretary of Defense Colin Powell speak about his experience in a number of leadership roles that he has held in the past. He was very composed and honest as he threw down about a dozen tasty nuggets of leadership wisdom.

The first principle Powell shared with us happened to be the one that really hit home with me and the way I hope to lead. He called it the ability Promote A Clash of Ideas in your environment. I've got a somewhat creative mind. I love new ideas and finding ways to implement them. However, when life and responsibilities creep up on me, I tend to forget about the details, and then my ideas have only the slightest chances of coming to life effectively. One of my problems is that I have been unable to really let go of some pride and invite others to really work with me. I mean, what’s the point of having great people around you if you don’t really know what they are thinking or what their ideas are. I'm no dictator.

Leadership Summit

Today marks the start of the 2007 Leadership Summit. I'm sitting in a row of comfy auditorium chairs alongside my friends, co-workers, and 600+ business leaders, church volunteers, and people that are looking to improve the way they lead their home, their work, and themselves. I'll probably be blogging about some of this throughout the next couple of days. Stay posted for some thoughts.

Shopping

Bought some jeans yesterday. It's not really that big of a deal, except that I never really buy clothes but maybe once a year. Since jeans are so durable, I buy them once every two years or so. Needless to say, I am going to miss my old pair. They fit so well and felt so comfortable. I really could've worn them everyday of my life. However, when holes begin to form in my pants, there's no stopping their rapid growth.

Come to think of it, it's probably a good thing that I had to buy new jeans (two pairs actually) seeing as though for 9 years sweat pants dominated my wardrobe. I'm all for change, but when it comes to clothes I get comfortable. I get really comfortable. I still have shirts from the 4 grade in my closet. The 400 times washed cotton T's that feel so soft against my skin might never leave my drawers. Many thanks to my mom for buying me XL shirts when I was 9, and telling me I'd grow into them. Unlucky for my wife, but lucky for me, grown into them I have. Grow out of them, physically and emotionally, I might never. Sorry sweetie, my pants may continue to change with the style of the day, but partly due to the popularity of the T-shirt, and the warm hug my torso receives from them daily, I may never let go of my love for old, worn-in T's.

War

Kristi and I have been playing a lot of "War" lately. Come on you know what I'm talking about...the first card game everyone on this planet ever learned how to play! Yup, that's a generalization but I really don't care, I'm 100% right on this one! Well, like I said, Kristi and I have been playing alot lately. I never thought that Kristi and I would find quality time together during a card game, but we have, and it's been great. However, as our latest game came to a close, I have decided that I'm never going to play the game ever again. I know, I know. But, before all of my fans begin to whimper and mouth the words, "Say it ain't so Jason, say....it....ain't.....so (sniffle)." Allow me to share with the reason for my early retirement from the game of War; one sentence should suffice.

I had one card left in my hand, and I came back to win.

I see no reason to ever play the game again. I've never uttered these words before in my life, but now I can proudly say, in all caps, I AM AWESOME.

Dream

Dream:
a deep aspiration; a cherised desire

I had the hardest time the other day answering just one question. It wasn't like some 6 part AP Physics type of question either. It was just right there in front of me. It was easy to understand, but just incredibly difficult for me to answer:

"At the end of your life, what's the one thing you want to be able to say that you've changed for the better?"

Right away I'm thinking
1. Is this question about me changing me...or about me changing the world?
2. How much time do I really have to make this change?
3. What needs changing?
4. Can I actually do something about this?
5. Am I doing this alone?

There is so much pride in me that wants to say things like, "Shoot. Tell me what to change and I'll change it, period." However, I've been coached my whole life through challenging situations and I often feel the need to be coached into "getting it done" in life. Almost as if I'm waiting for someone to say, "Jason, if you want to be a better husband, youth pastor, event organizer, son, brother, and friend, then here are the steps you need to take."

Problem is, I've got to be the one to initiate true change in myself. And as far as relying on others to tell me what I need to work on as a person, is stretching it. I'm always one for conversation and thinking with others about life and it's complications for me as a Christian Leader, but it really is up to me to dream big for myself, for my family, and for the ministry that God has called me to. I don't leave enough time in my day to dream about ways to accomplish life's big challenges, and to share those big dream visions with my wife. The moment I slip into a life that stops being risky, selfless, and passionate, is the moment when I have hit rock bottom. My wife deserves a husband who dreams. My God deserves a disciple that says, "What if?" and runs with it.

If I want to be a person that changes himself or the world, it's got to begin with God and continue with a little bit of Dreaming. Change...in me...in anyone...can happen.

Middle School Missions?

