I would imagine that most of you who read this already are in the know as to the happenings of Visio Dei... for those who don't and have inquired... thanks! You're thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated.
I feel as though after the last post of not knowing where we were gonna meet for our first Sunday of our prelaunch with only 5 days until... I should now offer a word of excitement for how everything fell into place.
On thursday we finally got everything lined up for the next 4 weeks for us to meet at Blue Ridge Cinema in Raleigh... for those of you who don't know, Blue Ridge cinema is a fine establishment here in Raleigh... it is the only $1.50 theatre on the east coast...
I am certainly happy with how our first Pre launch meeting went... very simple... very straight forward... seemed like good family time... (Thanks for everyone for chipping in and helping out - you guys are awesome) if you couldn't make it and would like to hear the podcast, it's on our website (which isn't finished yet). www.visiodei.org - 9.17.06 - learners, lovers, and givers
Not sure how long we will be at Blue Ridge for our Sunday morning gatherings... We would definately like to find a perminate space down town for obvious reasons but I am wondering if this kind of flexibility is what it is going to take to be an urban church... maybe to be in the area we feel led to be in it's going to take a different approach to what we do... (maybe more thoughts on this later) I am sure our God will lead us...
Hope everyone is having a great start to their week...
Live alive!!!
-Jason
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
In a strange turn of events...
We have a church gathering in 5 days and we do not have a place to meet yet... in a word... awesome!!!
So about 3 months ago when we were working through details of planting a church things seemed to be working out very quickly. We had this sweet building working out downtown and everything looked awesome. I just figured it was because Jeff and I have never thought location was super important and a building is well, just that, a building...
We even had conversations like this:
Jeff: It's kinda a bummer... I always hoped our story would be a little more exciting... not knowing until the last minute...
Jason: yeah, something like...We don't know where we'll be next week... make sure you check the website when you get up Sunday morning...
Jeff: oh well, guess it's not our story...
So now here we are... that building still hasn't happened... one of our definite back-ups is not so definite and we are 5 days away... fate? chance? prolly a big joke in heaven.... I mean they could really be laughing this up... espeacially considering the personality types of Jeff and I...
That being said... it is extremely exciting... I have said all along I feel certain it will all work out at the right time... I have reminded myself and others that the God we follow has a whole book full of Him showing up for a people of faith in Him at, in our minds, the last possible minute and in a way we did not expect...
Now as we approach what is in my mind the last possible minute I wonder how this will work out... In some moments I am worried to unrest and others I am experiencing great peace... (I think I am at peace when I am by myself and worried when I consider I am kinda strange and don't worry about things I prolly should - knowing others are gonna worry or think i'm doing a bad job)
Granted we have some options that look like they are opening up... stuff that hasn't even been a possible option until, well, today... yet, still nothing close to being set in stone...
All that to say... I am convinced all is going to work out... maybe not the way I think or anyone else thinks maybe... I know at the end of the day, as a community, we will follow God, we'll look to let God's healing overflow into the world, and we will love each other...
It's been a blast so far... in a sense it makes me feel like we are following the right God, ya know... the same God we read about in the Bible... that maybe we are in the right place... (even if we have no idea where that place is?)
That being said... I am praying and doing all I can do to answer the question... "Hey J, do you know where we are gonna meet on Sunday?" For all those planners out there who are on board with us, let me apologize for Jeff and I opening our mouths a few months back... I do offer this, if everything made perfect sense I would be even more nervous than I am right now...
My prayer is that God would continue to go before us... lead us exactly where he would have us... allow Jeff and I, our wives, and other leaders within our community to lead boldly even when we are unsure and a bit uncertain... focused on who is calling us rather than wondering "where" we are being called... I also ask that we could enjoy the ride... this is too great to miss the joy of all that is going on...
Thanks for all who are journeying with us... Whether in prayer or movement...
What a great start to a story...
-Jason
So about 3 months ago when we were working through details of planting a church things seemed to be working out very quickly. We had this sweet building working out downtown and everything looked awesome. I just figured it was because Jeff and I have never thought location was super important and a building is well, just that, a building...
