From the Ellis Living Room...

I am blogging from the living room of Jon and Meredith Ellis... Meredith's cookies were incredible... Say Word!!!


The view from their front porch...

-J

More Posts = Better??? - Maybe not... Once and for all...

So here it is... An attempt to find common direction for fellow bloggers...

There has been an ongoing discussion in our local community about the purpose of our blogs. Is it to only say something deep and profound on a regular basis? Is it merely to state something that leaves itself wide open to accumulate as many comments as possible? Is this a lame attempt to accumulate comments? Or perhaps it is merely for self expression, leaving the "correct" blog entirely up to the writer... Am I asking myself a question on my own blog, not only asking myself a question, but taking the time to write it out? (sorry, carried away)

I was talking to my friend Mike and he made the point that when you're quite for a while people start expecting... That's kind of a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations of the masses.

I can also say I have deleted posts before for various reasons. I mean, what if there are expectations... So much pressure. What if someone thinks I was being really serious when I am only making a sarcastic comment.... or what if I am being serious about a heartfelt moment in my life and someone mocks me... I do want to offer encouragement to others who may take the time to read... I also want to have a good laugh sometimes...

The pressure... ahhhhhh...

So this is it... Let's hear it... Let's get it all out on the table... Once and for all... How does the blog world work for you... What is the key to a successful blog?

May we come to a conclusion rapidly as I am beginning to lose much needed sleep over this issue.

longing for resolution,

-Jason

ps
while I do look forward to the comments on this blog, I am not really distraught nor deeply troubled. I am merely looking to have a comical yet specific conversation here... thank you for your time...

Peaceful Evening...

Last night Diana and I had the priviledge of eating dinner with the Thompsons (Josh and Grace). We have been running into each other regularly at weddings and such and I have always been somewhat intrigued by our short but meaningful conversations. Josh and I have talked for a while about trying to hang out and in the busyness of life just decided to try it this week. Last night, it just so happened, worked out...

I honestly had one of the most enjoyable evenings I've had in while. Topics of conversation covered everything from college life, to music, to challenges and celebrations of marriage, ups and downs (seemed like mostly ups), to our desire to serve and live for our loving God, and even moments of peaceful silence...

It is such a blessing to sit in the company of a family who loves and lives to follow Jesus. Not pretending to have all your stuff together or to have everything figured out but to be honest about life and spirituality. The blessing of hearing of God's grace in others lives and the beauty of seeing it in someone's face when they speak is so amazing. I hope they were as encouraged as we were.

There is something to be said about followers of Jesus, their bond, and community that I am not sure can be put into words. I pretty sure it doesn't need to be put into words but it certainly should be experienced.

Praying you will find some rest and encouragement in this week...

Love and Peace,

-Jason

Concert Tonight...

We "Band of Brothers" are playing tonight at Hope to raise money for a community center in Kyrgyzstan. If you're in town come out to the show. There will be food there at 7:00pm. Show starts at 8pm.

My buddy Ben Davis is opening for us right at 8pm. Tickets are still available at the door and are $5.

Would love to see you there...

821 Buck Jones Rd.
Raleigh NC 27606

Have a great weekend...

-J