Long Time No Blog

Well, I have been a bit of a slacker on my blog lately. I could blame it on the holidays and being crazy busy, but I'm not going to do that. The thing I am going to do is blog more in 2010 -- hopefully :-)

Life has been pretty busy the last few months. I recently received a new position in my job that has brought about a whole new level of responsibility. Nevertheless, it has stretched me and forced me to grow in my leadership. As if that was not enough, I also embarked on the next stage of my academic education. That's right, I began the long and strenuous journey towards a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. I must say that it has been HARD work! Reading 200 pages a week and writing 15 page papers isn't quite what I want to do be doing in my free time, but it has proven to be great learning experience thus far. Can I endure 4 years of it? We'll see!!!

So why haven't I blogged? Because all my writing energies have gone to writing research papers! :-) But I am hoping that as I discipline myself more and more, I will establish a better routine. That way my blog doesn't get neglected. My hope is that I will be able to share all the things I am learning in my classes. That is, if I have enough energy.

So stay tuned...more to come!

Outta the Park!

I have never met anyone who actually enjoys going to the doctor. In fact, it is the exact opposite - we do everything we can to stay away. At least that's what I do. Despite this, I went to a Chiropractor today because I was experiencing severe neck/back pain. I found out that I have a pinched nerve and will not be able to compete in Sunday's triathlon, of which I have been training 3 months for. Though this is rather depressing, it is not the reason for this post.

I wanted to share my experience at the Chiropractor's office. Hands down it was the very best experience I have ever had at a doctor's office. A friend referred me to it and built it up quite a bit. Not that I was skeptical, but I didn't go into it thinking I was going to have such a positive experience.

So why was it so amazing? Here are a few reasons:

- When I walked in, the receptionist enthusiastically said "Hi, are you Jared?" (it was a nice personal touch and made a great first impression)
- After filling out my paper work, the receptionist then took me on a quick tour and introduced me to everyone who worked there - all were extremely friendly
- When it was time to meet with the doctor, he was interested in my back problem and was very thorough, inquisitive, and personable (I really got the sense that he actually cared about me and wanted me to get better ASAP)
- The doctor spent a lot of time with me taking x-rays, other tests, answering my questions, and giving me a plan to get me healthy (He left me feeling confident in that)

But that's not all. Just a little while ago the doctor left me a personal voicemail saying, "Hey Jared, this is Dr. Boch. I just wanted to make sure that you had a good experience with our facility today and that you felt cared for. I want to make sure that you are able to resolve your condition...We expect good things from you and hope nothing but the best. If you have any concerns please give us a call." I have NEVER received this from a doctor before. As far as I'm concerned, this doctor office is knocking it out of the park! It is so refreshing to know that there is incredible customer service and care out there. I actually can't wait for Friday - my next appointment :-)

If you need a Chiropractor you live in Mesa/Gilbert area, then I highly recommend you go here!

American Family Chiropractic and Rehab
Dr. Boch
3011 S Lindsay Rd, Suite 101
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 726-2131
www.amfamchiro.com

Great Quote

"No matter how discouraged we get, God has not asked us to do the impossible."
- George Grace

It Never Hurts to Ask

Recently Direct TV stopped airing the Versus channel because the two companies could not reach an agreement to renew their contract. This made me furious because Versus airs 75% of the IndyCar races for the season. With two races left I was faced with a decision - do I cancel Direct TV and go with Cox or Dish Network in order to see the remaining two races? Or do I keep what I have and avoid the hassle of cancelation fees and switching services?

What I decided to do is give Direct TV a call and see if they had any "ideas" for me. I explained to the customer service representative that I didn't want to miss the races, but I didn't want to leave Direct TV either. She immediately apologized, blamed the situation on Comcast (company that owns Versus), and offered me a $120 credit on my bill. That definitely perked my interest, but was it enough to entice me to miss the last two races of the season? No... Ok, well yes, but I thought I could squeeze more out of the deal.

I told her that is was tempting and reassured her that I did not want to change my service, but she was going to have to do a little better than that. So I asked, "Is there anything else you can do for me?" Silence....

"I can comp your DVR service for 6 months," she said. Do this would be a $6 per month savings on my bill - a total of $36. That's not a whole lot but it's a nice addition to the $120. Then she added that she could throw in some movie channels and extra sports channels as well. Overall, not a bad deal. I was glad I asked further to get that nice little bonus.

Through this whole experience I was really impressed with the representative from Direct TV. She was helpful, positive and willing to work with me through my situation. Even though I am bummed that there is no more Versus, I am glad to know that Direct TV wants to keep their customers happy.