We even had conversations like this:
Jeff: It's kinda a bummer... I always hoped our story would be a little more exciting... not knowing until the last minute...
Jason: yeah, something like...We don't know where we'll be next week... make sure you check the website when you get up Sunday morning...
Jeff: oh well, guess it's not our story...
So now here we are... that building still hasn't happened... one of our definite back-ups is not so definite and we are 5 days away... fate? chance? prolly a big joke in heaven.... I mean they could really be laughing this up... espeacially considering the personality types of Jeff and I...
That being said... it is extremely exciting... I have said all along I feel certain it will all work out at the right time... I have reminded myself and others that the God we follow has a whole book full of Him showing up for a people of faith in Him at, in our minds, the last possible minute and in a way we did not expect...
Now as we approach what is in my mind the last possible minute I wonder how this will work out... In some moments I am worried to unrest and others I am experiencing great peace... (I think I am at peace when I am by myself and worried when I consider I am kinda strange and don't worry about things I prolly should - knowing others are gonna worry or think i'm doing a bad job)
Granted we have some options that look like they are opening up... stuff that hasn't even been a possible option until, well, today... yet, still nothing close to being set in stone...
All that to say... I am convinced all is going to work out... maybe not the way I think or anyone else thinks maybe... I know at the end of the day, as a community, we will follow God, we'll look to let God's healing overflow into the world, and we will love each other...
It's been a blast so far... in a sense it makes me feel like we are following the right God, ya know... the same God we read about in the Bible... that maybe we are in the right place... (even if we have no idea where that place is?)
That being said... I am praying and doing all I can do to answer the question... "Hey J, do you know where we are gonna meet on Sunday?" For all those planners out there who are on board with us, let me apologize for Jeff and I opening our mouths a few months back... I do offer this, if everything made perfect sense I would be even more nervous than I am right now...
My prayer is that God would continue to go before us... lead us exactly where he would have us... allow Jeff and I, our wives, and other leaders within our community to lead boldly even when we are unsure and a bit uncertain... focused on who is calling us rather than wondering "where" we are being called... I also ask that we could enjoy the ride... this is too great to miss the joy of all that is going on...
Thanks for all who are journeying with us... Whether in prayer or movement...
What a great start to a story...
-Jason
In a strange turn of events...
We have a church gathering in 5 days and we do not have a place to meet yet... in a word... awesome!!!
So about 3 months ago when we were working through details of planting a church things seemed to be working out very quickly. We had this sweet building working out downtown and everything looked awesome. I just figured it was because Jeff and I have never thought location was super important and a building is well, just that, a building...
We even had conversations like this:
Jeff: It's kinda a bummer... I always hoped our story would be a little more exciting... not knowing until the last minute...
Jason: yeah, something like...We don't know where we'll be next week... make sure you check the website when you get up Sunday morning...
Jeff: oh well, guess it's not our story...
So now here we are... that building still hasn't happened... one of our definite back-ups is not so definite and we are 5 days away... fate? chance? prolly a big joke in heaven.... I mean they could really be laughing this up... espeacially considering the personality types of Jeff and I...
That being said... it is extremely exciting... I have said all along I feel certain it will all work out at the right time... I have reminded myself and others that the God we follow has a whole book full of Him showing up for a people of faith in Him at, in our minds, the last possible minute and in a way we did not expect...
Now as we approach what is in my mind the last possible minute I wonder how this will work out... In some moments I am worried to unrest and others I am experiencing great peace... (I think I am at peace when I am by myself and worried when I consider I am kinda strange and don't worry about things I prolly should - knowing others are gonna worry or think i'm doing a bad job)
All that to say... I am convinced all is going to work out... maybe not the way I think or anyone else thinks maybe... I know at the end of the day, as a community, we will follow God, we'll look to let God's healing overflow into the world, and we will love each other...
