Da Gore's

Some 2 yr pics - almost birthday!

2010-08-24T08:07:00.006-04:00

It's not their birthday yet... but it's this weekend!!!! We actually celebrate the 10 days up to their birthday as a time God was at work in big ways in our lives. Here are some of the latest pics from our good friend Rebecca.

Blessed beyond measure.

-Jason and Di

Song Ideas

2009-12-17T13:42:00.004-05:00

Do you know any local bands that would be cool with me using one of their songs for a 90 second "promo" video? Something moderately "pop / rock" - it would be cool if it was centered around asking some questions about life / faith.

The purpose of the video is to promote an "environment" for folks who want to come and ask serious questions/dialogue about God, faith, Jesus, hurt, hope, pain, Christianity, etc.

If you have any ideas lemme know ASAP - I will track them down and do the asking if you don't want to.

-Jason

ps - please pass this along to folks who could help

Jason . r. gore @ gmail . com
(without the spaces)

FYI - this is happening

2009-12-16T09:51:00.002-05:00

Last week Aidan and Addy realized that upright movement was a legitimate possibility. With vigor and focus a couple of intentional steps were taken. As awareness grew... this lead to more and more effort over a 2 day period. As we have already noticed in his life thus far, Aidan seems to jump in pretty quickly (not sure where he gets it) and as a result we have some great video.

Addy is taking a step here or there but seems to be much more calculated in her efforts. Video will come of this as soon as she feels ready ;)

Enjoy.

-Jason

ps - yes I was sick during this recording and I am in fact not speaking underwater.

Greatest Christmas Song Ever... (and an extra poem)

2009-12-10T08:46:00.004-05:00

Perhaps... Perhaps not... Either way this Christmas tune, written by Adolphe Adam in 1847, has to be on the top of the list. It captures so much of what a great song should be. It tells a story (un/arguably, one of the greatest ever...) It has a moving melody... and in my opinion one of the greatest measures for a song being a great song - it has stood the test of time. It has spoken to many generations with same power, hope, and significance I imagine it originally did. (other reasons but other things to say ;)

I encourage you to take a few deep breaths and just read the words. Enjoy:

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of Our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world In sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd And the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks A new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.
So led by light of A star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men From Orient land.
The King of Kings Lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials Born to be our friend.

He knows our need, To our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.

Truly He taught us To love one another;
His law is love And His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break For the slave is our brother;
And in His name All oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy In grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us Praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory Evermore proclaim.
His power and glory Evermore proclaim.

Also (if you're still reading), a tad bit more history / significance:

As I was looking for the lyrics to this song I found some history. I found this song was composed based on a French Poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau. Below are the words translated in English. I would suggest it is an equally moving piece of art if not more. There is a lot of power in these words. WHen you're bored or overwhelmed by busyness this season... slow down, get as cup of coffee, and read these words... I think they speak to the soul and remind us of the situation we find ourselves in and how Christmas breaks into through in our world with Hope.

English Translation of Minuits, chrétiens / Cantique de Noël

Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour,
When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,

It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
It's for all of us that He is born,
That He suffers and dies.

People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

Love and Peace friends,

-Jason

Faith... He is good... He is sufficient

2009-12-07T11:33:00.003-05:00

There is a Pastor named Matt Chandler and he is the Lead/Teaching Pastor of the Village Church in Texas. In the semi-strange christian subculture that I am probably a part of, he is a guy that I listen to from time to time and usually always find great words of challenge, wisdom, and encouragement. He has a passion for God, the church, and most of all the healing Jesus offers to the world (the gospel) that is matched by few that I have ever heard.

On Thanksgiving day he had a seizure. They found a he has (had) a tumor on his right frontal lobe. I am so challenged and encouraged by the response of he and his family to this situation of unknowing. I wanted to share it with anyone who would take the time to engage. He had surgery this past Friday and it was "successful" as best they can tell so far.

He wrote this the day he was having surgery.

I would love for you to watch this video of Him also. This was taken before his surgery for his church to watch this past Sunday in his absence (in the hospital recovering from surgery or otherwise.)

One thing I really connected with was his line about "because he was so blessed he always wondered if/when he would experience difficulty." I have felt that way before in life. When our children were born (3 months early) I thought to myself... this is it. I pray we stand strong in the faith that we believe to be true. Please God grant us the strength... If I am honest - I still have that feeling sometimes... wondering if there will be a next time... I realize terrible things happen that we will never explain and/or understand. My prayer is if it does I can have the faith that this man/family has. I dont want that for my sake but for the sake you, my family, my friends, and for the glory of our Savior, Jesus.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

side note - I am in no way suggesting that myself or someone else is more or less of a person if they do or dont have this type of faith. I am only suggesting there is something brilliantly hopeful about this type of faith that connects deep within my soul and I hope it for myself (and others) should I ever encounter such a situation.

I think it's time to fire this up again

2009-11-25T11:06:00.002-05:00

I think it's time to fire this up again. You know cause it.. at one point... was like the most popular thing on the internet. (FALSE - think Dwight Schrute)

In all seriousness - I told someone the other day "I couldnt tell them the number of times I have started to write things but then realized no one really cares - so I stopped ;)" Either way - I want to log some stuff. Get it out there - if for no one else but myself. At a minimum - for all posts outside of my family - it will require me to think through things in a deeper way than if I just had to keep things to myself (because you know - I can pretend other people actually take the time to read this.) This is probably healthy.

Ok - for now - I have one message for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Jason

1 yr. Photos

2009-10-09T15:30:00.038-04:00

About a month ago we had some pics made for Aidan and Addison's first birthday. We went to Pullen Park to snap some memories. A little known fact is this is also where Diana and I were engaged over 6 years ago. We had a blast and got some great shots there. I hope you enjoy. Let us know which one you like the best.

Thanks to Rebecca for the photography. We are grateful for your friendship and ability to help capture the different stages of our wonderful kiddos. You're wonderful!

Enjoying some time on the swings.

Aidan on the swing.

Aidan Again. Notice the bruise on his forehead... he's definitely taking after his dad on the rough-housin'...

This is our beautiful Addison.

Who's the bozo in the back taking a picture in the picture? - oh me... right.

Leaning in for a kiss.

Aidan.

Addy-bear.

Me and my boy goofin' off. A normality.

Dad and baby boy.

Mom and baby girl. Beautiful.

Space ship.

Me and my little princess.

This face is adorable.

He's a little uncertain of grass at first these days.

Holding hands. Lots of fun.

Great smiles.

They both have more hair than me already.

We have a lot to be thankful for.

Note Addy has discovered her "serious face."

I wonder if I will still see Addy this way when she's 18. Definitely Daddy's girl.

Aidan's blue steel (see Zoolander)

My boys hand.

I love my wife (Diana that's you ;)

Family Time!

Family Cut-up time!!!

My girls... I am forever ruined.

Me and my boy.

Gettin' a little early training in ;)

Friends and family, thank you for you love, support, and prayers you've given us over the last year. Doctors and nurses, thanks for what you do and how you have served and provided for our family. Lord, thank You for our children. Thank You for bringing us together as a family. I pray we would show Your love to the world around us.

Thanks for checking in. Peace be with you.

-Jason

1 year annaversery - of a crazy time...

2009-08-21T21:15:00.002-04:00

It was a year ago yesterday that I posted this (click here)

At this minute last year we were, all of a sudden and unplanned, in the hospital with Diana in pre-term labor at 26.5 weeks (over 3 months early) wondering what was going to happen with our 2 little babies that we had never met. We didnt know if she was gonna have our children that second, in an hour, or in a week. It's so hard to believe it has been that long ago since that time in our life.

As most of you know we saw some amazing miracles over the next 24 hours, 48 hours, 10 days, 3 months, and really the entire year. On this day I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who offered us your prayers and support during that time in our life. I can still remember the strange sense of peace I felt in spite of the intensity of that situation. I also would like to say thanks to all of the medical staff at Rex and Wake Med here in Raleigh. So amazing. I also want to give all the glory to God for caring for our family the way that He did. I can't make sense of it but I am thankful.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the birthday of Aidan and Addison (yes I know their birthday isn't until next week ;) with some of our family and friends here in Raleigh and next week we will celebrate in Hendersonville with the rest of the family. If I could say one word that explains the way I feel about getting to celebrate their one year birthday it is this; humbled. I am humbled they are so amazingly healthy, so smart, and so strong. I am humbled because I now have friends who have lost hard fought battles to save their children. I am humbled because I have friends who are currently struggling with health issues day after day with their children. I dont understand how we got to where we are but I can say I am tremendously humbled to be here. I am humbled because I deserve little (if any) of the blessing I experience with my family and especially in celebrating the 1st birthday of our children.

It's hard to believe it's been 1 year since this whole whirl-wind started. I feel like I blinked and now it's gone. It seemed much less brief a year ago while we were in the hospital. Then the nights were long and it was hard for me to close my eyes and sleep but now it's as though a breath has passed and now we're here.

A year ago tonight. We were right down the street in the hospital with no idea what the next few hours held much less the next year. What a journey. It's almost hard to breathe while remembering. Thank you for journeying with us through that time. You helped us make it through. We are so blessed.

If you're interested in the whole story or just want to read the rantings of a desperate man click here and scroll down to the bottom. You will be able track along.

I hope you have a wonderful evening. Would you do this before bed tonight... Would you kiss your family before you go to bed? Say a prayer for those who have lost their family. Say a prayer for those who are going through questions without any answers. Offer hope and love where you can. Thank you for sharing it with us.

-Jason, Diana, Aidan (Buckeroo), and Addison (Addy Bear)

Crawling!?!?

2009-07-22T11:13:00.002-04:00

So a week ago Aidan started crawling. By crawling I mean pulling himself across the floor in a way that is truly hilarious. He has now graduated into a a full fledged scoot in only a week. Here is his progression just after first couple of days. There is also entrainment in Addison's beautiful smile all throughout both videos and a guest appearance by Tanner our German Shepherd (who is also Aidan's best friend right now.) As always with videos of me and my children, please disregard the ridiculously absurd way I laugh and talk to them.

Aidan first day of truly crawling (moving across the floor in a dancing motion)

A few days later...

He is now all over the place. I have purchased a baby gate and i have suspicions this will only work for a small while as he is using this now as a means to stand. I believe before long he will have Tanner pulling him over the wall soon enough. We may in trouble soon. Send help.

-Love Jason and Diana

Set List / Reflection from 7.12.09

2009-07-16T07:24:00.003-04:00

Beautiful the Blood
- Steve Fee

Welcome / Reflection - Corinthians 14 / Corinthians 12 - "at the foot of the cross we're all the same"

At The Cross - Daniel Renstrom

Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

Jesus Paid it All - (arrangement Alex Nifong/Kristian Stanfill)

Jeff gave a great sermon on Corinthians 12. He brought to light all of our tendencies to compare ourselves to each other which, if left unchecked, leads to either pride or inadequate. It was a great challenge for us, the church as a whole, and really any community in general. Jeff, thanks for your hard work serving us in the way you do each week.

In the days prior to and since Sunday, my reflecting has lead me here: When the gospel hits us in the midst of this tendency we realize that we all stand at the foot of the cross looking on our savior. In that moment we have no right to feel "better than" anyone else or "less than" anyone else. Something happens when you realize that the creator of all things had to and did die for you. It was meant to "right things" that have gone terribly wrong and to, among other things, put us back together again.

May you humbly realize the love God has for each one of us. May you realize the depths he has gone to to show each of us that love. May you receive it. May you find the joy in giving it. Amen.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

I Twitter

2009-07-13T15:18:00.002-04:00

I do Twitter. I do think it's an interesting social phenomenon. Actually, I don't think that. Most people in the world know we like ourselves and think what we do is really important so "why wouldn't everyone want to know." That isnt a phenomenon. It's social media thriving on our "normal tendencies." I also like twitter for some other reason but either way this video is hilarious... more thoughts on twitter later. But for now.. enjoy. It will make you. Laugh out loud. Smiley Face.

(this is a real band. they are good. listen to them.)

winkey face,

-Jason

A baby video for your enjoyment

2009-07-04T00:03:00.001-04:00

Our kids are hilarious. They laugh a lot. Here is some evidence.

Please disregard the annoying sound I was making as the babies seemed to really enjoy it (it's similar to the sound from dumb and dumber that is claimed as the "most annoying sound in the world."

Also realize this... I have found children seem to empower you to do really... uhmm... dumb things.

Enjoy!

Love,

Jason and Diana

Corporate Worship Sunday - 6.28.09

2009-06-30T07:16:00.004-04:00

I had gotten away from this for a while but have been getting some emails about names of songs we are singing as of late within Visio Dei. So without further ado...

Week of 6.28.09

Not to Us - Chris Tomlin
All Because of Jesus I'm Alive - Steve Fee
Cannons - Phil Wickham
Doxology - Thomas Ken (arrangement varies)
From the Inside Out - Hillsong United

Now, I was not leading/present Sunday but I have heard great things regarding the band and their time of leadership. Band was Jon Hathaway, Jon Pritchett, Ben Davis, Zack Van Hoy, Larry Dempsey, and Julie Watkins. We have such a gifted church community. I pray God is glorified through the gifts He has given us.

I have also heard Shannon did an incredible job teaching. More on this later today.

I hope you're having a great week!