The Call

I am 12 chapters in now in my study of Jeremiah. So much good stuff, but it's hard to blog because there is so much detail. However, lately I have been able to relate with Jeremiah's call from God. Through current circumstances in my life I've often found myself praying, "No God, not me..." Yet God has always guided and directed my path, even in directions I didn't want to go. My only responsibility is to humbly and obediently follow. It's not so easy though. At times it seems impossible. I am sure this is how Jeremiah or Moses felt.

In the verses above God calls Jeremiah to a massive task - to be God's ambassador to His people and to the nations. Jeremiah's response? "Not me God! I am too young! I don't speak well!" Have you been there? I sure have - many times. There is hope when I read these callings because I can see that even the heroes of the Bible struggled with confidence and faith. In Exodus 3, Moses is a flat out whinny wimp. I love that! Then you see the journey that God took him through. It's amazing! I can only have faith that the journey God has me on, no matter how treacherous it seems, will be well worthy it.

I think that many times the only obstacle in following God's call is ourselves. Both Moses and Jeremiah wanted to make it about themselves, choosing to focus on their shortcomings. God's emphatic response was that it wasn't about them - it was about Him working through them. How many times has God told me, "Don't be afraid. I am with you!"? Probably too many.

One of my professors in college used to always say a quote that I have kept near to me and used as a constant reminder:

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

AMEN!

Here Birdie, Birdie...Here Birdie

This weekend I went on a little Father's Day outing with my dad to the golf course to play 18 holes. I don't golf nearly as much as I would like to and because of this I am pretty darn inconsistent. Half the time my shots are sliced and shanked, but every once in a while I pull off a "beauty." As frustrating as golf is for me, it's these kinds of shots that keep me coming back for more.

This is after my second shot on a par 4. Hello Birdie!!!

A Great Weekend!

Last weekend was one I will never forget! First, we had a guest speaker at church, William Paul Young, the author of a NY Times Bestseller, The Shack. It was a great time and the story of his life is amazing. He talked about how he came to write the book and how God has used it to bless many people - there a so many incredible stories! One of the questions he posed to the crowd was, "Can God do anything that is not motivated by love?" He went on to say that the answer is "no" because God's character is love. He further said that even God's wrath is motivated by love because he wants to save us from the very crap we put ourselves through. What an awesome thought that God doesn't do anything that is not motivated by love.

If you have not read The Shack, then you need to! It will cause you to think deeply about your faith and about God. It's a book you won't be able to put down.

Also, this weekend I officially became a Triathlete! It was a lot of hard work on a very hot day, but it was well worth it. I will put some pictures up soon. I can't wait for the next one!

A New Day and a New Month

It's almost been a month since I posted. I know, I've been a slacker. The month of April was definitely a hectic one. Nevertheless, I am glad it is May. As I reflect back over the last few months I have realized just how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday that it was January and it was a new year. Now 2009 is almost half over. Is it just me or is that crazy!?! It's awesome to think about the future, but it is also scary to think that the days we live will never be lived again. It will never ever be May 5, 2009 ever again, except for today. Time is definitely a precious thing.

The reality of time has been fresh in my mind lately, mainly because one of my friends past away last week. It was a rough week and hard to deal with. It reminded me just how precious life is and why it's so important to live life to the full. Lately I feel like I've just been going through the motions and approaching each day as a task to accomplish. Yet each day is a gift from God that we must choose to cherish. I feel that too often I miss out on this gift, and instead focus on things that are not important. Oh that we would live life to the full!

At the first of the year I posted some of my goals and have personally themed this year EXCEL. So far, there are areas where I've done well in, while others not so much. I have a tendency to beat myself up at times if I don't feel like I'm meeting expectations, but with these goals I have been way more optimistic than I usually am. But my desire is not to accomplish a lot and be successful. My ultimate desire is to live life to the full and seek to excel in everything that I do. When I say excel, I simply mean to give everything I got in everything that I do. I want to look back on the day and say that I gave it 100%, from the smallest of things to the biggest. I fail at this and make mistakes constantly, but there is comfort in knowing that, on this journey called life, I am trying my hardest to be the person God has created me to be.

So tomorrow is a new day and honestly I am excited about the month of May. On Thursday I get to join with others to celebrate the life an incredible guy who experience the amazing redemption of Jesus Christ. Though there will be some painful moments, I know that it will be a time of joy [he is in a better place!]. Also, later this month on the 17th I will compete in my very first triathlon...FINALLY! I'm registering tomorrow and I'm so excited! A week after that I will be heading to Indianapolis to experience the Indy 500 for the first time. I can't even tell you how thrilled I am about that! On top of that, I get to live and work and spend time with incredible people everyday. I am so thankful for the family and friends that God has blessed me with. I definitely have nothing to complain about. God is good and he is worthy to be praised in everything. What an awesome gift we've been given - this gift called life. May we live it to the full and spend every single day loving God and loving others.

