Well...
For all you "workin' for the weekend", happy Saturday morning to you!!! Last night Diana and I went out to dinner with our friends Megan & Nate and Erin & Fish. We went out to North Hills and had dinner at Mamma Fu's. Pretty good low budget asain food, but our company was great - Good Times!!! After dinner we went to meet a few people for bowling and it quickly turned into the party place to be. I think everyone of us going called and invited someone else and before we knew it was party times. It's always a blast hanging out with people you don't know, getting a chance to hear a different perspective on life, and flat out having fun.
Then this morning my beautiful wife slept in and I had a chance to surprise her with a little something our good buddy Jack Johnson calls "Banana Pancakes". What a nice relaxing morning around the Gore household. I love you babe...
Hope you all have a great weekend. I've got a few friends out on the road for the next few days. Some as close as the next town over and as far as away as Chicago. I wish you all safe travels and I hope you have a blast.
Enjoy your weekend...
Love and Peace,
-J
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
maybe I talk to much...
So... if you know me well you probably already want to post something like, "it took you this long to figure this out???" and my answer would be no, but maybe I am just now realizing it in a different way.
I know some of you who communicate with me through this blog are not completely sure where you stand in the whole spiritual journey thing. Because of that and our conversations it leads me to exploring and seeking out different ideas in spirituality. One thing I've stumbled across for the most part is this... no spiritual discipline, regardless of religion, is more universally acclaimed as necessary than the practice of "silence". So in that light maybe these next few thoughts could be beneficial for all of us.
I mentioned in an earlier blog about how it seems life is finally slowing down a bit. Some relationships in my life are deepening and it feels... well, "right". I am really loving it. I've kinda found myself now thinking, "what have I been doing the past year, 2 years, 3 years..." This has recently lead me to really pay attention to my own "silence".
Now, I really do believe that life is about seasons and sometimes we have seasons of busyness (and that's ok)... but I think that sometimes in our culture, capitalism and the American dream (I love where I live), and the "we have to be the best" mentality can leave us to finding our identity in what we are accomplishing (or what we are busy-ing towards).
Frustration, emptiness, and even doubt are feelings I find in myself when I put myself under the burdens of "accomplishing my identity." For me personally the only way I find true peace is realizing my identity in the truth that I am known and loved by God. And... the only way I can get to that place is by taking the time to "be still and know that He is God...", resting in this; that God's love for me gives me my identity. At that moment, I feel the freedom and peace to be whoever I am and I am compelled to share that with others.
Thomas Merton wrote this..."My life is listening, His is speaking. My salvation is to hear and respond. For this my life must be silent. Hence, my silence is my salvation." I do believe there is a great salvation or rescuing in responding (doing) but I also can see (and I have experienced) how it would be so hard to respond if at first I didn't listen. I am discovering that silence and solitude is not only in the heritage of following Jesus but Jesus himself spent time withdrawing to the hills, the wilderness, or a lonely place. I have to trust there is an opportunity there to connect with our creator in a way like no other.
I have experienced busyness that lead to a disconnect form other people, God, and ultimately myself. I would agree with many spiritual writers, ancient and modern, that silence and solitude can lead to a love of God, a love of self, and a love of others... and that sounds like something I would want to be a part of.
I took the time this morning to be still... while it was still dark out and the highway behind my house was still quiet. It was a beautiful thing. It felt like the quietness was whispering and my soul filled with a strange sense of wonder. I hope you can find sometime in the next day or two to experience this. I assure you there is a true experience to it...
Love and Peace,
-J
As ministers our greatest temptation is toward too many words. They weaken our faith and make us lukewarm. But silence is a sacred discipline, a guard of the Holy Spirit.
-Henri Nouwen
many of these thoughts have been uncovered in a book I am reading, The Sacred Way by Tony Jones
I know some of you who communicate with me through this blog are not completely sure where you stand in the whole spiritual journey thing. Because of that and our conversations it leads me to exploring and seeking out different ideas in spirituality. One thing I've stumbled across for the most part is this... no spiritual discipline, regardless of religion, is more universally acclaimed as necessary than the practice of "silence". So in that light maybe these next few thoughts could be beneficial for all of us.