-Jason

Session Notes

2009-05-31T12:49:00.003-04:00

This past Friday and Saturday I had the privilege to lead a breakout session at a Conference here in town. I (purposefully) didn’t have notes for the session and told the folks there I would post the notes to my blog (in a shameless attempt to build my blog traffic. ;)

The topic I was asked to speak to was “Worship Leading in a Church Plant." I am by no means an expert but merely a guy offering things from my journey in serving in this capacity and learning from others who have doe the same. I would also like to add that this in no ways a "Theology of Worship" as that is not what I was asked to do.

If you are a worship leader, pastor, or starting a new ministry I pray this finds you as beneficial. If you are not, we ll then you just might not be all that interested in this post. Consider yourself warned ;)

Begin Notes
I broke this into 2 Parts and the notes are below. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Worship Leading in a Church Plant:

2 PARTS
Part 1 – Vision – why do you do what you do?
Part 2 – Practical – Tensions, Obstacles, Opportunities

PART 1
I) Vision – It all starts with vision.
As simple as it sounds – What is worship leading?

Whether you are in a church plant or leading in a church 100 yrs old -→ you have to be clear on what your vision is

You have to start with biblically faithful direction in what you are trying to do / called to do

So we start with what is worship?

Why? → You’re gonna be sooo busy in this whole thing you will forget what’s really important

A common temptation to start is – "if we want to reach these people or worship with these people then we have to sound like… or lead like…"

We cant start with – how do we get to sound like:

Chris Tomlin, or Hillsong United, Derek Webb, or Shelly Moore Band

Those can be preferences

preferences come out of Values.. and Values come out of vision…

A certain sound can be a preference, but it has to come through vision first

This is not just important for you but for your team…

What are we doing when we worship corporately – in your own words and can be different semantically – should somehow be able to point to this - “reflecting, remembering, and responding to who God is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do”

Not – playing good, tight, and/or loud music for God

II) From there (Vision) move to - Strategy – “How are you going to get there?”

What is it that you are trying to do? -→ That is Vision

Lead people through a worship encounter/experience, to responding to “said vision”

How do you do what you do? --> That is Strategy

What do you value? As a church and as a “corporate worship team”

Authenticity?
Interdependence?
Excellence?

Things to consider when looking for strategy/values/preferences

Who are you going to be leading?
Who is your church called / positioned to reach?

We all would agree we are to lift up Christ, the Trinity, and the gospel so the church could respond – but in what language, in what style
Pauls says – to jew I became Jew, to the gentile I became a gentile…

What are you becoming as a church
How has God gifted you (dont fake something)

This has to be at the heart of your church and It should impact how you do what you do.

Again --> Start with vision (what you do) and from there move to the how

PART 2 - Practical Tensions

1) When do I do what?

So, you want to have the passion Rock band – when do you do it?

When do I add drums? When do I add electric guitar?
• Don’t add drums for 10 people, etc
• Story about hungry band

Point – Don’t do something before you are ready --> There is a tension…. Stretch people but not before they are ready.

necessary -->Prayer and discernment.

2) Recruiting Volunteers

I talk to worship leaders at young churches… and even at big churches, especially when they are starting something new… and a big question is… “ How do I get musicians?”

no definite answer… I can tell you what I know other people have done…

• Daniel Renstrom – Hang out at Crusade (College Ministries - away from home and no local church)
• Jason – hang out in bars…
• Mike Passaro – Wait for Jason to find them and then steal guys form Visio Dei
• Stories – Drum Kit on stage and leave it…
• Pray!!!!
• Pray!!!!
• Pray!!!
• I can remember "telling" God – if he would bring talented and gifted people I would give my all to serving them and teaching them in a way that pointed them towards God honoring corporate worship

Point – No exact way – experiment, be creative, PRAY

3) High Ability low Character / High Character low Ability

This is so difficult… you have guys who you know are dynamite musicians but aren’t just all there…

Lack of commitment
Lack of character
Low view of the gospel
Untimely or disrespectful of others
Christ follower yet unrepentant

OR – you have a musician/an artist who is the walking picture of Jesus… but is as far from ready to fit into your “strategy”

Doesn’t play well
Doesn’t understand how to play in a band
Style doesn’t fit

This requires a few things:
1) a vision (why are you doing what you’re doing)
2) discernment
3) pastoring / overseeing

Point – There is a tension between not using someone before they are ready AND stretching someone and giving them space to lead. The answer is in realizing there is a tension and not going to one extreme or the other.

necessary --> Pray, run through vision, pastor/shepherd those you lead

4) How do work through expanding your team/vision without burning out your volunteers?

The answer is in shepherding. Reason --> It’s impossible to know how and where to grow your team if you’re not in the life of those on your team.

Things you can do with your team:

Eat dinner
Have coffee
Vision meeting
Share time during rehearsals

Then you know what is going on… you can pull people back, pull others in, evaluate where things are.

DO NOT CHEW PEOPLE UP AND SPIT THEM OUT – the church has done this all too much…

Point – Shepherd those God has entrusted you to lead.

As your church grows this will become increasingly difficult yet it is critical in this stage.

5) Develop leaders

another way to expand your team and vision (number 4) is by developing other leaders…

this gets to what your vision is but any leader should be thinking about how to replace themselves….

Our vision at Visio Dei: our vision requires us to develop other teachers / worship leaders (explain)

Much is at stake when we aren't deveolping leaders. One worship leader is not healthy for a number of reasons:

We all need a break
Refuel
Others lead in different ways but equally valuable to your community
Only person leaves more room for pride
Developing other leaders increases kingdom reach

Point – we all only have so much capacity. Multiplying leaders multiplies your ministry as well as Kingdom span.

6) How do you work through the balance of time involved in starting something new (and having a small team) vs. time at home/family?

Start with your family first and don’t waiver.

Andy Stanly – I will give the church40/50 hours and God will have to do the rest

Driscoll – Do what has to be done… You don’t punch a time card.

There is a balance – No right answer all the time however always --> Start with family.

Point – Balance - Run hard… run long… You have great responsibility. You also have to be sustainable. Serve your family first. Love them, serve them, ask them questions. They will know where the line is. We don’t need any more kids growing hating the church because they lost their dads or moms to the church.

7) Your own personal worship – not of yourself ;)

None of this matters if worship isn’t a part of your life. Truly – we aren’t worship leaders… that is reserved for Jesus and really the holy spirit. We are more accurately serving as “lead worshippers.” (in a corporate setting to be exact)

Here are some good questions to ask yourself regularly:

Are you a lead worshipper outside of a corporate gathering?
Do you understand the gospel?
Are you repentant?
Do you confess your sins?
Are you worshipping God in the day to day
Do worship and Justice connect for you – (explain)

• Matt Redman – “Most likely you can only lead to a place you have gone and are willing to go yourself”

Point - Your church will not follow you on Sunday if they know they wouldn’t follow you Monday through Saturday.

8) Take care of Yourself

Planting a church, starting new ministries, breaking new ground is hard. You will work harder and more passionately than you ever have before. People will question you, doubt you, and maybe even laugh at you. ----> You have to take care of yourself

eat
sleep
workout
learn your craft (dont forget to learn and practice)

Point - Planting a church is hard work. Take care of yourself.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

FIrst Trip to the beach

2009-05-27T09:54:00.005-04:00

***For clarification this was the first trip to the beach for Aidan and Addison. Diana and I have been more times than we could count. Just to clarify.***

Our friends, the Gould's, were nice enough to invite us to the beach with them for Memorial Day. By nice enough I mean - even though we have 2 infants who could be difficult to manage on a long day trip, they still invited us. We had a great time and got some great pics / video.

Thanks to the Gould's for inviting us and to the Schlieman's for allowing us to use your crib (while Jon worked ;)

Here are some pics / video from the day:

In our new bathing suits...

Addison and mommy...

Addison's first time in the Atlantic...

Aidan loving it...

Sir in the back, please stay out of my family photos... and stop staring at my wife.

Addison after a long morning...

Aidan resting up...

A video of Aidan's first time in the Ocean. Note 2 things... One - Addison is crying and ready to go take a nap. Two - Aidan is totally loving it until the second wave (not a wave), which has a bit more force than the first, makes contact.

And now you can see - Aidan fully recovered from this traumatic experience that we put him through.

We have great kids. We are extremely thankful.

-Jason

Happy Birthday Tanner!!!

2009-05-21T10:57:00.026-04:00

Most of you probably know our family pup, Tanner. Today the mighty Tan Man turns 2 years old. Tanner, simply put is an awesome dog. He brings a lot of hapiness and a lot of joy to our family. He's got tons of energy and drive and all he wants to do is have fun, love his family, work/play, and keep the "bad people" away. I felt it necessary to throw up some picks form the last 2 years in honor of the boy. So here we go:

The boy at about 8-9 weeks.

1st time on the couch...

An early on tiring day at the lake.

before the ears were standing up....

first driving lesson...

will me ears ever stand up?

Yes!!!! Ears up!

Loving his mom...

Playing with Harley (my mom's little chi wha wha)

Please come out....

this is not as it seems, I promise...

Tanner loves the dog park... he also loves it when his friends comes with...

Seasons changing...

Merry Christmas!!!!

Tanner loves the new additions to our family...

gentle giant with the babies...

always close by protecting...

still lounging when he can...

looking good...

2nd Christmas with Tanner... 1st with the babies!!!

always focused...

always nearby.

Tanner, we love you bud. Thanks for a great 2 years and we look foward to many more.

Cheers Mate!

Mothers Day - A note from the fam

2009-05-11T07:16:00.017-04:00

The woman in this picture is my babies momma. You all know her as Diana. She is also the woman who agreed to marry me. She is incredible. Below you will find notes to her from each of our family members in honor of her on this Mother's Day.

Diana, I love you. You're my everything. When you said you would marry me my whole life changed. You are a picture of grace in my life that I get to see everyday. You are smart, funny, forgiving, loving, hardworking, strong, and you bring a stability to our family that I have never known. Really, there aren't enough words.

Mommy, the doctors said without you being on bed rest for 10 days before I was born I might not even be alive. That is hard for me to believe because I always feel so alive when I am near you. You take such good care of me. You feed me, give me hugs and kisses, take me a walks, and even snuggle me when I am sad. Dad says you're the best mom in the world and I believe him!

Hi Mommy!!! I am your little boy. I love it when we play!!! We have a had long journey since we first met and I am so thankful for how much you have taken care of me. I couldn't imagine being a happier little boy and I think it's because you love me sooo much. I get the feeling we are gonna have soooo much fun together.

Hi mom. I know sometimes I am a lot to handle but you seem to love me anyways. I love to play with you, protect you, and love, love, love it when you let me sleep in the bed. I also love it when you let me play with the little babies. We have such a great family and we all know it's because of you. Do you want to play?!?!?!?!

We love you babe! Thanks for taking such good care of us and loving us so hard. We have such a wonderful family and are so blessed. I (we) couldn't imagine life without you. Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Jason, Addison, Aidan, and Tanner

ps - props to Rebecca for taking most of these photos. You can track here down here. She is available for all of your memory capturing moments ;)

Daddy Daycare on Mondays!!!

2009-04-20T14:42:00.003-04:00

Man,

Mondays are hard work ;)

I think it's supposed to be naptime... maybe we can stay up a little longer...

Benefit Show Tomorrow Night

2009-04-08T12:03:00.002-04:00

A lot of you know I went to Kenya in August of 2007. We went there to begin what we hoped would be a long-term partnership with my friend Joseph Wamutitu and his work all over Africa (namely Kenya) and most specifically The Africa Hope Center. The Africa Hope Center is a childrens home just outside of Kenya for children who have lost both of their parents due to HIV/AIDS.

Since going over for the first time we have worked to raise money and awareness for what's going on, sent folks over to aide in leadership development, sponsored children, helped them with their building, and we are about to send some friends (Kyle and Anna) over for 1 month to hang out with the children at the Africa Hope Center. (on a side note Kyle and Anna just got married a month ago and they are spending their next month in Africa - HAH - awesome.)

That leads me to whats going on now (better said - Thursday night.) We are hosting a benefit show at our church building to raise the rest of the money for their trip. Here are the details.

What: Benefit Show for Africa Hope Center - http://www.africahopecenter.org/
When: Thursday April 9th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Visio Dei Building - 524 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Raleigh NC - www.visiodei.org
Why: Good Music, Good Cause, Keith Urban might be there (he also might not be)
Who is playing: Dakota Darling - http://www.myspace.com/dakotadarlingmusic - AND - A Clerestory - http://www.myspace.com/aclerestory

These are both great bands and we really do have a great venue with a rad sound system. The show is $5 and the bands have agreed to have all proceeds from the door and from merch sales will go directly towards The Africa Hope Center. Please help us get the word out. Email / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube. All forms of social media are acceptable and appreciated ;)

Feel free to just send folks here for details or you can use this Facebook Link - http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?guests&eid=68574192977#/event.php?eid=68574192977

...or both... but most certainly... one or the other.

Hope to see you Thursday.

CHEERS!

-Jason

Need some prayer and support...

2009-03-10T22:56:00.003-04:00

Not for me this time. We have some good friends Jeramie and Joye who just had a little baby boy. His name is Ethan and he is a stud (I got to see him today.) He was born with a few complications one of which will require open heart surgery on just his 3rd day of life out of the womb. That is tomorrow (or today, Wednesday, depending on when you read this.) He goes into surgery about 8:30 and it could go for 4 hours or so.