It's been a blast so far... in a sense it makes me feel like we are following the right God, ya know... the same God we read about in the Bible... that maybe we are in the right place... (even if we have no idea where that place is?)
That being said... I am praying and doing all I can do to answer the question... "Hey J, do you know where we are gonna meet on Sunday?" For all those planners out there who are on board with us, let me apologize for Jeff and I opening our mouths a few months back... I do offer this, if everything made perfect sense I would be even more nervous than I am right now...
My prayer is that God would continue to go before us... lead us exactly where he would have us... allow Jeff and I, our wives, and other leaders within our community to lead boldly even when we are unsure and a bit uncertain... focused on who is calling us rather than wondering "where" we are being called... I also ask that we could enjoy the ride... this is too great to miss the joy of all that is going on...
Thanks for all who are journeying with us... Whether in prayer or movement...
What a great start to a story...
-Jason
So about 3 months ago when we were working through details of planting a church things seemed to be working out very quickly. We had this sweet building working out downtown and everything looked awesome. I just figured it was because Jeff and I have never thought location was super important and a building is well, just that, a building...
We even had conversations like this:
Jeff: It's kinda a bummer... I always hoped our story would be a little more exciting... not knowing until the last minute...
Jason: yeah, something like...We don't know where we'll be next week... make sure you check the website when you get up Sunday morning...
Jeff: oh well, guess it's not our story...
So now here we are... that building still hasn't happened... one of our definite back-ups is not so definite and we are 5 days away... fate? chance? prolly a big joke in heaven.... I mean they could really be laughing this up... espeacially considering the personality types of Jeff and I...
That being said... it is extremely exciting... I have said all along I feel certain it will all work out at the right time... I have reminded myself and others that the God we follow has a whole book full of Him showing up for a people of faith in Him at, in our minds, the last possible minute and in a way we did not expect...
Now as we approach what is in my mind the last possible minute I wonder how this will work out... In some moments I am worried to unrest and others I am experiencing great peace... (I think I am at peace when I am by myself and worried when I consider I am kinda strange and don't worry about things I prolly should - knowing others are gonna worry or think i'm doing a bad job)
All that to say... I am convinced all is going to work out... maybe not the way I think or anyone else thinks maybe... I know at the end of the day, as a community, we will follow God, we'll look to let God's healing overflow into the world, and we will love each other...
It's been a blast so far... in a sense it makes me feel like we are following the right God, ya know... the same God we read about in the Bible... that maybe we are in the right place... (even if we have no idea where that place is?)
That being said... I am praying and doing all I can do to answer the question... "Hey J, do you know where we are gonna meet on Sunday?" For all those planners out there who are on board with us, let me apologize for Jeff and I opening our mouths a few months back... I do offer this, if everything made perfect sense I would be even more nervous than I am right now...
My prayer is that God would continue to go before us... lead us exactly where he would have us... allow Jeff and I, our wives, and other leaders within our community to lead boldly even when we are unsure and a bit uncertain... focused on who is calling us rather than wondering "where" we are being called... I also ask that we could enjoy the ride... this is too great to miss the joy of all that is going on...
Thanks for all who are journeying with us... Whether in prayer or movement...
What a great start to a story...
-Jason
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Overwhelming but peaceful?
So right now there is a lot going on around me...
My best friend (most of you probably know him as Jeff - hah) just had heart surgery yesterday... Everything went well and he is doing as good as can be expected today... Honestly when I saw him yesterday after his surgery, still unconcious from the anestesia, I almost started crying like a baby... from relief of coarse... we've dreamed big dreams together, ya know... I love the guy... There was definately some tenseness in the days leading up to the surgery... Thank you God for all the ways you offer healing...
Some other friends (Mike and Karl) are in Africa right now and they are on my mind a lot. I know there eyes are being opened to a side of the world many of us will never see... never fully understand or comprehend... I know it will change them... probably for the better... I have heard Karl is a bit sick and I am sure Mike is homesick... My thoughts and prayers are with them on their journey... God, may you work in their hearts and use them to bring your Kingdom to Africa...