I mentioned in an earlier blog about how it seems life is finally slowing down a bit. Some relationships in my life are deepening and it feels... well, "right". I am really loving it. I've kinda found myself now thinking, "what have I been doing the past year, 2 years, 3 years..." This has recently lead me to really pay attention to my own "silence".
Now, I really do believe that life is about seasons and sometimes we have seasons of busyness (and that's ok)... but I think that sometimes in our culture, capitalism and the American dream (I love where I live), and the "we have to be the best" mentality can leave us to finding our identity in what we are accomplishing (or what we are busy-ing towards).
Frustration, emptiness, and even doubt are feelings I find in myself when I put myself under the burdens of "accomplishing my identity." For me personally the only way I find true peace is realizing my identity in the truth that I am known and loved by God. And... the only way I can get to that place is by taking the time to "be still and know that He is God...", resting in this; that God's love for me gives me my identity. At that moment, I feel the freedom and peace to be whoever I am and I am compelled to share that with others.
Thomas Merton wrote this..."My life is listening, His is speaking. My salvation is to hear and respond. For this my life must be silent. Hence, my silence is my salvation." I do believe there is a great salvation or rescuing in responding (doing) but I also can see (and I have experienced) how it would be so hard to respond if at first I didn't listen. I am discovering that silence and solitude is not only in the heritage of following Jesus but Jesus himself spent time withdrawing to the hills, the wilderness, or a lonely place. I have to trust there is an opportunity there to connect with our creator in a way like no other.
I have experienced busyness that lead to a disconnect form other people, God, and ultimately myself. I would agree with many spiritual writers, ancient and modern, that silence and solitude can lead to a love of God, a love of self, and a love of others... and that sounds like something I would want to be a part of.
I took the time this morning to be still... while it was still dark out and the highway behind my house was still quiet. It was a beautiful thing. It felt like the quietness was whispering and my soul filled with a strange sense of wonder. I hope you can find sometime in the next day or two to experience this. I assure you there is a true experience to it...
Love and Peace,
-J
As ministers our greatest temptation is toward too many words. They weaken our faith and make us lukewarm. But silence is a sacred discipline, a guard of the Holy Spirit.
-Henri Nouwen
many of these thoughts have been uncovered in a book I am reading, The Sacred Way by Tony Jones
Saturday, October 22, 2005
friends, slowing down, and life...
Warning!!! This post will not sound like rocket science (I know this will surprise all of you who know me really well). Maybe it will even sound cliche'ish... But here it goes...
At times in life we get so busy. I have looked back so many times at months of my life and thought, "what the heck are you doing...". I have found myself literally running myself until I get sick. We've prolly all done this at times in our life and prolly all do it more than we should. I am not saying this is all bad cause I believe in hard work, vision, working with passion, and treating things like they are worth working towards. What I am saying is for me, I let things get out of line when it comes to what's really important.
For the last 6 months I have prayed that God would lead me to slow down and enjoy life. That He would bring me a group of friends to share life with. That my wife and I would grow closer and learn more about each other. I am not saying that I have completely arrived anywhere close to where I would like to be with this but the last month of my life has been amazing in this regard. I feel like I've spent time with people. I feel like I have loved people, been loved by people, served people, been served by people... I gotta tell you, there is just something to sharing life in community.
Last weekend I went to the mountains with my wife and the band, I called a few friends just to say "hello", I hung out with some people that would never come to church... this week I had lunch with a friend just to catch up (thanks Chris), had a picnic with my wife, I got to buy a guy lunch who has no money, went to the State Fair with my roommate from college, and tonight I had dinner and hung out with some of my best friends in the world...
There are times in life when I just feel like I am getting things all wrong (happens every day - hah) but every now and then some things feel right. Loving others and being loved feels right... Thanks to all who play a part in that in my life... I am sure within the next day or two I'll forget all this and I will go back to ignoring myself and other people's problems for the sake of getting "stuff" done... but until then I am going to enjoy a breath of fresh air and say thanks to our God that wakes us up and let's us breathe... and enjoy the relationships God has given me...