I know a lot of you who follow our blog care about little babies because of all the support you showed us when Aidan and Addison were fighting through some scary times. As you can imagine this hits close to home for Diana and I and we would love you to offer them some prayer and support as well.

You can pick-up on what's going on on their blog here. It doesn't matter if you know her/them or not - I assure you it helps just to know others are praying, hoping, caring, and entering into your fears and hopes. Please just take a minute and offer them a thought, a prayer, or some love.

Praying for baby Ethan tonight,

-Jason and Diana

Long Overdue

2009-03-07T18:48:00.002-05:00

Hello family and friends,

I appreciate all of the emails, phone calls, and text messages reminding me I haven't given the masses their updates on our children. There are two primary reasons for this:

1)We haven't put any pics up lately due to our camera malfunctioning again. We are waiting for our friends at BestBuy to send it back to us. We have a memory card with over 100 pics from Christmas time through now.

2) The second reason is that we now have 2 children and finding time to sit in front of this machine and type has become more difficult to come by.

As amends to my slackness, I would like to offer you this video I created of our children smiling. It is not long however you will see that our babies are infact growing bigger and stronger and more beautiful as each day passes.

Enjoy!!!!

-Jason (and Diana)

ps - thanks for caring about our family... we love you.

Interview with Silver

2009-02-14T12:27:00.002-05:00

Some friends of mine have a new record about to be dropped (like it's hot) and I am working with them to get the word out for their CD release shows coming up. I say "shows" because they have one in Raleigh as well as one in Charlotte. Below is an interview with the band talking about their new record, cd release dates, and Pat's favorite color (guess which one I made up?)

I would love to ask you 3 favors as you watch this video:

1) Plan on coming to the show. They have worked really hard to put some great songs together. Their record is awesome. Support local music. Don't do drugs. Prevent forest fires.

2) Think of someone you can specifically introduce to Silver Music. Invite them to come with you to the show.

3) If you have a blog, friends in you email contact list who like music, a website, or a grandmother who is really into "edgy" pop... please do what you can to get this video to them. I ask you to embed it in your site, send them here to this site, or just email them the youtube link. By the middle of the week we'll have another video/acoustic recording for you to push out for us as well ;) ---> Online community is very helpful in this sort of thing ;)

Thanks for your help!

Raleigh folk, put it on your calendar now.... Next Saturday Night ---> The Pour House.

Here is The Official Silver Music Site. Check that out right after you enjoy the interview:

Cheers!

-Jason

30 Years Young

2009-02-06T09:14:00.002-05:00

So, this past Tuesday... on February 3rd I turned 30 years old. No, I don' feel old. My body doesn't hurt or ache, my knees feel better than they did last year (running long distances was from the devil), and I am no more forgetful than I was 10 years ago (no jokes here.) In fact, I feel great. Nonetheless, this is something close to a milestone. I dont think I ever thought about "30" when I was younger. Not sure if that means I simply "live for the moment" (if you know me well, you're probably agreeing right now) or if I didn't think I would make it this long as crazy as I have been from time to time.

In looking back on 30 years I have had an amazing go at things so far. I have loved every second with my family (that is ever increasing in many ways.) My parents and grand parents have shown more support than I could ever ask for. I have had, lost, and still have some of the best friends anyone could ever want. I have had incredible teachers, coaches, bosses, and role models. I have even had and still have great pets. I have tried many, many things. I have failed in things. I have succeeded in things. I have loved and lost (and wouldn't change it.) I have loved and won. I am certain I have hurt some people and I have felt remorse. I have gotten to see places all around the world and had the priveledge of serving people there. I recieved double the blessing in return from those same people I was looking to serve. I have tried some things I probably shouldn't have tried (no need to list things here ;)I have grown to learn wrestling, sushi, music, reading, coffee, beer, poetry, movies of all kinds, the guitar, musicals, jui-jitsu, marketing, red wine, avocados, guacamole, french toast, animals, people, the world around me, and God our Creator and Father. I have also been given who I am convinced is the worlds greatest wife (for me specifically - I dont want to down play other folks wives) who loves me more than I deserve. Together we have been given two miracles in our children Aidan and Addison (maybe more someday ;)

Though the previous paragraph wouldn't communicate it (after all those post is about me turning 30...) I have also realized to a small degree, this world isnt a small story with me as the main character but instead a much larger story with me as a small character. I am coming to know this more and more and it is continually changing my life for the better. Everything up above has served in some way to reveal that to me. I pray I continue to learn this and helps me become who I was created to be.

Looking back - other than pain I could have caused others; I wouldn't change a thing. I sincerly mean that. Laughs, tears, celebrations, and pain. All have brought me to where I am and I love it. Thanks for walking alongside me in this big world. It's been a blast and I can't wait to see the next 30.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

ps - I feel the next 30 should be more productive as I already have some of the basics down already (walking, running, talking, etc)

pss - it's gonna be a lot of fun with Diana watching our children grow-up...

pss - thanks for all who made it to the crazy surprise party Diana threw for me. that should be a blog post all to itself. thanks for all the calls, voicemails, cards, and facebook messages. you are all incredible friends. we are truly blessed.

Mery Christmas

2008-12-25T09:58:00.009-05:00

Merry Christmas! I pray that the beauty and mystery of the God sending His son Jesus to be born in a manger as the savior of the world would be a bit more real to you this year. I pray that out of that the realization of new possibilities and limitless hope comes to you and your family.

Here are a few recent blessings and encounters with hope from my life right now:

Mommy, Daddy, Aidan, Addison, and Tanner

We might have been under the mistletoe... lucky for me.

First Christmas...

I saw the stockings hanging on the mantle while we were taking pictures and... well, I couldn't resist.

They acted like they liked it... ;)

As far as presents go... we're good on stuffed animals for a while... ;) The two tan bears on the bottom (one with a tank top and one without) were mine and Diana's growing up.

Daddy dressing his girl for some Christmas pics!!!

Aidan just being a stud...

I think we might have our hands full for a while.

I do a lot of things wrong in life. I find hope when I look at things like this. I find hope when I remind myself of stories like Christmas. I realize there really is a Hope for all of us. Friends, Family, folks I dont really know... Merry Christmas.

Love and Peace to you.

-The Gore Fam

*Thanks to Rebecca for taking the pics. Love you!

Anberlin

2008-12-22T09:21:00.002-05:00

Good rock tune for the Holidays...

Dear Anberlin,

thank you for making great music.

Love,

Jason

Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-18T19:49:00.000-05:00

I found this on singer/song writer Robbie Seay's Website. It's really good. Makes you think about things. Take 4 minutes. It could help Christmas really come into focus.

Love and Peace to you and yours,

-Jason

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-17T09:15:00.002-05:00

So this past weekend my buddy Scott Wenger played trumpet and harmonica with me on Sunday morning. I have been wanting to play Feliz Navidad for a long time so he complied but he didn't know exactly what part to play. So, using my handy Mac I created a version just for him.

Musicians:
Jason Gore - Acoustic Guitar / Vocals
Pat Downing - Mouthing Trumpet / Vocals
Larry Dempsey - Vocals
Zack Van Hoy - Vocals
Jon Gould - Innocent bystander

Then afterwards I decided to create a video for this well produced cover of the holiday classic. Note the quality of the "human mouthed trumpet" performed by Pat Downing...

In honor of Scott Wenger I give you... Feliz Navidad. If you dont know Scott Wenger then this holiday classic is just a gift from us to you. Enjoy.

Please let us know what you think...

Coffee Pot/Maker

2008-12-12T19:08:00.001-05:00

I have a friend (ahem... I will not name any names) who accidentally broke their coffee pot... anyone have a replacement laying around??? It needs to be replaced by Monday morning... ;)

thank you,

-Jason

*I assure you it is not me who broke the aforementioned coffee pot. I am merely trying to help a friend (or family member)

**It is certainly not Diana either...

Car - You look very sad... ;)

2008-12-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

Last night about 10pm we heard a loud bang outside our house. I ran downstairs and out on the front porch (this seems like the Christmas Story so far - I was upstairs and heard such a clatter... I ran downstairs to see what was the matter... ;) The story doesn't finish with 8 tiny deer or a large man with a white beard and a red suit.)

Upon getting outside I saw my car up on the curb... not parked by the curb at the appropriate 6 inches where I left it but literally, on the curb... by about 3 - 4 feet. My friends who hang out on the corner by my house yelled up at us cause they saw it. They saw some small red car plow into my car and then drive off. Judging by the angle that my car was sitting in relation to the curb, they had to have hit pretty hard and at a weird angle. They hit on the back left corner panel.. right into the gas tank and smeared all the way down the side to the front bumper. Both tires on that side were flat and both rims were bent. It looks like my rear axle could be broken as the back left tires is crooked.

We called 911, went out driving to look for their car as they couldn't have made it far (to no avail), and then called one of my brothers who works for RPD. I haven't heard anything from the Police yet so I am assuming they haven't found anyone.

This is a little sad cause it's the car Diana drove when I met her, it's paid for, and gets great gas mileage. Our plan was to drive this until the "wheels fell off." Well friends, that time has come sooner than expected ;)

Perhaps we will be able to fix it.. perhaps not. Either way.. it's no biggie. Things like this happen. In studying Exodus with our church over the last couple months I got closer than I have ever been able to get to a point where I thought... this is all just stuff. It's all "smoke and bubbles." Last night when I came back in and told Diana we actually just started laughing. We are gonna have to locate another vehicle if this one isnt fixable for a reasonable price and that could be troublesome but other than that... I am just sad cause our car looks sad ;(

I will post pics soons...

Until next time.. watch out for a little red car with beat-up front right side. They have difficulty staying on the road. (Unless ofcoarse someone at our church did this on purpose cause the music is too loud or something - of which case you have nothing to worry about ;)

Love and Peace,

-Jason

Thankful...

2008-11-27T14:45:00.002-05:00

We have much to be thankful for this year... Here is an attempt in no particualr order.

- First and foremost... We're both thankful to get to be married to each other - Diana could just be saying this to be nice but I really mean it ;) - I never knew you could have so much fun just being with someone. I know I am a better man for being with Diana. I hope she could say the same - well, except not a better man but a better woman

- We have 2 babies and they are home with us now - seems like so long ago this whole journey started

- Our familiy is incredible - our parents, grand parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins... you've all been so great to us

- Our friends - seriously, you guys have gone so far to show us your love. thanks for making life more fun. from serving us, to giving us a chance to serve you, to challenging us to be the people we should be, for laughing with us and for crying with us... it just makes life better

- Medical Staff at Wake Med - our nurses, nurse practioners, and doctors were absolutely incredible. from our first night meeting with dr. Khera talking about earl labor and delivery to our last day there with Aidan and Addison's nurses we were blown away by their service, sincere concern, and compassion

- Our jobs - things are crazy right now. we consider ourselves fortunate to have a way to have income right now

- Health Insurance (I know everyone doesnt have this. we do. if we didn't we would probably be bankrupt. seriously. in a way... it's my fault your insurance cost alot. 2 babies born 3 months early cost a bit. we got a bill for Addison the other day. WOW.)

- Tanner - We have a great dog

- Our Roommates - we share a house with another family. things are hard when you live with people sometimes. it challenges you to examine lots of decisions you make and how you communicate. overall it's a really cool thing. i think it makes you a better person. kinda like a second marriage, which would be wierd. overall, they are pretty cool. we love them very much.

- Music - All aspects of it. that it is alive. for what it can do inside you. that i get to listen to it. that i get to play it. for the people i get to play it with... this is proobably the coolest part.

- Exercise - diana and i both enjoy it. she is thankful for her ability to run and go to the YMCA. lately i have been training at CrossFit and working specifically in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. this is very close to wrestling in many ways. not sure why this is so much fun for me but it is. in some ways i feel i am better at this stuff than anything else in my life.

- Scent - I like when things smell good. i love how certain aromas can take you to a certain place. coffee, ocean air, oranges, basil, flowers... i will stop here.

- Where it all comes from - different people attribute things to different places. we attribute all that we have been given to God our creator. we are ever grateful for the gifts that we have been given in our life and our hope is to honor God in response. he is the author of all that is good and right. he is our provider and i believe everything on this list comes by Him.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

-Jason and Diana (Aidan and Addison and Tanner)

WARNING REALLY CUTE BABIES BELOW

2008-11-21T08:41:00.000-05:00

Here our some of our favorite photos from the past couple of weeks...

Addison on her way to her first doctor appointment

Our little genius

Loves the pink chair!

Love the pink pants!

Aidan on his way home

The empty bed...

Addison laying with Daddy

Aidan in his favorite...the swing

Together...

Aidan is home!!!

2008-11-18T12:14:00.000-05:00

Yep, we have our little man home! We were told this past weekend it could be as early as Wednesday that he could come home. Then we got a call Monday morning and the doctors asked if we wanted to bring our son home?!?!?!?!? Our answer was an astounding "Heck yes we do." (think Napolean Dynamite)

So now we are 2 days into having our entire family together and it's great. Seeing them together in our house seems to good to be true. It is a bit of a whirlwind getting adjusted to their eating and sleeping (and our lack of sleeping) and all that stuff but so far so good. We're just happy to have them home. I hate leaving my house now. I really do. This is unfortunate because I have to... well, you know... work and stuff.

Praise our God He has brought our family together. I get the feeling that an adventure we have never began to dream of is about to settle in. I pray we love and live the way we should. I pray we don't miss a moment of the excitement (I don;t think we have yt.)