Also, on what seems in some ways to be on the back burner, we are involved in this small thing called planting a church (sarcasm of coarse)... We are less than 10 days from our prelaunch and about 6 weeks from our launch... We have an amazing community of people and are sold out on our mission... There are also, on the other hand, many details that have not yet been worked out/revealed... Very stressful or overwhelming at times... more things going on/needing to get done than one would ever imagine...
I will say this... I am commited to trusting God each step of the way... in the midst of craziness, planning, surgerys, world travels, and sickness... I know God has lead us here... God will continue to lead... I find peace in that... I also find meekness... I am forced towards humility... "God, we are dependent on You... we are not in control... this is not about our glory... may you bring glory to yourself... may you guide our steps"
I finding that peace which transcends all understanding not in things working out the way we want but in knowing our creator is on our side... Not seeing him, yet still experiencing his love, grace, peace, and salvation... That brings peace... that brings joy...
God bring your salvation... bring your kingdom...
Much Love,
-J
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
My best friend (most of you probably know him as Jeff - hah) just had heart surgery yesterday... Everything went well and he is doing as good as can be expected today... Honestly when I saw him yesterday after his surgery, still unconcious from the anestesia, I almost started crying like a baby... from relief of coarse... we've dreamed big dreams together, ya know... I love the guy... There was definately some tenseness in the days leading up to the surgery... Thank you God for all the ways you offer healing...
Some other friends (Mike and Karl) are in Africa right now and they are on my mind a lot. I know there eyes are being opened to a side of the world many of us will never see... never fully understand or comprehend... I know it will change them... probably for the better... I have heard Karl is a bit sick and I am sure Mike is homesick... My thoughts and prayers are with them on their journey... God, may you work in their hearts and use them to bring your Kingdom to Africa...
Also, on what seems in some ways to be on the back burner, we are involved in this small thing called planting a church (sarcasm of coarse)... We are less than 10 days from our prelaunch and about 6 weeks from our launch... We have an amazing community of people and are sold out on our mission... There are also, on the other hand, many details that have not yet been worked out/revealed... Very stressful or overwhelming at times... more things going on/needing to get done than one would ever imagine...
I will say this... I am commited to trusting God each step of the way... in the midst of craziness, planning, surgerys, world travels, and sickness... I know God has lead us here... God will continue to lead... I find peace in that... I also find meekness... I am forced towards humility... "God, we are dependent on You... we are not in control... this is not about our glory... may you bring glory to yourself... may you guide our steps"
I finding that peace which transcends all understanding not in things working out the way we want but in knowing our creator is on our side... Not seeing him, yet still experiencing his love, grace, peace, and salvation... That brings peace... that brings joy...
God bring your salvation... bring your kingdom...
Much Love,
-J
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
It's 2:30am... Can't sleep...
Please don't let the invisible fire burn my friend...
for some reson that line just popped into my head... good gosh that's a funny movie...
Thanks to all that made it over to hang last night (or tonight - whatever I should say)... We're so blessed...
also, I added some new photo links on the side bar... Rebecca has a great eye for photography... Jon and Meredith update alot and Shannon and Kim have some fun pics regularly as well... Carly, well she is Carly... I also wanted to put up a link to Amy Hathaway's photography but I can't find it right now...
and... the books I am reading right now are good (current reads)... read one of them if you want a good book to read...
ok, maybe sleep...
Love and Peace,
-J
for some reson that line just popped into my head... good gosh that's a funny movie...
Thanks to all that made it over to hang last night (or tonight - whatever I should say)... We're so blessed...
also, I added some new photo links on the side bar... Rebecca has a great eye for photography... Jon and Meredith update alot and Shannon and Kim have some fun pics regularly as well... Carly, well she is Carly... I also wanted to put up a link to Amy Hathaway's photography but I can't find it right now...
and... the books I am reading right now are good (current reads)... read one of them if you want a good book to read...
ok, maybe sleep...
Love and Peace,
-J
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