John 10:9-10
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

A Case of the Mondays

Mondays are usually tough, especially after long weekends. However, thanks to a fantastic Christmas present, my Monday started a little brighter today. Enjoy these words of wisdom from the great (or not-so-great) philosophical thinker, Michael Scott. :)

Discipline Continued

I have recently made a huge life goal that has already tested my discipline in extreme ways. What is it, you say? I have decided to do a triathlon. Call me crazy, but as I have tried to be more physically active and stay in shape, I've found that it is difficult if there is not "something" to work towards. So that "something" will be an Olympic Triathlon at Lake Havasu on March 24th. With less than four months to train, I have already been swimming and running 3-5 times a week. Man, swimming is tough! I'm getting a bike for my birthday and will be putting that into the rotation this week.

The Olympic Triathlon consists of:

- a 1500 meter swim
- a 24.9 mile bike ride
- a 6.2 mile run

It takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete. Sometimes I think I am crazy for even thinking about doing this, but I believe it is the perfect thing to help me work on my physical discipline. I miss being athletic and competing in stuff. I have a lot of work to do!

Run For Your Life

A friend sent me a link to an article about how running (and just exercise in general) will help improve your life. There are many benefits to exercise and I have felt convicted lately about the last 4 years of my life as I have done pretty much nothing, but been lazy. In the last few months I have taken up running and I already feel better.

If you are interested, read this article, Run For Your Life.

In the article there is a link to a website called livingto100.com. It will give you an estimate of how long you will live according to your current habits. It projected me to live to 89. Haha, actually I don't know if I really want to live to be that old.

So if you feel lazy like I was then do something about it. 30 minutes of exercise a day can really do wonders for you. Plus, you don't have to run. Even walking is a great way to exercise.

Words of Wisdom

My friend Jeremy Jernigan recently interviewed Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of To Write Love on Her Arms. Jamie is an awesome guy and is doing great things for the Kingdom of God. Here is a quote from the interview that impacted me the most:

"You were created to love and to be loved, to know and to be known."

What more is there to say? That pretty much sums up this life that God has created us to live.

Check out the rest of the interview here.

Excellence

"You have an obligation to strive for excellence. You don't have to be perfect; you just have to do the best you can with what you've got..."
- Nelson Searcy

Top 5

Lately I have been in conversations about movies, tv shows, bands, songs and such. So, I thought it would be cool to do a "Top 5" post. I would also like to know what everyone else's Top 5's are so if you feel like it then post yours on your blog as well. Well here we go...

Favorite Bands:
1] Coldplay
2] Dashboard Confessional
3] The Fray
4] John Mayer
5] Jimmy Eat World

Favorite Songs from those bands:
1] The Scientist by Coldplay
2] Swiss Army Romance by Dashboard Confessional
3] How to Save a Life by The Fray
4] Why Georgia by John Mayer
5] Sweetnes by Jimmy Eat World

Favorite Movies:
1] Gladiator
2] Braveheart
3] The Patriot
4] 300
5] Elf

Favorite Trilogies:
1] Star Wars [the original 3 - episodes IV,V,VI]
2] Back to the Future
3] Beverly Hills Cop
4] Indiana Jones [the original 3]
5] Rambo [the original 3]

Favorite recent/current TV shows:
1] LOST
2] 24
3] The Office
4] Seinfeld [technically this is classic but I put it here to b/c it fit!]
5] Anything on the History Channel

Favorite classic TV shows:
1] Macgyver
2] Quantum Leap
3] Cheers
4] Save by the Bell
5] Leave it to Beaver

Favorite Resturants:
1] Native New Yorker
2] PF Changs
3] BJ's Brewery
4] Tum Nuk Thai
5] Sullivan's Pier

Favorite Fast Food:
1] Chick Fil-A
2] Filaberto's [yeah that's right and it's not cat meat!]
3] Wendy's
4] Jason's Deli
5] Pirate's Fish and Chips [thanks Mitch!]

Favorite Places I've been in the World:
1] Switzerland
2] London
3] Kenya
4] Rome
5] Australia

Favorite NON-Fiction Books [other than Bible]:
1] Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
2] Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
3] Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
4] Lone Survivor by Marcus Lutrell
5] Sex God by Rob Bell

Favorite Fiction Books:
1] The Grail Quest Trilogy by Bernard Cornwell
2] Byzantium by Stephen Lawhead
3] The Shack by William P. Young
4] The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
5] The Iron Lance by Stephen Lawhead

Discipline - Do You Not Know?