Hope you guys all have a great weekend...
Much Love,
-J
At times in life we get so busy. I have looked back so many times at months of my life and thought, "what the heck are you doing...". I have found myself literally running myself until I get sick. We've prolly all done this at times in our life and prolly all do it more than we should. I am not saying this is all bad cause I believe in hard work, vision, working with passion, and treating things like they are worth working towards. What I am saying is for me, I let things get out of line when it comes to what's really important.
For the last 6 months I have prayed that God would lead me to slow down and enjoy life. That He would bring me a group of friends to share life with. That my wife and I would grow closer and learn more about each other. I am not saying that I have completely arrived anywhere close to where I would like to be with this but the last month of my life has been amazing in this regard. I feel like I've spent time with people. I feel like I have loved people, been loved by people, served people, been served by people... I gotta tell you, there is just something to sharing life in community.
Last weekend I went to the mountains with my wife and the band, I called a few friends just to say "hello", I hung out with some people that would never come to church... this week I had lunch with a friend just to catch up (thanks Chris), had a picnic with my wife, I got to buy a guy lunch who has no money, went to the State Fair with my roommate from college, and tonight I had dinner and hung out with some of my best friends in the world...
There are times in life when I just feel like I am getting things all wrong (happens every day - hah) but every now and then some things feel right. Loving others and being loved feels right... Thanks to all who play a part in that in my life... I am sure within the next day or two I'll forget all this and I will go back to ignoring myself and other people's problems for the sake of getting "stuff" done... but until then I am going to enjoy a breath of fresh air and say thanks to our God that wakes us up and let's us breathe... and enjoy the relationships God has given me...
Hope you guys all have a great weekend...
Much Love,
-J
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Sacred Idol...
So this morning we were having our creative team meeting for Hungry (aka - Mimosas in the Morning... ok, not really... or, yet at least) and we were discussing the series we are in right now in Genesis. We started talking about how hard it is to really analyze this text b/c it was written by a specific guy in a specific culture. Obviously we are not that guy or living in the same world so how are we to really understand it. I mean none of us have been around more than say (I'll guess high) 1000 years and this was written well before 1000 yrs. ago.
(If you are afraid of possible heresy, quit reading here)
Then I brought up the idea that sometimes I feel as though our "doctrines/theologies/explanations" can get in the way of just accepting (or more importantly worshipping) God as God whether we understand/can-explain Him or not. I wonder how God's people made it through years of not knowing completely how to explain the Trinity or how God does or doesn't know who will go to hell (but then again their view of hell was probably different then what we are taught today anyway...)
Ok, stop here if you are already mad...
Well, then I came across this article article and it got me thinking... which I like to do... It kinda speaks to what we were thinking about this morning but also raised a few other questions... I am not saying I fully agree with the whole thing, but, I am definately willing to think through anything that could be preventing me from holding our Creator and our Creator alone in the place where only He deserves to be...
I hope you hear me say this... I believe the Bible is a gift from God and is full of God's story front to back. I love it, read it, cherish it, thank God for it, and ask God to allow me to live by it. But it is true that this book has not been around as long as people have been following God and I also believe there is more to spirituality than just a book.
God, help us find our way. May you lead and may we follow. Allow us to worship You and You alone.
If this uncomfortable for you to read, simply read the post before this one... at least you'll get a laugh...
Love and Peace,
-J
(If you are afraid of possible heresy, quit reading here)
Then I brought up the idea that sometimes I feel as though our "doctrines/theologies/explanations" can get in the way of just accepting (or more importantly worshipping) God as God whether we understand/can-explain Him or not. I wonder how God's people made it through years of not knowing completely how to explain the Trinity or how God does or doesn't know who will go to hell (but then again their view of hell was probably different then what we are taught today anyway...)
Ok, stop here if you are already mad...
Well, then I came across this article article and it got me thinking... which I like to do... It kinda speaks to what we were thinking about this morning but also raised a few other questions... I am not saying I fully agree with the whole thing, but, I am definately willing to think through anything that could be preventing me from holding our Creator and our Creator alone in the place where only He deserves to be...