I've been gone for a couple of weeks here and there, and soon August will be upon us and I'll be getting busier and busier. Now is the perfect opportunity for you all to catch up on a little missions experience called the Jeremiah Project. I know I mentioned the trip in a previous post, but I just had to post a picture of my team from Week 1. They worked hard, they played hard, and we just had the most amazing week together. I sometimes forget just how real God can be to a middle school student, and I am reminded of that every time our church joins the Jeremiah Project for an event.



Middle School and Missions haven't always been words used in the same sentence, mainly because of most people's preunderstanding of the 12 year old mind. "They only think about themselves," or "they can't quite handle abstract thought," or "they're too busy making out to think about what God is calling them to." At times, these statements can seem very real. At other times, when you are able to really invest in the life of a young person, it becomes incredibly clear that they are capable of so much.

I challenge you to invest in the life of someone younger than you. Really dig in, and find out their story. Forget about your story for a moment, and discover the lives of young people all around you that are screaming for an adult to play with them, set boundaries for them, and walk beside them for a season. When they discover that someone is willing to say " you matter to me," and take them seriously, watch out. They will grow up right in front of you.

Coming Up

Soon, I'll be serving as program director for a week at a service-oriented missions camp called The Jeremiah Project. The project last nearly all summer long with the students and staff changing weekly. For five days of their summer, 65 middle school students sign on to paint homes, build wheelchair ramps and sheds, clean...everything, pull weeds, and of course...sweat, all to meet the needs of those less fortunate. I've been asked to lead these kids, and their adult leaders, into a deepening relationship with God throughout the week. It's a ridiculously tall order, but I'm going to try my best. I know that God has much to teach through me and the life that I've lived, and I'm hoping that this speaking trip will be the first of many. I'm in the middle of preparing for the trip right now but thought I'd stop to mention this trip to you guys so you could pray for me, the staff, and the students that will be there. God is good.

Bahamas

I forgot to mention that I went to the Bahamas with Kristi's family a while back. I don't know how I could forget to mention such an amazing experience. It's something that I never thought I would do in life. Not that I don't often dream about where vacation or my job might take me someday, it's just that my list of places to see is very small. I used to think that I'd only be able to hit up a few sweet spots outside of the U.S. before I'd die, and I wanted those to be Italy or Greece (motherlands/nottoshabbyplacestovisit). I can't believe Kristi and I got to spend a week on Paradise Island in the Bahamas! We swam in the ocean, rode water slides, ate conch, saw manta rays, sharks, and piranas, we had a view of the bay from our window, it really was truly unique. One day we rented scooters and toured the mainland of Nassau. Kristi and I had some good times on that scooter. Good times.

Life in ministry is give, give, give...and fortunately I love giving. I don't know if I'd know when enough was enough if I didn't have God telling me when to take a break. Last year I got chicken pox and poison ivy and I was out for a week.

This time God said, "Take a real vacation...how about Atlantis on Paradise Island?"
I was like, "Sure."
He was like, "You got to go with wife."
I was like, "Sweet."
Then He was all, "You're in-laws are going to pay for it."
I was all, "If you say so."

Kristi and I have started planning our next big vacation...Portland, Maine. I can't wait.

July 4th

I love holidays and I love good friends. Kristi and I are visiting some old friends from Richmond over the 4th of July and we are just predicting an awesome time. It's been different living in Virginia Beach for the last two years. Not bad, just different. House is new and different. Having a career is new and different. Friends are new and different. Being a husband is new and different. It's extremely refreshing to hear from old friends, visit, and just pick up where you left off. I don't have to worry about being inauthentic around these friends. Life is changing, but it's good to know that somethings will stay the same. Birnie, Milo, Gibson, and Binder...I'm thankful to have you guys as friends.

Too Old to Play Kickball?

DJ, play-by-play-on-field announcing, speed kickball rules, umpires, championship game under the lights, golden kickball awards, students and their families, concession proceeds going straight to partner church in the Philippines. God is good...and He probably loves kickball.

This blog's for you

Matt Martinez, you are the only middle school student I know that has ever heard of blogspot. For this reason alone, you deserve your own blog. So here it is. This blogs for you. Oh...by the way...when I think of you...I think of this guy as well.

Memory

What in the world is a butter tart? I heard this song by the group Len called "Steal My Sunshine," and at the beginning of the song these two guys are talking about their friend. Their friend needs cheering up and one guy mentions that Butter Tarts might do the trick. My friend Mike Gibson and I used to listen to this song all the time in high school and laugh at the term "Butter Tarts" until we lost consciousness. For the longest time I just thought two dudes recording themselves being stupid and created the term. Whatever. I'm never going to stop asking people if they like butter tarts. Ever.