Since reading Lone Survivor, I cannot stop thinking about and wrestling with the concept of discipline. I don't know about you, but the "D" word kind of scares me. Somehow I believe Jesus intended his followers to be a whole lot more disciplined than we realize. I hear much more talk about being blessed by God today than I do about being stretched by God. I mean, think about it for a moment. In today's consumeristic society do we [the Church] focus too much on what we receive as Christians? We want so much to be the recipients of God's love and grace and forgiveness. We want Him to bless our lives and make us prosper. Don't get me wrong. All these things are gracious gifts that God freely gives to us. But what is our response to these amazing gifts? A simple 'thank you very much'? Or is there a responsibility to respond in obedience and commitment? Well duh! We all know the answer to that is a resounding "YES!" Why is it so hard though?

Growing up, sports were my life. I am so thankful that my parents kept me active as a child and taught me the simple disciplines that would later make me successful in life. I did everything as little kid. I remember wrestling at the age of 4 and up. I remember playing competitive golf when I was so young that our tournaments were only 3 holes long! I participated in BMX racing. I was on the Plantation Swim Team (still have my iddy biddy speedo :-). I played soccer, little league baseball, YMCA basketball, and of course Pop Warner football when I was finally old enough! Football was my favorite. I remember as a kid I had it all planned out. I still remember sitting in Skipper's, my favorite seafood restaurant in Boise, Idaho and laying out my future plans to my parents. "I'm going to USC to play for the Trojans and then get drafted to the Buffalo Bills." That was the plan and it was going to take a lot of hard work, dedication, and a lifetime of discipline.

I did continue to play sports in junior high and high school, choosing to focus on football and track. One thing God gifted me with is speed. I didn't really have the size for football (5'9" and a buck thirty), but I had speed. I had the fastest forty yard dash time on the Mountain View football team, my personal best time being 4.43 seconds. Again, if I really wanted to see my NFL dream come true, I would have to be more disciplined than I could possible imagine. If there was a place for discipline, it was at Mountain View High School.

Mountain View had a huge reputation for their sports program. They were the best at everything. It wasn't quite as hardcore as Navy SEAL training, but it sure was close - at least to a 16 year old. I remember getting up at 5:30 and hitting the track and running till some guys would puke their dinners up from the night before. I remember being in the weight room every day, pushing our bodies to the limit. Day after day. It was rough and there were times when I wanted to quit, but I stuck with it. While I was at Mountain View we went 40-1, winning two State Championships. The one loss came in triple overtime of the Semi-finals my senior year. Discipline? I will tell you those few years of my life were the most discipline years I have ever experienced.

God got a hold of me my junior year of high school and convinced me that the NFL wasn't truly my life's dream. Honestly, I never would have made it to the NFL anyway, but you can't fault me and every other young guy for wanting that! Nevertheless, on the spring break mission trip to Mexico building houses, God revealed to me that our world is full of broken and hurting people. He needed some more workers and asked me if I might consider joining His team to bring His Kingdom here on earth. That is when I heard the call. I responded. "Lord, take my life. It's is Yours."

The rest is history.

Sorry for the long explanation, but now that I am a pastor I am sitting here wondering where the discipline went? If there was some sort of spiritual football or Navy SEAL training, would I have what it takes to make it through? Honestly, I think a lot of times my approach to the Christian life is that I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior and now it's just time to enjoy life and coast on cruise control. This is not how the Apostle Paul saw the Christian life.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

This speaks to me. I know what it is to run a race. I know what it means to compete in a game. Do I view my life as a disciple this way? Paul did. William Barclay writes,

"Paul was always fascinated by the picture of the athlete. An athlete must train with intensity if he is to win his contest; and Corinth knew how thrilling contests could be, for at Corinth the Isthmian games, second only to the Olympic games, were held. Furthermore, the athlete undergoes this self-discipline and this training to win a crown of laurel leaves that within days will be a withered chaplet. How much more should the Christian discipline himself to win the crown which is eternal life."

I want to wrap this up and I apologize for this going on, but this is where I am at. I can't get this word discipline out of my mind. Part of me hates it because I know it means pain. But we all know the saying, "no pain no gain." Thus, please help me as I seek to live a more disciplined life. Let's help each other as we spur one another on towards living godly lives. Here are five things in my life that I am choosing to be more disciplined in. Pray for me and keep me accountable to the 'strict training' that is being a disciple of Jesus. Thank you in advance!