I hope you hear me say this... I believe the Bible is a gift from God and is full of God's story front to back. I love it, read it, cherish it, thank God for it, and ask God to allow me to live by it. But it is true that this book has not been around as long as people have been following God and I also believe there is more to spirituality than just a book.
God, help us find our way. May you lead and may we follow. Allow us to worship You and You alone.
If this uncomfortable for you to read, simply read the post before this one... at least you'll get a laugh...
Love and Peace,
-J
So I needed a laugh...
Thoughts to ponder...
by: Jack Handy
To me, it's always a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?," you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."
Why do the caterpillar and the ant have to be enemies? One eats leaves, and the other eats caterpillars. Oh, I see now.
I think somebody should come up with a way to breed a very large shrimp. That way, you could ride him, then after you camped at night, you could eat him. How about it, science?
If you think a weakness can be turned into a strength, I hate to tell you this, but that's another weakness.
If you're ever stuck in some thick undergrowth, in your underwear, don't stop and think of what other words have "under" in them, because that's probably the first sign of jungle madness.
Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail.
It's fun to laugh... Good times...
by: Jack Handy
To me, it's always a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?," you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."
Why do the caterpillar and the ant have to be enemies? One eats leaves, and the other eats caterpillars. Oh, I see now.
I think somebody should come up with a way to breed a very large shrimp. That way, you could ride him, then after you camped at night, you could eat him. How about it, science?
If you think a weakness can be turned into a strength, I hate to tell you this, but that's another weakness.
If you're ever stuck in some thick undergrowth, in your underwear, don't stop and think of what other words have "under" in them, because that's probably the first sign of jungle madness.
Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail.
It's fun to laugh... Good times...
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Thoughts???
So at our worship gathering within Hungry, we are in a series in the book of Genesis... This week we are discussing the flood (Genesis 6-8ish)... Unavoidable questions come up... I am ok with questions but would love to hear some thoughts from those of you out there...
Why the flood?
Why destroy the earth (why kill everyone???)
Is God's character at stake if this is true???
Is this simply an act of Justice (seems kinda harsh...)???
Could it really have been an act compassion???
I know somebody has some thoughts to this and I would love to hear them. We are meeting with our creative team tomorrow to talk about the gathering and your input is welcomed and sought after... We're all in this together...
Love and Peace...
-J
Why the flood?
Why destroy the earth (why kill everyone???)
Is God's character at stake if this is true???
Is this simply an act of Justice (seems kinda harsh...)???
Could it really have been an act compassion???
I know somebody has some thoughts to this and I would love to hear them. We are meeting with our creative team tomorrow to talk about the gathering and your input is welcomed and sought after... We're all in this together...
Love and Peace...
-J
Monday, October 17, 2005
Other pics from the weekend...
See previous post for where the pics came from... Mad props to Rebecca Nuebert for some of the shots from the trip...
Love you guys...
Fo Shizzle...
%0
Love you guys...
Fo Shizzle...
%0
Community, Love, and ...
This weekend our band went out to Hendersonville for the weekend (mountains of NC) just to hang, relax, and to pray. I honestly feel the need to thank God for the group of people I get to serve him with in this capacity. I mean all of them are incredible musicians but it goes so much further than that. Their heart for God is compelling and it leads them to such a visible love for each other and for their community.
This is a group of people that I have grown to love living life with. Honestly, there are different things I love about each of them, but most of all is there desire to serve Christ. There is a constant burning to be where God is leading.
It is truly a beautiful picture when a group of people come together under the body of Christ. I am humbled everyday at the priviledge I have in living life in this feel of community. Everyday I am given a chance to love and be loved in a way that just feels like "this is the way it was supposed to be."
So this morning I'm just thinking about friends, community, and how we experience love (both giving and receiving). Over the years I have experienced this type of love with others... some of which are now all over the country and world. So I sit here thankful. Thankful for the love God has allowed me to feel, and I pray, that God has allowed me to give. May we remember the heart of God is for us to love Him and our neighbors.