I promise to get some pics (and video) up as soon as I can.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers,

-Jason, Diana, Aidan, and Addison

ps - I went to bed last night feeling under the weather and awoke this morning feeling sick. This could put us in quite the predicament as we are trying to keep sickness away from the kiddos... So regarding this I could use some prayer and... a good doctor downtown if anyone knows of any. I dont have one.

Safety For our Children's ;)

2008-11-12T20:26:00.000-05:00

**funny video at bottom - reward for reading long post**

Hey guys... The childrens are doing great. A l ot of folks have asked about seeing them so we're writing this post as a head's up as to what to expect from us over the next few months when it comes to the babies.

First of all, thanks so much for the prayers, love, and support. I feel like I have said it 1,000 times but it still isn't enough. We have amazing friends and family. We are excited for you all to meet them and they are excited to meet you too (I mean, I assume they are.. they can't really talk yet.)

Secondly, as you are about to meet them we wanted to give you a heads up about somethings our doctors from the ICN (intensive care nursery), our nurses, nurse practitioners, and our pediatrician has drilled into our heads. We want you to know about something called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus.) Though most babies by the age of 2 have had RSV, for term babies, it may appear no different than a common cold. For premature babies it can show itself in quite a different way. Babies born before 36 weeks (Aidan and Addision were born at 28 weeks) are at the highest risk for pneumonia, bronchiolitis, RSV, and other possible fatal complications.

Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Since we've just spent over 80 days (and counting) at the hospital we're gonna do all we can to avoid having to go back and to keep our babies healthy during RSV season (October - April.) RSV can be spread through touching, in the air by coughing or sneezing, or by touching an infected object (like these.) The virus can live as long as six hours on hands and up to twelve hours on objects, and it spreads very easily, especially from child to child.

When I first heard about this I thought, "don't they need to build up their immune system anyway?" The doctors have assured me the quick answer to that is, "No." Since our babies were so premature they have not acquired the necessary immunities to fight off infection. If they contract this virus they could have to go back to the hospital again and may develop serious complications.

So, to help us out with our quest to keep them at home and healthy we will ask you to follow a few guidelines when you stop by:

1. When you get here, please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer (it's not hard to find in our house right now ;)

2. If you're sick, live with someone who is sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick during the day it probably isn't the best idea for you to stop by. (on a side note - if you are sick and need something.. feel free to give us a call and we'd love to help you out ;)

3. If you smoke, we ask that you change your clothes and not smoke before you come by as premature babies lungs are very sensitive to smoke (mostly during first two years of life.) (This is even hard for me as I enjoy smoking a pipe all through the fall and winter.)

Unfortunately we will not be bringing them out to large social gatherings thru the winter which is tough on Diana and I because we are so social. Their lungs are still very fragile until they are two years old and our goal is to make it thru these first two years without contracting this virus. Believe me this was not the plan we had for our kids and not the easiest thing to do. Diana and I are both a bit the type to throw caution to the wind with our own lives. We've always been adventurers of sorts but we do feel this is the best for them over the long haul.

I hope this stuff makes sense and if you've got any questions feel free to ask. We're so excited about being parents and hope that we can raise our children in a way that shows them and the world a love that is special. Thanks for playing a part in that with us.

Love and Peace,

-Jason and Diana

ps - writing this seemed like a public service announcement

Addison is Home!!!

2008-11-08T19:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday (Friday) was an incredible day. Many prayers were answered and our daughter has gotten to come home. It was a bit difficult for us though as Aidan just isn't ready yet to come home. When we first had to leave them at the hospital it was tough but we both knew in our minds they were there together. This is the fist time they have really been apart not to mention we cant be there 24/7 either. None the less I know he is excited for his sister to come home and get the place ready for him.

Since she has been home she has gotten her first bath at home, has been eating well, and Diana has not been able to put her down.

Here are some pics we've taken over the last few days.

You can tell they love each other already...

Telling secrets too...

This is just a cute picture - DAH HAH

Addison just found out she was going home...

Telling her brother bye for now...

Loaded up and coming home!!!

Diana finally getting to rest with our baby girl...

Same position... different location.

First bath at home...

All confy in her crib...

Finally at home...

One last one for safe measure...

So she is home safe and sound. Diana and I would like to ask you all to keep all of us, espeacially Aidan, in your thoughts and prayers right now. He is having a little more difficulty catching onto this little thing called... eating. You see it's quite necesary for growth and satiability to put food in your body on your own power. Right now he has good days and bad. Some feedings he takes it all himself and others he just runs out of gas and they have to feed him through a tube. It's not that he is way behind and more that Addison is just moving at a faster than normal speed but either way we still would love to get our boy home.
Here is a shot of the big boy...

So - here is to our daughter coming home. Hopefully Aidan will soon to follow. I've been home for 1 day with my daughter and I dont want to leave to do anything. I am sure there will be bad days.. but with what we've gone through... I am really appreciating this time with her.

Thanks be to our God!!!

-Jason

Noshavember

2008-11-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I have other friends participating in this madness called Noshavember. Perhaps I too, will participate. I do have a moderate headstart due to my busyness (laziness) over the past 2 weeks. Perhaps we will keep a weekly photo log here just to monitor progress.

Here is today's photo. We'll do this again in a week.

Photo Shoot!!!

2008-11-04T08:45:00.003-05:00

Our brilliantly talented friend (almost family kindof) has taken some new pics of our babies. I am only gonna put a few of them up here but you can find the rest of them on her blog. These are from a couple weeks back so Aidan and Addison have both grown a bit even since here.

Health wise they are doing well. They are both off of oxygen... well, from outside help ya know... they are breathing plenty of oxygen from just the room ;) The next big step is getting to where they can eat all of their meals themselves. They are still a little reliant on their feeding tube though they have made a ton of progress. They just get a little tired after a while and lose focus. Once they get this down though, they will be comin home!!!!

Well, here is what you really want to see...
Addison's tiny hands...

There aren't words for looking down at them... so many things I want to tell them...

I am not sure what happened here... I turned around for 5 minutes and my daughter has a tutu on.... This was actually a gift from a friend who makes them... you can track her down here if you want one ;)

I think we have our hands full...

Our beautiful babies...

Again, we're so thankful for all of the love and support throughout this entire process. It has been as beautiful and as challenging as anything Diana and I have ever experienced together. It has lead us to crying one second and dancing the next and I know has brought us closer than we ever thought we could be.

Much love...

-Jason

ok... so I am going to buy something

2008-10-29T08:25:00.001-04:00

***note - this post descibes events that happend last week - but i forgot to finish the post. There is a bit or humor in that given the content of the post.

If any of you have known me at any point in the last 15 years of my life the content of this post will not surprise you.

Sunday afternoon I couldn't find my wallet. I really thought I put it in my book bag before I left Sunday morning but I looked and it wasnt there. I assumed when leaving our church building that I had left it at home. Got home Sunday night and no wallet. I went through the day Monday with no wallet and Diana and I tore through the house looking for it. It was not at home.

MOnday night, instead of meeting some friends out (because I didn't have my ID) we then went to the church building and again did not find it there. Late, Monday night before going to bed I looked in my book bag one last time (for the 20th time) and alas... there it was. Hmmmmmmmm....

Then tuesday morning I got to the church building and could not find my phone - DAHHHHHHHH. I knew I put it in my book bag but it wasn't there. I went all through lunch without my phone and went home then to look for it. I stayed at home for an hour and a half looking for my phone and could not find it. At this point I was very tired of having things... well, LOST.

I then went back to the building to finish my work day and my phone was... guess where... right in my book bag. Hmmmmmmm.....

So - in response to this series of events... I am convinced of 3 things:

1) I have always temporarily misplaced things and might be doomed with this trait til death
2) My bookbag not only is a black hole but also carries with it certain characteristics of the island in the tv show - LOST
3) I just may need to buy a fanny pack

perhaps it will not be so bad. After all - I will not lose my things and perhaps it will come back in style soon enough...

Who's with me???

Warning: Good looking babies!!!

2008-10-23T13:40:00.002-04:00

Aidan and Addison are doing great. Yesterday He topped the 5lb. mark and she is just under at 4lbs and 15oz. They are still needing a little bit of help breathing and are working on learning to eat. Those are the last 2 big hurdles before they can come home. Currently they need a little extra oxygen and they are getting most of their food (milk) from a feeding tube. I told them that when they get older they will realize this not the best way to do things but they are not following my rationalization.

They are so beautiful. Words can't explain what it's like holding them and looking into their eyes. i am starting to feel like they know we are supposed to be there or they are supposed to leave wit us or something. It's only a matter of time I guess. My uneducated guess would be another 3 - 5 weeks before they can come home though the nurses have said sometimes everything just comes together at once. We want to be realistic so we dont feel any let down but we would be happy if they could come home tomorrrow ;)

Here are a couple pics for you. The hats they have on are courtesy of our friend Elyse who made them for our family. Thanks Elyse!!!

Diana and Aidan. I think he is blowing a kiss to all the ladies...

Aidan and Addison all ready for the Fall. ;)

Thanks for all the love and support,

-Jason and Diana

Just take 5 minutes

2008-10-17T10:37:00.003-04:00

This will make your day better. Great band. Great song. Awesome video. Seems to be a bit "chaotic" to quote a good friend of mine in Denver yet simple and beautiful. Plus you gotta love these guys for having fun with what they do... Needtobreath - They are an amazing band. Buy their album. At least one of them.

I would say in all... spectacular.

Please to have a wonderful weekend...

-Jason

It's official...

2008-10-11T18:40:00.001-04:00

It IS official. We have both changed poopy and wet diapers and had the experience of the continuous pee/poop (you know when you change the diaper, get them all clean and ready for the new diaper, the new diaper under them and the pee/poop starts again!). We also participated in bath time for the first time this week. I have to admit it was a bit more challenging than I thought it would be to bathe the little ones. They are very... well, squirmy...which complicates the whole bath time ordeal. We have, however, now conquered the main "care giving parental tasks" (other than, well ya know... raising them, middle school, high school, peer-pressure, dating, etc :)

We've done the dressing/undressing deal... I know you are thinking, "come on guys, that is simple" but not with all the wires and tubes we have to navigate around. Not to mention the ever present "baby-always-moving-factor." I have wrestled really large men before and not had this much trouble putting them where I want them.

Addison and Aidan have conquered the 4lb. mark which is exciting. They are getting bigger and stronger everyday. It will not be long before they will be doing push-ups.... I just know it.

The reality of having 2 babies at home and all the responsibility that comes with that is really starting to sink in. It's kind of scary in some ways and in other ways more exciting than anything we've ever done.

Here's some other pics:

Telling secrets to each other...

Holding hands...

A few other pics:

Thanks for all the love, prayers, and support.

Cheers!

-Jason and Diana

Meet my friend Patrick

2008-10-10T10:38:00.001-04:00

I have a friend and his name is John Patrick Downing. He is a great friend, a killer guitar player, and has an accounting degree from NC State. He also is working on a new version of an old Styx tune, "Come Sail Away."

While back stage at a recent "place where we were invited to lead/play" ("gig" feels like the wrong word) I feel he made some great progress.

Please to enjoy...

Cheers!

-Jason

I miss stuff like this...

2008-10-07T08:15:00.000-04:00

It's like Opera meats Rock-n-roll. Someones needs to do this type of stuff again. Enjoy the video.

The old vieo was good too though a little confusing. He looked like a monster and he had helicopters chasing him.

Here's to Meatloaf!

-Jason

Completely Insane

2008-10-06T12:17:00.001-04:00

I found this on a friend's blog. I had to post it. It's insane.

Someone should create some game where you use ping pong balls and red cups...

Cheers!

-Jason

It doesn't get any cuter than this...

2008-10-04T22:06:00.002-04:00

So Thursday when we went to see the kiddos this is what we saw...

Yep they are in the crib together! They love being back together, hence the snuggling they are doing!

Another plus of them being out of the isolets and in the same crib is that we can hold both of them at one time.

They are 5 weeks old now and that means that we should be at least halfway through their stay in the NICU/ICN. We really can't wait to have them home. We've made good progress with the nursery this past week. As soon as the glider comes and Pops finishes up with the dresser/changing table deal he is building for us we will be all set. We'll post some pictures of the nursery soon!

Here are a few other cute pictures for you to enjoy!

Tracking Guitars

2008-10-03T10:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Pat (and I, but really Pat was there way longer than I was) went to Mark's Studio to track guitars for one of the songs we're working on for Visio Dei. This is in no way a final mix but a glorious video of Patrick working on some guitar layering... enjoy.

(I ripped this video off of Pat's blog - I feel no flaw in this as I am the one holding the camera - though I still wanted to give credit to where I first found it. I also assume he will not care as we are, well... ya know... friends. And well... there is also the fact that he might have lived in my basement for a while. Something like that.)

Pat is very good. You are also hearing the wonders of Zack Van Hoy on the drums and John Enzor on the bass. GLORY!

I'm not sure yet what to do with these songs once we're finished. I just know I/we really wanted to get them recorded. We will figure this other stuff out later.

Peace,

-Jason

The Boss

2008-10-01T14:09:00.000-04:00

Today I am working from home. I have listened to the same album twice all the way through while working. I am inspired. Seriously, I do know everyone in the world doens't love Bruce Springsteen. That doesn't mean I don't think they should. A poet, a prophet, a fighter.. not to mention a musician. In a day of over produced catchy pop songs (also of which I enjoy) he captures something that is simply raw and unarguably, right. His latest album; Magic. Tis good.