Five areas I am disciplining myself in:

1) My relationship with God - uninterrupted quality prayer, daily time in the Word, listening to Him speak and guide me

2) My ministry and relationships - taking the time to give myself to people (family, friends, the broken and the hurting)

3) Education - reading and listening to podcasts to learn more and sharpen myself
(I made a goal this year to read 25 books...so far I have read 15)

4) Honing my musical skills - taking voice lessons and working on improving my guitar skills

5) Physical fitness - running 3-5 times per week, working out, and eating healthy

Solitude

In this busy, chaotic, fast-paced world we live in I am reminded of the dire need for the discipline of solitude. Though we find it hard to be alone and away from matters that keep us occupied, it is in that place that God can intimately shape us. Solitude can be the best remedy for the weary soul.

"In solitude I get rid of my scaffolding: no friends to talk with, no telephone calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to entertain, no books to distract, just naked, vulnerable, weak, sinful, deprived, broken, nothing." - Henri Nouwen

Two Books Worth a Read

I recently read two works of fiction that were simply "can't put it down" reads. I would recommend that all followers of Christ read these books. They bring such a fresh perspective to life, love, and relationship to God.


The first book is called The Shack. This is about a guy named Mac who has been plagued with a few traumatic circumstances. Because of this, he finds himself having a supernatural experience that will leave him changed forever.

The thing I appreciate most about this book is that it deals with real life issues. It also addresses many misconceptions about Christianity. Through Mac's weekend away at a shack, he has an encounter with God and is forced to face a past that is filled with guilt, fear and plenty of doubt. I give this book a 5 out of 5!

You can even get a free copy of the book at papaslove.org.



The second book is called Redeeming Love. It takes place in the late 1800's and is a loose retelling of the book of Hosea in the Bible. It's technically a romance novel, but I didn't know that going into it :-)

What would you do if God asked you to marry a prostitute? This story will send you on a roller coaster of emotions. The thing I appreciate about this book is how it captures God's heart for His people. I give this book a 5 out of 5 too!

Welcoming "The Grey Lady"

Today I will arrive in Boston where I will be taking a bus to the coast and then boarding a ferry to Nantucket Island. I will be there visiting some friends and am extremely excited to have some R & R (rest and relaxation). Nantucket is nicknamed "The Grey Lady" because of occasional intense fog. It is also made famous by the TV show, Wings, which I thoroughly enjoyed in my junior high years. For more info on Nantucket Island click here.

I am looking forward to eating loads of lobster, New England clam chowder, and just hanging out on the beach. The weather is in the 80's so I will be living it up :-) I have never set foot in the Atlantic Ocean so I am looking forward to that as well!

I will try to keep you updated on all my travels and adventures.

Really?

I went to lunch this week with a friend of mine and we headed to Barro's Pizza for the 2-slice lunch special. I don't care what you say; Barro's pizza is one of the best! This day the pizza was indeed great and I was extra happy because one of my slices was huge! You always hope that you don't get stuck with 2 tiny slices. Our conversation over lunch was great too, so it turned out to be a pretty stellar lunch. Until....

We were walking out to my car to head back to work when I hear a voice from behind me. "Excuse me, would you mind sparing me some money for a motel room tonight?" I turn around and there was a kid probably 18 or 19 years old with a cup in his hand. Now he looked hot and sweaty, but he didn't really strike me as the homeless type. I took a few moments to have that internal wrestling match to figure out whether I should continue to my car or stop and hear his story. I opted for the latter not thinking I would regret it later.

I always freeze up in these kinds of situations, not being able to discern how to handle the situation in a Christ-like manner. Nevertheless, I decided to hear the kid out and he told me he got in an argument with his parents and they kicked him out. Right there I should have investigated his story further. Instead I told him I was uncomfortable with giving him money, but that I would buy him a slice of pizza (he also said he hadn't eaten all day).

While we were in line, I asked him why he got kicked out and of course it wasn't his fault at all. His parents were over-reacting and sick of driving him to Glendale to work everyday. Again, I should have made a run for it, but I thought to myself, "what could a little pizza hurt?"

After he got his pizza, he thanked me and we went our separate ways. I returned to my buddy in my car only to hear him utter these depressing words, "I don't want to disappoint you, but I ran into that kid about 2 months ago and he told almost the same exact story." Then it hit...

I just got played. Cheated. Taken advantage of.

The reality is that this kid probably had a place to stay that. He is probably hooked on some drug and is unofficially fundraising to feed his addiction. Who knows what the real truth is. All I know is it is sad that people have to lie and manipulate other people to try to get "aid and assistance."

I learned my lesson this time and I will be more cautious in the future. And all of you who live in Mesa and are reading this: if a 19 year old wants money and he just got kicked out of the house, DON'T BELIEVE HIM!