When you're tried of guessing what butter tarts are check this out.
http://www.joyofbaking.com/images/buttertartfront.jpg

day off

I love me a day off. After a week's worth of meetings, energizing creative moments, organizing the details, wearing dress shoes, and focusing on the needs of students and their families, it feels great to take a break. With a week's worth of all that stuff, and more, behind me I get to eat pizza (more pizza), read a book, watch a little Jack Bauer, shop for my wife, and spend some time thinking and praying about my marriage, my family, the ministry, and the hearts of students. It's time to recharge for another sweet week of life in Virginia Beach. Who's up for some Basketball?

Uncle Jason

So my brother, Matt, and his wife had a child almost a year ago. Sophia Clare Kastrounis...wow. What a name, what an angel of a little girl. She has got to be one of the most adorable baby girls that I have ever come across...not that I come across them a lot...I just...she's just awesome okay!!! I haven't seen my brother's family in a couple of months now, and when I think about them I realize just how badly I want to see her grow up. For crying out loud!! A KASTROUNIS HASN'T BEEN BORN IN OVER 23 YEARS!!! Well, I'm sure one or two have, to some cousin in Texas, I just haven't met them...but that doesn't change the fact that Sophia is stinking awesome! My brother is a father! My parents are grand parents! My grandmothers are great grandmothers! My uncle is a great uncle! And I can only hope that one day Sophia will think of me of as a great uncle...you know what I mean.

I snaked it

I'll tell you what, Roto-Rooter is for suckers.

"Well, what you've got here is a main drain issue. I'm gonna have to get in there with my equipment and my partner, and we're gonna be taking this party to the roof. The only way I can get at your main drain is through the roof vent. It's gonna be the easiest way to get at the problem, and it'll cost you about $315-$350. What do you want to do?"

"Well how about I rent an electric-powered snake, do it myself, save the $300 for my next trip to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and I show you the door?"

I love being a homeowner...and having friends that know how to operate stuff like an electric-powered snake.

The Edge

It's another saturday morning and the anxious feeling that comes with being a speaker, a worship leader, and a leader of volunteers on a sunday morning is right on schedule. I can't really predict what's going to happen tomorrow, mainly because middle school students are somewhat unpredictable, but I can tell you that God is going to show up like He always does. He's going to show up in the form of laughter, caring volunteer leaders, in prayer, and in the hearts of a room full of 11, 12, and 13 year olds. I love this stuff.

Just a Thought

Matt Miloszewski, a.k.a. "The Polish Hammer," and I had a short conversation about conflict resolution through mediation. PH and I were student mediators in 7th grade. One thing that we both remembered about mediation was the importance of "I" statements. I'm no longer a mediator, I'm not trying to resolve a conflict, Milo may not even be Polish (yeah right), but right now I just really want to use an "I" statement. So here goes. "I" feel like, at this point in time, what I'm doing with my life is exactly what God is asking me to do. And that makes "me" feel pretty stinking good. I just hope that when the time comes for me to follow God somewhere else, to begin doing something else, with some other people, that I will be up for it.

wow

I can't afford it. I wouldn't know what to do with it if I had it. But a man can dream right? If you haven't checked this out yet. Make sure you do. I blacked out the moment I saw, and part of me still doesn't believe that it's real. It's the new iPhone by Apple. Pretty curious about what it can do? Check out the Keynote presentation from the MacWorld Conference yesterday.

http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/j47d52oo/event/

Good Goo

I'm watching this show on A&E call "Intervention." I really don't know how I feel about the show at this point. A young, incredibily talented musician, named Tim, is addicted to crack-cocaine, and his young girlfriend has been trying to Love him out of his addiction. Not such a good idea. The show starts off by showing everything that this musician has accomplished throughout his life, starting with a video of him playing the piano at 13 years old. He was a prodigy. The show went from shots of him blowing out candles on his birthday cake, to him wailing away at the piano as a middle-schooler, and then finally to him smoking crack. It was heart-breaking. Of course, he has no idea how he let this happen to himself, and he can't stop it. The show continues, and when the producers decide that they've taken enough footage of Tim smoking crack, beating himself, and threatening to commit suicide, then they schedule the Intervention. Why can't they just schedule the intervention? I mean come on, if you're going to help someone, help them. Don't wait for the addict to binge smoke crack for 3 days before you offer the help. Cue Intervention.

Parents bearing their souls to their child. "We'll always be here for You, but not You with the drugs". "My love is forever, but i would separate my life from you for the sake of my own sanity." Mom's a wreck, Dad's crying. Ultimatums. He agrees to a 90 day rehab program, succeeds, goes back to Madyson, and then relapses. What in the world. I would love to continue commenting on the power of addiction, and how it continues to destroy families and friendships, but "Kill Bill" is coming on TBS. Sweet, mind-numbing action, without a hint of reality.

Mr. Sandman

"Dream Girls" is a Musical. I was unaware that one of the top movies in America was a Musical. I saw the movie last night. I wish someone would've told me it was a Musical.