We're 1 month old!

2008-09-28T18:11:00.001-04:00

Hello to all our friends and family!

We can't wait to meet all of you. Mommy and Daddy tell us about how so many of you have been thinking about and praying for us. They say there are so so many wonderful people just waiting to meet us.

Today was a big day for us...we're officially 1 month old. Mommy made cupcakes for all the nurses and doctors to celebrate our big day!

Time has really flown by in our little isolet "condos". Everyone keeps talking about how much we are growing. We are almost up to 3.5 lbs. each. We're just glad to finally have some clothes on and some of those wires off!

We have heard that we have another house somewhere else that Mommy and Daddy can't wait to show us. We can't wait to go and see it. We even heard they have a big dog that loves to play... We hope he is tough enough for us.

We love Mommy and Daddy's visits and the time we get to spend with them. We really like just laying in their arms and enjoy it when they read to us too!

We were really nervous when we first got here.. but now we're really starting to get used to it. Thanks for loving us so much already!

-Aidan and Addison

Proud mom and pops with Addison...

Addison blowing out her candle...

Aidan is a bit tired to blow out his candle...

Aidan showing off his baby blues...

Daddy's girl already ;)

A New Season...

2008-09-26T13:11:00.000-04:00

Fall is now here. I love this time of year. The air chills off. It gets a bit dryer. It's a touch more crisp. You can leave your windows open. Diana and I can walk outside without sweating. My dog and I can play outside longer. It's almost time to go to the fair. It's so great. Autumn (this is what smart people call it) is here!!!!

If I were honest I think I love every season right when it first gets here. Whatever gene we as humans carry that leads us to appreciate "normalness and predictability" has been completely disconnected or vacant from my body since birth. I can't handle things very long without change. (This is incredibly ironic when you consider my wife is very fond of structure, details, and the sticky note - though I am learning the value of lists as a means to keep one focused ;) Either way... the seasons changing is a reminder that a new time is upon us. This is good for me. It causes me to reflect. "What am I happy with?" "What do I want to change?" "What should stop and appreciate?"

This brings a great deal of hope in my life. Usually I am reminded what amazing friends and family I have. I am reminded what an incredible wife I have. I am reminded that I dont have to keep things the same in my life. I can work to make things better. I am reminded that I can make steps towards being the man I was created to be.

It's also a new season in the sense of being for the first time, a father. Other than being a husband I have never felt such a burden for someone else. Everything I think about seems to be going through a different filter.. "what is best for my family?" I pray that as time passes and as seasons change I will grow to be a better man. I hope to grow to be more loving and more compassionate. I hope to become a stronger leader as well as grow in humility. I long to be more forgiving and to encourage others around me more. I hope to understand grace better as means to teach it to my family and show it to the world around me.

As seasons change I pray we have time to reflect on who we are becoming and remember things don't have to stay the same. I believe the story we are in is one the says "there are always new possibilities." May we all find ourselves in that story and find ourselves moving towards what and who we were created to be.

Cheers!

-Jason

Yes...we have clothes!

2008-09-23T05:42:00.003-04:00

Addison in her little outfit

Me and my boy...

I have a feeling this will be a favorite picture of mine for a while...

Diana and Addison

Between these two women in this picture my heart is in no way shape or form my own any longer... (not that is has been in the last 5 or 6 years ;)

To see more pictures visit Rebecca's blog as she has put more up on her site... (if we put all of them here you wouldn't have to go to her site and check them out ;) thanks for sharing your amazing gift with our family Rebecca!!! (regardless of if our pics are on her site - you should frequent her site as she just does amazing work)

So many great things happened over the past week with the kiddos.

Their PICC lines were pulled because they no longer need the IV nutrition. When they no longer have that line they start putting little onsies on them. They don't like to dress them when the PICC or IV lines are in because they don't want to risk disrupting the lines. It's fun to see them in little outfits, makes them seem more like a "normal" baby. We have some really cute onsies for both Aidan and Addison (thanks Becky, Leslie, Rebecca and Karen) that I took up to the hospital over the weekend. They are still a bit small for the clothes but really cute in them anyways!

They also were taken off the Vapotherm form of oxygen and are just getting regular oxygen, another great step! They are growing, growing. growing. Aidan weighed in at 3lbs 1 ounce tonight and Addison was 2lbs. 14ozs.

Addison's heart murmur seems to be getting better, they can barely hear it when they listen to her heart.

We love spending time with them, holding them, reading to them, just hanging out. This time has truley become our favorite time of our day.

The next step is to get them out of the isolets (their "condos") and into an open bed as they call it. Then they will be able to be in the same liitle crib!!! They have to show that they can regulate their body temperature to make this next step.

We are reminded on a daily basis of just how BIG God is when we see our little miracles. Thanks again for your continued love, support and prayers!

-Jason and Diana (both were contributing authors to this post ;)

Studio Tonight...

2008-09-22T10:12:00.001-04:00

Myself and some friends have been writing some music over the last few years. Most of the music has come out of different places we have been in life be it physically, emotionally, spiritually (I dont know if you can really separate any of those things.) Some of the songs have turned into songs we sing at Visio Dei (our church) and some have just been songs we play when we're just hangin out playing music.

If you know me well then you know I have wondered for a while what to do with these songs. Should we just leave them alone for what they are, should I record an album as Jason Gore, should I record an album for our church community (as Visio Dei), should I record an album as a band (Treeline)...

Well with no more answers on that I have decided to just start recording. My plan is to start recording with Mark McKee here in town just a couple tracks at the time. I going to start with songs that have made their way into our church community and going to have different people that I am close to help out with the recording. I am assuming that having something in front of us (me) will provide a bit of inspiration to continue writing and recording. My hope is by the end we will have a meaningful collection of songs that are reflective, meaningful, celebratory and full of hope.

So - The time has arrived... Tonight myself, Zack Van Hoy (drums), and Patrick Downing(guitars) are going into the studio to lay down scratch tracks and track drums for 2 songs. Pray for us, wish us luck, or whatever it is you do ;)

Here's to what we hopes to be a great project...

Cheers!

-Jason

Just two pics

2008-09-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

These brighten up my day...

That's my boy. He's probably thinking about all the times we're gonna have together. Honestly I am enjoying every second, even just right now...

If I didn't know any better I would suggest she is posing. Addison has already won my heart and she has to do absolutely nothing to do so. Between her Diana I think I am in a lot of trouble.

CHEERS!

-Jason

The Happy Family...

2008-09-17T18:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings to our faithful blog readers!

Apologies for the delay in our postings as of late...no surprise to any of you that life is keeping us very busy!!!

Addison and Aidan are doing so well. They are growing each day and are now both above their birth weights (Addison by about 2 ounces and Aidan by about 5 ounces!). They are both off their IV fluids and getting their nutrition from mama's milk with the HMF (Human Milk Fortifier) they add for extra nutrition. This is a big step for them! They have also both decreased in the flow and percent of oxygen they are getting.

Jason and I are enjoying getting to spend time with them. We have a little stack of books we keep up there and read with them. A few of our favorites are "I Love You Stinky Face", "Horton Hatches An Egg" and "The Pokey Little Puppy".

Addison still has a little bit of fluid around her lungs and she continues to get the lasiks to help pull the fluid off and out of her. This is part of the reason she hasn't gained as much weight as Aidan.

We know you all want to see another round of photos and we will put some up soon...promise! :)

Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement!!!

A good night...

2008-09-13T01:13:00.000-04:00

Tonight Diana and had a date. We started out our evening seeing our babies at Wake Med. It's hard to top that if I am honest. After visiting our children we then went to a restaurant called Taco Bell for some fine Mexican/American cuisine. For an appetizer we enjoyed a hard shell corn tortilla with bean spread and cheddar cheese on top. Our main course was a grill, stuffed, chicken burrito con hot sauce that was simply incredible. We then indulged ourselves with a dessert of what else but taco bell's world famous cinnamon twists. We matched our dinner with a beverage selcetion of a fine rasberry nestea from their soda fountain.

After dinner the romantic evening continued a Babies R Us for a little game we call "let's find a changing table."

Then we came home and got ready for a yard sale.

Now Diana is asleep on the couch.

In all seriousness... it was great just to hang out with my wife. (We both really did get excited when we saw taco bell.) I love that we can have fun just doing simple stuff. We had fun together. Our babies have had a good couple of days. Our dog is pretty sweet too. We have good friends and great family. Tonight, life is good...

*(sigh of peacefulness.....)

sleep well,

-Jason

Things change quickly...

2008-09-13T01:05:00.000-04:00

About 3 hours after my last post saying things are going well we got a call form the doc saying Addison needed a blood transfusion to really help her get through some tough times that could be coming up. This was based on some x-rays that showed too much fluid was around her lungs and some signs she may be getting a little sick.

As it turns out, it's posible her lungs aren't as "strong" as first thought. Then again life with babies this tiny simply makes it very difficult to know whats going on all the time. She has since recieved the transfusion well and adjusted nicely.

For now they are both doing well, going up on how much food they are eating, and gaining weight. I fully believe they are just like their mom and dad and are simply refusing the "norm" as a potential road to travel. I'll take it ;)

Here's to not following the norm!!!

-Jason

Aidan and Addison

2008-09-10T10:03:00.003-04:00

Well our babies have had a strong past few days. Here are the updates...

Aidan is (seemingly) over whatever stomach bug he had. His energy level is back up and his eyes are wide open quite a bit. I may be a little biased but trust me... this guy is handsome. His weight is up to an astounding 2 pounds and 9 ounces which is 2 ounces over his birth weight. He got down to just over 2 pounds before he started this increase and he has gained just about everyday for the last 5 days. Every morning and every night I let him know how proud I am of him for how hard he is fighting through all of this. I can tell he is giving it everything he has.

Addison is so adorable. She has her mothers eyes and I can already tell I am in a lot of trouble. I am not sure how she knows how to look at me the way she does but it is beautiful. She did get officially diagnosed with a heart murmur and it was apparently allowing some blood to get back in her lungs. They have given her some medicine to help close that valve and we'll get those results today. On a recent x-ray it did look like she had some extra fluid in her lungs and she is having a little more trouble breathing right now. The docs have upped her oxygen flow and change a couple other things and that has seemed to help her a bit. Her weight is up to 2 pounds and 10 ounces which keeps her just a touch heavier than her brother right now. I attribute that to him having to work so hard in the womb to hold her in ;)

All I want to do is sit at the hospital all day. I am finding it hard to concentrate as I just want to be close to them. I know Diana is feeling the same way. We had a couple of baby showers over the weekend (which were amazing!) and some of our friends gave us some car seats. It was a bit emotional thinking about the fact that this is what we'll bring them home from the hospital in. In some ways we just want them home and in other ways we know they are where they need to be. Time just seems to be passing slowly at times...

All in all things are great right now. The prayers and support mean so much. We feel so protected and cared for. Thanks for sharing in this with us.

Jason and Diana

ps - I will post some new pics later today or tonight. I also have some video I would like to get up but I need to do a little research and figure out how to do it. I need to edit and figure the best way to upload it here. If you have any knowledge of this... please to send it my way.

pss - Diana and I are both tired ;)

Hard to believe...

2008-09-06T23:12:00.000-04:00

Our kiddos are already a week and a day old! Over the past week there have been moments of pure joy, feelings of helplessness, tears and smiles. The emotional rollercoaster has been a bit tougher than we expected. We are so thankful that we have such supportive and encouraging family and friends and the thoughts and prayers of so many. Please know that we appreciate all the e-mails, calls. cards, etc. Our apologies if you haven't heard back from us, days just seem to fly by right now.

Aidan is doing better today. The X-ray of his belly/intestines this morning showed a big improvement. Thanks for the prayers ;) They were also able to get his PIC line in his little arm (this serves as an IV but they dont have to keep moving it around and resticking him all the time as these can stay in for up to 30 days.)

Addison is doing well. She does have a heart murmer which was a bit concerning. She was given and ECHO exam and it showed it was pretty large. They begin givin her medication for that this morning and it sounds like that is already closing up.

Both babies had head ultra sounds (normal test for babies) and showed no blood on their brain. This is a very good thing. They have also gained about an once per day over the last 2 days which is also exciting. They are both about 2 onces shy of their original birth weight but look to be heading in that direction.

The doctors, nurses and other staff at the ICN (Intensive Care Nursery) at WakeMed are amazing!!! We are so grateful for each of them.

We hope you're having a good weekend! Thanks for caring about our family.

with love,

-Jason and Diana (Diana wrote most of this one - then she got tired ;)

Update on the Babies

2008-09-05T12:07:00.000-04:00

Aidan is having a little trouble as of yesterday afternoon. After some ex rays and tests the doctors are concerned of a possible bacteria infection in his intestines and have begun treating him in case. I am not gonna go into all the details as to how they have narrowed it down to that but that is where we are. As to how serious... with what this could be, all babies respond differently and there is no "normal" series of events or recovery. Again, more unknown. Did I mention lately how well Diana and I do when things aren't possible for us to simply fix or work to make better. ;)

I would like to ask for some of you prayer time for him. He is a tough little guy but I can tell this has him down a little. I can look in his eyes and tell he is feeling a little weak.