To all who have been a part of this journey and to those who are right now I say thanks...
Much Love to you all...
-J
some pics from the weekend... So beautiful...
Zack is pretty crazy
Classic Zack...
This is a group of people that I have grown to love living life with. Honestly, there are different things I love about each of them, but most of all is there desire to serve Christ. There is a constant burning to be where God is leading.
It is truly a beautiful picture when a group of people come together under the body of Christ. I am humbled everyday at the priviledge I have in living life in this feel of community. Everyday I am given a chance to love and be loved in a way that just feels like "this is the way it was supposed to be."
So this morning I'm just thinking about friends, community, and how we experience love (both giving and receiving). Over the years I have experienced this type of love with others... some of which are now all over the country and world. So I sit here thankful. Thankful for the love God has allowed me to feel, and I pray, that God has allowed me to give. May we remember the heart of God is for us to love Him and our neighbors.
To all who have been a part of this journey and to those who are right now I say thanks...
Much Love to you all...
-J
some pics from the weekend... So beautiful...
Zack is pretty crazy
Classic Zack...
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Great Evening...
So last night was pretty much close to perfect. I went by the store and picked up some food, went for a walk while the chicken was in the oven and let me tell you the weather right now is amazing. Fall is hinting at showing up and the cool wind on your face as the humidity is moving out makes this one of my favorite times of the year.
But what really topped off the night was getting to sit and have dinner with my wife. She is by a long shot my best friend in the world. What a tangible picture of grace in my life. I can't believe it keeps getting better. I love you baby... "What a ride this is... May the adventure grow..."
My hope is I never lose sight of the gifts that are right in front of my face on a daily basis. The breeze on our face, the smell of food in the air, the joy of laughter, and most of all the gift of love from our God.
If you have some time today, think about God's goodness, pray for those who may need comfort, and let someone know you appreciate them...
Love and Peace,
-J
But what really topped off the night was getting to sit and have dinner with my wife. She is by a long shot my best friend in the world. What a tangible picture of grace in my life. I can't believe it keeps getting better. I love you baby... "What a ride this is... May the adventure grow..."
My hope is I never lose sight of the gifts that are right in front of my face on a daily basis. The breeze on our face, the smell of food in the air, the joy of laughter, and most of all the gift of love from our God.
If you have some time today, think about God's goodness, pray for those who may need comfort, and let someone know you appreciate them...
Love and Peace,
-J
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Back, Up, and Running (well, walking)
OK... Well after a few months (we'll say 8) and everyone, my wife included, mocking my blog life, I feel it is time to get things going. I have been literally all over the country and world since I last updated and I hope the friends I've met along the way can add some life to this. I so value conversation and how life is experienced through relationships.
I don't know if words could do justice to the journey I've been on the last 8 months but I'm sure it will get fleshed out over the next little while right here. I can say some of that journey has had to do with why I have been so silent here, in large b/c I didn't know how good it would be for a lot of my thoughts to be out in the open. I am now starting to feel peace in some of those things and am ready to move forward. (The othe reason for being silent in this blog was in fact - laziness...)
Anyways.... Thanks for taking the time to hear my thoughts... if you are reading this then on some level we probably know each other and I hope you know I appreciate your friendship. I hope you will take the time to check in regularly and please feel to leave comments. Much love to all of you...
May you rest in the love and peace of God...
HOLLA!!!
-J
I don't know if words could do justice to the journey I've been on the last 8 months but I'm sure it will get fleshed out over the next little while right here. I can say some of that journey has had to do with why I have been so silent here, in large b/c I didn't know how good it would be for a lot of my thoughts to be out in the open. I am now starting to feel peace in some of those things and am ready to move forward. (The othe reason for being silent in this blog was in fact - laziness...)
Anyways.... Thanks for taking the time to hear my thoughts... if you are reading this then on some level we probably know each other and I hope you know I appreciate your friendship. I hope you will take the time to check in regularly and please feel to leave comments. Much love to all of you...
May you rest in the love and peace of God...
HOLLA!!!
-J
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
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