As for Addison, she is doing great today. She looks a bit more attentive and alert with each passing day. She loves to ook at Diana and I and you just get a sense she is smiling. It's so obvious she knows our voices.

Diana and I are doing well. She is tired but holding up. I am not used to being in situations I cannot fix when need be but I am learning more and more that I am not in control. It's funny how we really learn "faith". I feel as though I am in some kind of rapid learning center right now. Things go like this... "you can't do anything... choose to have faith or not." We are fortunate to find strength and to have faith in something bigger than us. Please pray that this continues for us.

I feel like a broken record but thanks to each of you time and time again for your love, prayers, and support. I am hearing stories of more and more people than I could imagine somehow being passed along to this blog. I believe God is using each of you in your own way whether you know it or not. For that I am grateful.

The only other update I have is this - It's amazing how fast and how deeply you fall in love with them. I am amazed.

Love and Peace,

-Jason

More pics

2008-09-04T18:19:00.000-04:00

These pics were taken by one of our best friends Rebecca. She is as good as it gets when it comes to photography. Thanks Bec for helping us capture these memories!

Here are some shots of our Daughter Addison:

How about a little wave ;)

And here are some shots of Aidan:

I will give a health update by the end of the night. Please continue to pray for them especially Aidan right now. We are waiting on a call back from the Doctor but he is having to undergo some tests tonight as he is acting a bit unresponsive today among some other things. We noticed it ourselves as we were there. It was really hard to leave the hospital knowing there is nothing we can do. Such a helpless feeling.

We have been told this is the life to expect over the few months with premature babies. Up and down all the time. Please continue to keep Diana and I and our sweet babies in your prayers. We will keep you updated.

Love and Peace,

-Jason and Diana

You can see other pics Rebecca took on her blog here. She is available for weddings, family photos, and the like. You can contact her from her blog and she would love to hear from you.

Here are some pics

2008-09-02T08:05:00.000-04:00

Here some pics over the last few days...

Mom and dad just after birth

Diana with Aidan in his little apartment

Diana with little Addison. Nice shades ;)

Me hanging with my little boy

Aidan and dad touching

Aidan sleeping

Diana with Aidan

Diana with Aidan. Look at those little eyes.

Our Daughter

Bright Light!!!

Addison's tiny toes. So amazing!

Aidan rockin the beanie ;)

We hope you enjoy the pics. We are enjoying living them together ;) Our babies are amazing!

Yesterday I got to hold Aidan while Diana held Addison. Something about it just felt right.

Please keep us in your prayers as we do have a long road in front of us. We'll keep the updates coming as well as other pictures. We are now getting ready to go home from the hospital to live in our house for the first time since 13 days ago. We're excited about this but its hard to know we're leaving our babies here. We know they are in good hands and that our God is in control. This makes it a little easier.

Thanks again for all the support!

-Jason and Diana

Great News!

2008-09-01T09:56:00.000-04:00

The nurses have told us we can hold Aidan this morning. This is great news as we were told before they were born that it may be as long 3 - 5 weeks before we can hold them.

Sorry for the lack of update over the last 24 - 36 hours as we've been really tired and a little busy. We do have some great pics and I imagine we'll get some in our upcoming visit with Aidan so I will get those up as quickly as I can.

Quick health update as of last night. Addison is still on CPAP but things are going well with it. Aidan hsa been off of the CPAP for a couple days now and is breathing well. We have been told it's not surprising that Addison is still on CPAP... it is more that it's amazing the Aidan doesn't need it this soon. They have both lost 2 - 3 ounces since they have been born but to my understanding this is normal. The nurses did start feeding them some of Dianas milk yesterday and they appear to be digesting it well.

OK - more to come later. We're going to hold our boy!

-Jason and Diana

A Couple of Pics

2008-08-30T08:51:00.000-04:00

These were taken around 2am in the morning.

Here is Addison. She ended up needing a breathing tube for a while last night but it looks like she will be off of it soon. Note Diana's hand in the bottom of the picture.

This is Ayden. Diana stuck her hand in there and he immediately latched onto her finger.

More updates on health and such later. So far so good and we have been constantly told of their feistyness. I am assuming this is a good thing.

Love you guys,

-Jason

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-08-30T00:13:00.002-04:00

At 10:18pm and 10:19pm our beautiful daughter Addison Eden and our handsome son Aiden Ross entered our world (we haven't decided on spelling yet - possibly Ayden.) They are tipping the scale at an astounding 2.8 lbs and 2.7 lbs. Praise our God for this miracle that He has given us. I am truly humbled and without words.

The Doctors say they are surprisingly strong fighters for their age and weight. They came out kicking and pushing (it' true - I saw it ;). Both are breathing on their own and it doesn't look like they are gonna need a breathing tube (Aiden needed one for a sec and then they took it out.)

Diana is sitting right beside me and, as they say, talkin' up a storm. She is feeling great and looking beautiful. I am so proud to have her as my wife.

We will continue to update over the next few days (and possibly the rest of our life ;) of course with more details and pictures.

Your love and prayers through this have been amazing. I know we have a long road in front of us so please keep it up.

As far as I am concerned - this is the best night we could ever ask for.

We love you all,

-Jason

Here we go...

2008-08-29T21:48:00.000-04:00

It's 9:48 and they just checked Diana and she has progressed to about 9cm. They are getting us ready to deliver our babies. I can't really type more right now...

Please pray...

-Jason and Diana...

A little help...

2008-08-29T19:54:00.000-04:00

It's Friday night at 7:55pm and Diana has had 3 contractions in the last 30 minutes. Her lower back is also hurting a lot.

It's funny because we blocked tonight off as a date night. I went and picked up a favorite of ours, Pei Wei, and we are gonna watch season 1 of Lost. The babies aren't born yet and they are cutting into our date night ;)

In all seriousness - we'd love some prayers tonight to slow these contractions down. If they aren't gonna slow down and it's time for our babies to make a grand entrance then we're of course praying for all to be healthy, mom included.

Thanks for all the time joining with us through this. Time to go watch the people who are, 4 seasons later, still on the island (kind of.)

If you're traveling this weekend I wish you safe travels... and get home soon.

Peace and Love,

-Da Gores

Friday Aftrnoon- Babies in.

2008-08-29T13:46:00.001-04:00

See Title.

;)

The Babies...

2008-08-28T14:05:00.000-04:00

are still inside. No new news. This is good news.

Today we are getting a cookie cake for the nurses and doctors. They are great. We hope they like it.

for now,

goodbye

Good Morning!!! We're celebrating anniversaries!!!

2008-08-27T08:40:00.000-04:00

Well... We awoke this morning with a very special realization. Today is our official 1 week anniversary in the Hospital together. And yes - the babies are still inside.

It's hard to believe we were admitted a whole week ago. The same docs are working today as were last Wednesday so we've all gotten a good laugh out of the fact that we're still here. It's been a bit of a whirlwind to say the least but honestly, I couldn't imagine it seeming more "right" along the way. Despite some honest fear and real questions, we have felt a peace since the beginning that we could not explain as well as love and support from our family and friends that is overwhelming (in a good way ;)

Other good news is this... When you are pregnant with twins you go to a couple different doctors during your pregnancy for a couple different reasons (different specialists, etc.) Due to all of our different charts and paperwork we had heard 3 different conception dates since last Wednesday from different doctors. This has made it hard to know where we really are in regarding how far along the pregnancy is. We've also known that getting to 28 weeks is a big deal. At that point, their neurological - development reaches a very significant point. Well, this morning one of our doctors here at Wake (she is one of our favs over here for sure) has looked everything through and best she can put together today is their 28 week mark. This is amazing news!

So today we celebrate our 1-week anniversary here together (so romantic - we love it!!!) as well as the 28 week anniversary or our children's conception! We never knew these marks in our relationship would be so compelling to us ;)

Thanks for marking this last week in our life together with love. It's makes us want to love others better.

Hope you have a great day and we'll check in with you a little later. We're gonna go celebrate!

WOO HOOO

-Jason, Diana, ________, and __________

I am getting phone calls...

2008-08-26T11:51:00.000-04:00

... looking for updates. Sorry I have not updated today.

Thanks for the calls. I appreciate them.

For an update see last post. We did make it through another night!!!

I am currently at home cleaning / packing / making lists for those who are graciously coming over to move / paint at our house. I will get more updates going either this afternoon or late, late tonight.

We love you guys!!!

-Jason

As of 6:34pm on Monday...

2008-08-25T18:34:00.000-04:00

...little baby _________ _________ Gore and baby _______ ________ Gore are still relaxing in the human incubating system*. This is good news.

Diana is still feeling well but her back and neck and joints are starting to hurt from the 5 days of not getting out of bed. She has not been this still since her days of prime in her own mother's human incubating system.

Here's to the Human Incubator System and it working as designed!!!

-Jason

*patented phrase Jason Gore Inc.

A Quick Update

2008-08-24T15:39:00.000-04:00

Babies are still in the womb. I think until now I have thought the babies are being disobedient and the girl is pushing her way out. A new way of looking at the situation is dawned upon me. I now believe it is a result of the uterus being full already due to two babies being in there. The girl is being squeezed out and her brother is holding on to her feet as tight as he can.

Hold on little Jasicles... Hold on!!!!

-Jason

ps - on a lighter note - I think we are REALLY close to names for our children... this is exciting!

pss - please keep praying for us. Diana is now at 7cm and we are like rockstars here at the hospital. all the staff is rooting for us and the babies to stay in.

and then we washed her hair...

2008-08-23T18:11:00.001-04:00

We awoke again this morning babies still in womb. The dances of joy continued.

Then Diana mentioned how she felt a little dirty and her hair seemed a little... well, greasy. The nurse brought us this shower cap thing that has "hair washing stuff" (technical name) inside of it. You just pop it in the microwave, put it on, and lather up.

I had a lot of fun washing her hair and shaving her legs while she is confined to a hospital bed. I figure it's the least I can do since she is carrying our children. Her are some pics of the extravagaza.

Pre hair-washing (Panteen model search, please do not contact as we are very busy at the moment ;)

The magical hair-washing shower cap

Washy, wash, wash, wash...

The hair is clean!!!!

All in all it's been a good day. I got to leave for a while today and my mom and Diana's mom came up for a while. They have been great. All of our parents have been so much help as well as friends who have dropped of food and goodies. Please keep up the thoughts and prayers.

Contractions are still here and there. Diana's back is starting to hurt from laying in bed for 4 days. She is doing well but some discomfort really is settling in this evening. Please be in prayer for this.

Seriously, thanks for everything so far. Text messages, emails, comments on here, friends dropping off food... we feel so blessed.

Here is another fun picture for safe measure. Hi John and Elzabeth!!!

I am so happy we have pictures with Diana and this hair net thing... wow. Too much fun.

We'll post a goodnight message a little later.

Daaaaaaaaaa Gores

A Song of Hope

2008-08-22T23:41:00.000-04:00

Another day has come and gone. It's 11:41pm. Diana is sleeping well. I am reflecting on these words tonight from a song by Robbie Seay called Song of Hope:

______________________________________

All things bright and beautiful You are
All things wise and wonderful You are
In my darkest night, You brighten up the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know that You are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

All things new
I can start again
Creator, God
Calling me Your friend
Sing praise, my soul
To the Maker of the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know You and be loved is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

_____________________________________

Tonight I feel especially close to something bigger than myself. Most of you know what I believe when it comes to my spirituality so I will call that something God. I feel a nearness that is great and big and thick. I am certain this is not because He is not normally close but because I am looking to Him more in this moment than normal. Whether right or wrong, it is true. There is a part of me that is happy that I am in a moment where I have no where else to turn. I sense our God is near and I sense heaven coming down through my friends, the hope Diana has, and the love of our family.

Thanks to all who are journeying with us through this. I know this is only the beginning of what could be a long journey. Either way we are grateful to be where we are and hopeful of things that are to come.

A song will rise,

-Jason, Diana, listening well to daddy today babies

Another night come and gone

2008-08-22T09:03:00.001-04:00

I did a dance of joy this morning. Literally. As well did Diana - though it looked a bit funny in her hospital bed.

We had a good night. Babies are still inside mom. Her Labor pains have actually really slowed down since last night. My complete uneducated hypothesis (i know this is a mis usage of the word ;) is that when she is the most rested things things tend to slow down the most.

Diana is allowed to eat now. My dad brought us IHOP for breakfast. It was amazing. Speaking of my dad... today is his 56th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pop!!!!

Diana says hi and thanks for all the love, support, and prayers. We know this is relieving much of the would-be tension and stress.

Tomorrow is 27 weeks. That would be a great mark for us to hit!

We'll keep you updated. Please keep up whatever you're doing ;)

peace friends,

-Jason, Diana, and the pushy babies

We made it to 5pm

2008-08-21T21:16:00.001-04:00

Ok, we made til 5pm for the extra dose of lung steroids (this is what i am now referring to them as - not the doctor - they are just for the babies lungs.) At that point they gave Diana another exam and she had not progressed in her dilation. They decided to pull her from the magnesium as it is not good for her long term. They also decided to pull her from her contraction monitor and send her to a "less intensive" room. On the surface this is good news.

Essentially what it means is there is nothing else we can do now but wait. We have made it through the "steps" we needed if the babies are going to in fact come this early. They have gotten their steroids and their magnesium. Now it is just a waiting game (though not the most fun of all games.) As I have said before, each hour is important and each day is valuable. We would LOVE to make it til the morning.

Diana has been experiencing contractions, while more intense than earlier (she can feel them now), not as frequent. We're hoping we can fall asleep, relax, and morning will come quickly.

We are blessed to have friends as we do. We are hopeful in our creator. I read today in Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. I feel like that is where we are. We are joyful... Diana and I are joking together quite a bit. Our inside jokes are funnier than ever. We have a hope greater than this situation. Though I would not call what we are going through affliction, we are being patient. We are both in prayer and feel surrounded in prayer by our friends, family, and others we don't even know.

I feel like I am experiencing a side of God's church I have never experienced before. It is beautiful.

It's 10:11pm. Diana is sleeping. She looks very pretty. I love her very much. Goodnight.

Still hanging tough

2008-08-21T15:43:00.000-04:00

Not a lot of changes. Looks like the baby girl is trying to make an exit as she has pushed the boy aside and is getting closer to the "out door." While she is doing this against our parental advice and despite her efforts to break for it, Diana's contractions have slowed down. This is a current positive.

The next goal is to get to 5pm so we can get the 2nd round of steroids. After that the next step is 5am tomorrow which is 12 hours after the dose. The purpose of that is for optimum absorption of the steroid for the babies. The steroids will mostly benefit the babies lungs which are the primary concern of babies coming this early.

Nobody knows whats next. According to the Docs, some people in our situation keep the babies in for weeks, even months, though rarely... some keep them in an hour from where we were yesterday at lunch time. (we like being the exception ;)

We are blessed to be where we are. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. Your encouragement means more than you know. If as many of you are really praying for us as have said you are then God is pretty busy listening ;) We have great friends. Please keep it up.

We're praying right now to make it through the night. We're going hour by hour and day by day. I know my candor may not be an indicator but the babies really could come any hour and they are in a high risk situation. No medicine can really stop labor so your prayers mean so much to us. I have never felt so "out of control" in a situation.

Meanwhile I will continue to reason with our unborn children as to why it is not the best time to enter "our world." I just can't imagine why they would be so hard-headed given the sweet and laid back nature of their parents. ;)

Life is such a journey...

-Jason

Made it through the night

2008-08-21T07:59:00.000-04:00

OK gang,

We made it through the night. OH YEAH-ER!!!! As soon as we got to Wake last night (we started at Rex) around 10:30 they did an exam and said Diana had progressed to 6 centimeters. That of course was not what we wanted to hear. We thought for a few moments labor was coming. We decided to sit for a few and everything seemed to stay the same.

Through the night her contractions have appeared to become less and less frequent. This is good news. We are really hoping to make it at least another 24 hours.

The doctors did say last night that "rarely" does preterm labor get to 6 centimeters and slow down. He also said he has never seen preterm labor go past 6 centimeters and slow down. So, right now we are happy with where things are. We are trusting God knows what He is doing. We feel like right now we are beating the odds and we like it ;)

Per Diana's exam this morning - she has not progressed in her dilating (still at 6cm.) She is resting right now and doing great. The medicine they have her on (Magnesium) is making her really tired and giving her flu-like symptoms. They are gonna keep her on this until 5pm tonight when she gets the next round of steroids.

Thank you for all the prayers. Once we went "public" last night with all the details it really seemed like things have slowed down through the night. This could change literally at any second but for now we would love to "steal" your prayer time. We definitely feel a peace about our situation (though there have been some moments of being a little afraid.)

As far as visitors go, Diana would love to get some encouragement from you but right now it is best (at least for the next 24 hours) if she has as much rest time as possible. Please feel free to write, call, or text and we'll do our best to keep this thing updated. I also know Jeff is gonna try and keep the Visio Dei site updated with details in case something comes up and I cant get to my computer.

We love you,

Jason, Diana, and Babies (we're closer on names ;)

A Surprise

2008-08-21T07:21:00.000-04:00

About an hour afer I typed "it's crazy to think our babies will be here in a few months" Diana and I went to the doctor for a check-up and the babies looked great. Size-wise they are bigger than avgerage for their age so that was good news.

What threw us for a loop was when the doctor told us she is possibly in preterm labor. She was dilated about 3 centimeters (that means the body is getting ready to push babies out) and she is only just over 26 weeks which is about 14 weeks early for regular babies and 12 weeks early for twins.

They immediately had us admitted to Rex and Diana was in fact showing contractions every 3-5 minutes. They have since sent us to Wake Med b/c they are better set-up to handle babies this premature.

The goal is to reduce contractions, keep Diana relaxed, and our hope is that we can keep them in as long as possible and the docs are giving medicine to promote that. The next 24-48 hours are critical as they have issued and are issuing Diana a steroid that will help the babies lungs develop. If we can keep them in at a minimum for long enough for that to pass through to them we would be happy (we are happy either way - this would just be more ideal ;) Ideal would be for them to stay in 10 - 12 more weeks but hours and days are important at this early of a stage.

I will post again after we talk to the docs in the morning with more details. Please just keep us in your prayers. If you want to email Diana you can just send it to me and I will pass it along.

I think we need to go and talk baby names ;)

We love you guys and we'll get out more details in a bit.

Peace and Love,

Jason, Diana, Baby, and Baby

Date Firday...

2008-08-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

Friday night Diana and I went on a date. I think you can still go on dates when you're married, though it might be called something else but if it is I dont know the word.

We walked form our house to City Market and Diana was craving (go figure ;) cheddar grits. I told her I knew of this low country restaurant back in city market and we should try it. So we did. It was nice to just to sit in an almost empty restaurant and talk. Just talk about life and all that's happened over the last few years not mention whats gonna change in the next few years (really months.)

Then on the way home it started raining. Mind you we are walking. Here is another reason why I love my wife. While she is 6 months pregnant she still finds it fun to walk and play in the rain. So instead of running for cover... we just walked... and well, did what people do when they are playing in the rain.

So - yeah... friday night was a goodnight. Nice and relaxing. It was crazy to think that in 3 months our children will be here. Things will probably be a little different. Wow.

I hope they like playing in the rain.

Baby Furniture

2008-07-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

Hello friends, family, and the other 2 of you around the world who check this blog.

Diana and I are as you probably know, pregnant with twins. We are in the process of looking for baby furniture such as crib(s), a changing table, and a dresser (etc.) We don't really know where our nursery will be just yet but we know we will need stuff to put in there. We dont really want to buy new stuff if we can help it. We figure there is enough stuff out there because, you know, there's been other babies before ours and we'd love to save some money. We are checking craigslist, etc to find some stuff. We have seen some good deals but not anything we are willing to jump at yet.

I figured I would throw this out there... if any of you have, say a friend in Raleigh who is looking to get rid of some baby furniture... or say, a cousin in Cary who wants to sell their old changing table... I ask this of you... Please have them give me a call or provide me with their contact info so that I can hit them up. I am willing to pay in cold hard cash.

For now that is all.

Peace,

-Jason, Diana, baby boy, and baby girl

Songs from Sunday Morning

2008-07-14T09:26:00.001-04:00

All b/c of Jesus - Steve Fee
Everlasting God - Brenton Brown
Mighty to Save - Hillsong United

Help Me to Find You - Todd Fields

I thought the band did a great job pointing us towards God sunday morning. Thanks guys and wendy. It was also fun to run sound for a morning. I apologize to those of you who felt this was too loud. ;)

Love and Peace,

-Jason

Happy Anniversary to us!!!

2008-07-06T00:11:00.000-04:00

5 years!!! I can't believe it's already been 5 years. The ride we've had so far has been anything but traditional but I don't think we would have it any other way. In fact, I told Diana that my only regret after our 1st 5 years together is that a lifetime together just might not be enough... and I really mean it. I will avoid getting too mushy beyond that. ;)

Thanks to all who share in our life with us. Here's to the next 5!!!

A week at Camp Tuk-A-Way

2008-07-03T16:20:00.000-04:00

This week I am in Blacksburg VA leading worship at Camp Tuk-A-Way. So far it's been a blast. I got to bring Tanner with me and he's been having the time of his life... 20 acres to run around and 200 middle schoolers to play with him all day.

Random Sentances:
The weather here has been perfect. Practically zero humidity. I love the mountains. I miss my wife. Tanner is a rock star with children. I AM HAVING 2 KIDS IN 4 MONTHS. The speaker has been good for me. I dont pray as much as I used to. I love worshipping God outside in the mountains. It's been a great week. The band I am playing with is great. We've had a lot of fun.
Random Sentances Over

The band I am playing with is comprised of Mark and Mike McKee (guitar and drums) along with Jon McClain playing bass. We've probably had too much fun. These guys are great musicians and I really enjoy working with them.

Tomorrow after the night session Tanner and I are headed to Hendersonville to meet Diana, Brandon, and Julie (my wife, brother, and sister in law) for a weekend in Hendo. I will get some pics up from camp sometime this weekend.

Have a great 4th of July!

Peace and love,

-Jason

We found out what we're having!!!

2008-06-26T12:39:00.002-04:00

Everytime I have started to post since we found out we were pregnant I have wanted to write about us being parents. Then I could never come up with the "right" words to say. It's also been hard because we didn't really know if we were having boys... or girls... I have also tried hard not to think about it that much before we knew because when I get excited about something it's hard to stop thinking about it...

well it's possible I still don't have the right words but... excitement will not allow me to wait any longer.

I am more excited than I have ever been about anything. I am thankful to our God that He would allow us this blessing. I am thankful for how well my wife is handling everything. She is a trooper and I couldn't be more proud of her.

On the other hand at times (though only for brief seconds - probably because I am not smart enough to worry a lot) I am more afraid than I have ever been.

I know the next few months and years could bring more laughter and tears than any we have ever seen. I am so thankful to experience them.

Thanks for all of you who will share in this with us...

oh yeah....

and one other piece of important news...

We're having a boy... and a girl...

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doctors say everything looks perfect so far!

We love you. Please keep us in your prayers....

-Jason and Diana

Songs From Sunday

2008-04-14T15:49:00.000-04:00

Here is the setlist from this past Sunday

Spring of Life - Kristian Stanfill

At the Cross - Daniel Renstrom - please check out Daniel's stuff

Amazed - Jared Anderson (Desperation Band)

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin

Doxology - Thomas Ken

It is an honor worshipping with our church each week. I pray it moves us to realizing who God is, how he loves us, and compells us to become who we were created to be.

peace and love,

-Jason

The Plague of Beetles

2008-04-11T14:20:00.000-04:00

Last night Treeline was playing at a church out in Knightdale and towards the end of the night we started noticing all these beetles everywhere. I guess they were more like June-Bugs... like Japanese beetles I think. Seriously.. they were flying around... you could see them in the lights, on the ground... really strange.

Later I was talking to their youth pastor and i referenced the bugs and he said... "yeah, someone left a side door open next to the stage. There is some kinda light out there that attracts all these bugs and they just came in."

I thought - man, someone should be responsible keeping that door shut.

Later still that evening Chapps (drums) and Stanton (sound) referenced propping a door open with an amp stand. Awesome.

"We're Treeline... we'll leave your doors propped open for the beetles to come in"

Sweet.

We're playing there again Saturday night and Sunday night. This time we'll keep the door closed.

-Jason

Am I on the wrong toilet?

2008-04-08T17:30:00.000-04:00

So... this morning I was listening to the radio. I don't know the station or I would give them credit - my creative credibility apologies. Anyways, the DJ was reading a letter that someone sent in and it went something like this:

"We have a very independent 3 yr old and it has really been getting difficult for us to deal with. Then.. this happened. 2 weeks ago we were at an unnamed home improvement store looking at new washer and dryers. We all of a sudden noticed our 3 yr old missing. We looked up and down the next 2 ailes and then found our 3 yr old sitting on a model toilet with her pants at her ankles. When we found her she smiled and said, "mommy, where is the toilet paper?

As you can imagine we very embarrassed."

So - I am not sure why the guy was reading the letter, perhaps something like "send us your embarrassing moments" time or something.

BUT - I, for some reason, immediately thought to myself... I wonder how many times in life I'm sitting on the wrong toilet (figuratively ;). I mean to this girl, she thought she was in the right place. It looks like a potty... opens like a potty... sits like a potty... it's obviously a potty. The truth is though - her limited understanding lead her to "the wrong toilet."

I got to thinking how many times in my life does my own knowledge, expertise, or pride put me on the wrong toilet (outside of that 1 year in college ;) I mean, we walk into things all the time because we think we know best or have it all figured out. It just made me contemplate the importance of yielding my "independence and self-reliability" to our Father.

My heart tells me he closer than a couple of aisles away and desires nothing more than to offer wisdom as soon as we are willing to ask and accept.

Ever feel like you're on the wrong toilet?

Proud of our community

2008-04-01T13:05:00.001-04:00

Last August Corey and I went to Kenya for a couple of weeks to experience some things that a friend of ours, Joseph Wamutitu, had going on there in hopes that we could find some ways to partner with him from here in the West. Joseph has started a children's home (Africa Hope Center) for children who have lost both of their parents to HIV/AIDS, started and oversees a number of churches, as well as a school just outside of Nairobi.

Well this weekend we brought Joseph into town and had him spend some time with us to further this process of working together. A team has been working for months now to plan for his time here to make sure it was valuable both for our community and for Joseph. Now that the weekend is past I have to say I am so proud of the work that went into it. Joseph was able to spend time with some key people from within and outside our community, we had a fund raiser kickball tourney, he got to teach on Sunday morning at our church, and we had this huge pot luck lunch on Sunday afternoon for folks to talk with him individually if they wanted. I know we will not know for a while if positive movement comes out of this time we spent together but I am so proud of how hard men and women worked to make it worth while now.

It is an honor to serve within our church. I dont use a lot of religious language in my day to day talking but I know God was glorified through this weekend. I know bodies were working because they are compelled by the love that Christ has for them and for the world. I know it's not a good idea to be proud or to boast but I will boast in how God seems to be working our community to serve those around us. I am proud. I pray this is only the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship with Joseph and The Africa Hope Center.

Peace and Love,

-Jason

ps - check out his website. He does have child sponsoring available through the site if you are interested. If you have questions you can email him from there.

You should see this movie

2008-03-06T11:17:00.000-05:00

I know it's not brand new or anything but Diana and I just got around to watching it. The Movie is titled "Once" and it is amazing. I will post the trailer at the bottom.

I can't do the plot justice here because it is so well done and there is a lot going on regarding hope, friendship, and music but I will give a brief overview of the main story. The movie is about a street musician/singer/songwriter who meets a woman who is a classical piano player. They enjoy each other's company and end up writing music together and I will not give away the rest. If I say too much it could take some of the "good" out of watching the movie.

The music in this movie is brilliant. The first time they begin playing a song together I lost it. I started crying like a baby. The melody.. the harmony... the lyrics... soooo moving. The movie really is moving. Great plot, adorable characters, super funny, and full of hope. My only suggestion is to watch it with the sub titles. It is filmed in Ireland I believe and it is hard to understand through the Irish dialect. Once you turn them on you don't notice anymore so it's not that difficult.

I also know the band's name responsible for the music is The Frames - and this guy Glen Hansard is way talented. They happen to be playing in Raleigh on March 15. I tried to get tickets but it looks like it maybe sold out already. If anyone has any word on tickets - let me know.

Enjoy the trailer and song below. The song is "Falling Slowly" and it's the one I referenced above. Lyrics - "Take this sinking boat... and point it home... we've still got time..." SO GOOD.

Enjoy!

Trailer

Falling Slowly

Love and Peace,

-Jason

Songs from this past Sunday

2008-03-06T11:06:00.000-05:00

Songs from March 2

Here is Our King - David Crowder

Unchanging - Chris Tomlin
Highest and Greatest - Tim Hughes
Oh The Glory of it All - David Crowder
Follow After You - Jason Gore

The idea and direction of the morning was to approach our time of worship as reflection and then response. We take time to reflect on who God is, what He has done, what he is doing, and what He is going to do... and then our response is to worship. Our hope is that our worship doesn't end in singing but in a response of following after Jesus and living out God's Kingdom with our lives.

Peace,

-Jason

A Public Service Announcement

2008-02-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

If you take your dog to the public dog park, please do not allow your dog to hump other dogs. If your dog does hump other dogs, please make them stop. If they continue to hump and growl at other dogs when other dogs try and get away, please take your dog somewhere else. Further more, please do not get mad at my dog for growling at your dog when your dog is humping my dog and suggest your dog is just playing. Humping when both parties are not compliant is not called fun, it has another name. Please do not change the subject when I ask you nicely to not let your dog hump my dog (esp. if it's to say - "you should't bring your child to the dog park" - when the city of Raleigh says you can bring children to the dog park. Besides, this has nothing to do with you letting your dog hump my dog.)

For now that is all.

-Jason

ps - This did not happen to me today. I promise.

pss - Today is oppisite day

psss - The "kid" she was referring to is Jeff's son Matthew. Matthew likes to go to the dog park with Tanner and I.

*This message has been brought to you by The Partnership for "A Place Where People Use Common Etiquette"

Songs from Sunday

2008-02-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

I was reminded this weekend (twice) that I have been failing to live up to my commitment of posting songs from Sunday morning here. Since I am studying Mathew 5 and specifically what it means for your "yes to be yes" I feel convicted. ;)

Here you go:

Awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

Salvation is Here - Hilsong United

Spring Of Life - Kristian Stanfill

Til I See You - Hilsong United

Teaching

True Love - Phil Wickham

Happy Day - Tim Hughes

Hope you're having a great week!

-Jason

Songs from Sunday

2008-02-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

Just click the link

2008-01-31T09:43:00.000-05:00

This very funny. I recieved this link by a good friend; Mr. Scott Wenger.

Craigslist Ad

I feel like me and this guy could be friends.

-J

(*I am not agreeing that everything written on his post is right or good ;)

I have recieved many emails

2008-01-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

I have received many emails regarding Jeff's comments in his message yesterday about people thinking he spends his time "sitting in coffee shops all day..."

It is a touchy subject for me and so I have released a statement to show my feelings on the issue. You may watch it below.

Thank you for your support,

-Jason

after thoughts
*This is obviously a joke. I have received only one email and it was comical. I merely wanted to show this video and saw this as a comical way to do so.

**On a side note - I respect Terrel Owens and Tony Romo for their hard work as NFL Players and the pressure they face from the media regarding their personal lives.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

Happy 2008!!!!

I usually get excited each year about this time. I usually get some things organized and make some promises to myself that a lot of times stick and I believe also benefit my life and I hope those around me.

That got me thinking about how we celebrate New Years each year with such excitement. (Other than an excuse to throw a big party) I believe there is usually great anticipation when it comes to the New Year because we all have a sense of things needing to be renewed. We all feel the need for and are looking for change. I was thinking about that this morning and how it’s great that we have, in the gospel, the promise of all things being renewed. It was exciting for me to think on that this morning and I hope you can rest in that wherever you are and with whatever may be going on in your life… we have the promise of new life starting right now in the Way of Jesus. Praise God!!! I hope that sense of the gospel can flow out of my life and into the lives of others around me that are constantly looking for "new life".

May 2008 be a year of hope, peace, and love being renewed in the life of you, your family, and friends.

-Jason

Songs from this past Sunday

2007-12-31T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hallelujah, God is Near - Robbie Seay
Everlasting God - Brenton Brown
Better is One Day - Matt Redman
In Christ Alone - Stuart Townsend - arrangement

From the Inside Our - Hillsong United
All We Need - Charlie Hall

This week my buddy Corey taught. He did a great job focusing us on the new possibilities that are present with Jesus being born and a new Kingdom being present. What I loved most was Corey's authenticity and rawness (the rawness may have had something to do with it being the first time he ever taught in this type of setting ; - I hope hope he never loses it)

have a great week.

Happy New Year!

-Jason

Some of you might not see the irony in this, but...

2007-12-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

Chris Collinsworth and Gumbel are announcing the Patriots/Giants game. One of the just mentioned that since this was such a big game, Tom Brady brought his video camera to the game.

Pretty funy...

-Jason

I know it's not funny if you have to explain your own joke - but - For those of you who don't keep up with sports as much as others...

I thought to myself... the last time someone in the Patriots organization had a camera at a football game they got in a lot of trouble...

Songs...

2007-12-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

So recently I have gotten a few requests for the names of songs we are playing on Sunday mornings in our times of worship. I will attempt to keep this updated on the Monday or Tuesday after if you're interested.

Last week had these songs in our time of worship:

All Because of Jesus - Steve Fee
Famous One - Chris Tomlin
Joy to The World - Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David

Message/Teaching

Jesus Paid it All - Alex Nifong/Kristian Stanfill
Glorious One - Steve Fee

If you're looking and have trouble tracking any of these down then let me know and I can point you in the right direction.

Peace and Love,

-Jason

A good weekend

2007-12-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

So most of this isn't world changing but.. it was a great weekend nonetheless.

1) Friday Diana and I went to a surprise Birthday party for one of her co-workers. That was alot of fun meeting some new people that are outside of the "everyday" group of people I see all the time (no offense Jeff ;) - afterwards we went to target and walmart and did some christmas shopping. We also got to buy some gift cards for some people our church is gonna share some love with over Christmas. Pretty sweet!

2) Saturday morning we held our journey group (discipleship group) info session at Visio Dei and had a great turn out. I am excited to see how God uses this to help our church become more like Jesus. I am honored to follow God with this church and the people who make it what it is.

3) We built a shelf/table in our new shed. I cut wood, drilled, hammered, leveled, measured... you know... man stuff (with diana's help ;)

4) We went and saw Beowulf at the IMAX with Brandon and Julie. Always fun watching Beowulf ripping off Grendel's arm.

5) We had an amazing worship gathering Sunday morning. Jeff's message was great and the time of worship seem very connected, exciting, and authentic.

5a) Outside of Easter last year and a time when we showed a video with Bono speaking on the crisis/s in Africa... it was our largest sunday worship gathering as a church since we started a little over a year ago. - If you know me at all then you know I am not a complete "numbers guy" when it comes to measuring ministry effectiveness (infact it bumms me out thinking of ministry in those terms)... but I will say for where we are in our life cycle as a young infant church... this is awesome! There is something captivating about the gospel at it's core and so it should draw people towards itself and it's exciting to feel apart of what God is doing.

6) I got to play football with a bunch of friends Sunday afternoon. The team I was on lost one game and won the second. I did get to play QB for the second game and had many unlce rico moments during my 5 TD no interception performance ;)

7) This week marked the end of the regular season for fantasy football. I play in two leagues and due to some random shift in the planets I won both of my divisions and will move forward to the playoffs.

So as you can see... many exciting times... lots of fun... a great weekend. I hope your was as wonderful.

love and peace,

-Jason

The Big Surprise... (and a miracle)

2007-12-04T11:14:00.000-05:00

*warning - post is a tad bit longer than normal... i do make no apologies as it is rather life changing :)

Well... it's been coming for a while. Some of you may already know about this but if not... I mentioned about a month ago I had some surprises coming over the next few weeks. I, however, have been a bit lazy in the blog world over the last few weeks so alas, here we go.

The Story:
About a month ago my mom sat myself and my brother (Brandon) down and proceeded to tell us a story. She told us with a calm yet nervous tone that when she was 16 she in fact became pregnant and had a baby boy. She then told us that due to family circumstances she was forced to give the baby over for adoption. Due to the times then and family circumstances my mother lived out her pregnancy at a "camp for unwed mothers" and due to this - no one knew other than my mom, her mom and dad (my grandma and grandpa), and my grandma's sister (my great aunt). My own mom's sister didn't even know she was ever pregnate (she was told she was going to stay with her aunt for a while). SO CRAZY RIGHT!!!!

Then she proceeded to tell us that a couple weeks ago she received note in the mail saying "I have wanted to know who my mother was for 36 yrs and I believe I have found you." He had a lot of paper work and stuff to show he was in fact her son (and our brother.) It continued to say that he had no desire to break-up her family or cause trouble to her if this was a bad idea. He did say that if it wouldn't cause any problems then he would love to meet her and any other family he may not know about.

So, she then told us that she had been in communication with him for a couple weeks and in fact met him the day before. She began to smile as she told us a little about him, his wife, and his three beautiful children.

This was (surprise) an emotional moment for my mom, me, and my brother. Brandon and I were both in tears but it wasn't sadness or anger. It was almost a sense of surreal and "wow, we have a brother... what does this mean..." and "now it makes sense why my mom loves us so hard and always has" and "mom seems as though she is free from something that she has carried around for years"

Here is where things get crazy... He (who will now be referred to as Rob - my new, older brother) and his family lives in Apex. They used to live in Cary less than a mile from where my mom and Rick live and where Brandon and I spent our high school and college years calling home.

They also attend Hope Community Church which is the church that my family and I served with for 9 years before we set-out to start Visio Dei in downtown Raleigh. Rob was not going there while I was on staff as they just started going there about 4-5 months ago but it's still crazy.

The story gets even crazier as we have some mutual friends and his adopted family is friends with some of our family... all the while we never knew.

So... I have now met Rob, his wife Kelly, and their 3 beautiful children. He seems to be an awesome guy. I am partial to think this makes him a great guy but i feel as though I can see similarities in him of both myself and Brandon in the way he carries himself and in his appearance. He has Brandon's nose and my hairline and he looks a lot like our grandpa (I really wish he could have met him Papa Gene.)

I would go on to talk more about him but I usually try and keep these posts as short as I can and this one is already relatively long. Long story short... he seems to be driven, hard working, cares about his family, and takes pride in what he does.

Here are some pics from our meeting of their family (which is really our family;):

The entire fam

Momma and her boys (mom, Brandon, me, and Rob)

Rickey and his new grand babies...

Mr. Rob Council (my new, older brother)

Rob playing photo time with his son matthew (Mathew is awesome.. wide open all the time. It's possible he is related to me ;)

Just a picture I took of my mom that night... my mom is pretty

I love this picture. In case you don't know it is my beautiful wife and sister-in-law (Brandon's wife Julie)

So the story is crazy. It honestly feels like we fell into a movie that should be coming out at Christmas time. My mom feels as though she is more free than she has felt in her entire life. I asked her if she thought about this much while we were growing up as a family. She told me "only everyday for 36 years." I am not sure how all this works from here. I am thankful God has allowed me to meet a guy who feels like he belongs in our family. I am thankful my mother can sleep at night knowing her child is alive, safe, and healthy. I am certain there is an element of deep reconciliation and redemption in all of this that I will probably not find words for. Whether or not I can explain it.. I certainly feel it and am thankful i get to experience it.

this is all for now...

Shalom,

-Jason