Starting new

YOU: How are you guys doing?

ME: Nothing is perfect but we are doing well.

Let's just say YOU are the type of person who presses in a bit deeper here. You care enough to ask a followup question and I/we feel safe enough to answer.

YOU: What are you celebrating right now?

ME: I got a promotion at work. That is not only affirming but also relieves some financial tensions and keeps me at the same hours (per week) as before. We also really enjoy Christmas. I came home from work to find the (inner portion of the) house decorated and the storage bins already put back in storage (#truemiracle). We are loving Christmas because our kids love Christmas. They love the traditions inside and outside of our home. Its really a sweet time for the 5 of us.

YOU: What is bothering you most?

ME: I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel and grow in every area of my life. Its rough for me to simply coast. I do coast but its rarely on purpose. What nags at me most, in this span of my life, is the fact that most everything I am doing is brand new...and I'm not good at it yet.

What I mean by that is, many of the skills sharpened and trails blazed during the first 39 years of my life are barely relevant right now. My jobs are new (planting and scooping), our locations is new (CO), my hobbies are pretty new (MTB, hiking), and even this blog writing and keeping supporters updated is fairly new to me.

I'm not complaining by any means. You asked. ; )

The nice thing about starting new things is the euphoria of reaching new levels of growth and accomplishment. We are improving in new hobbies, celebrating firsts, and finding beauty in places we never expected to find it.

YOU: What are you learning right now?

ME: I am very motivated to seek out the presence of God everyday. To combine the best aspects of the charismatic and the contemplative practices of seeking after Jesus. Honestly, so many of the challenges and encouragements I gave to others, when I was a full time pastor, do not play nice in the 40 hour work week I live in now. I'm learning what it looks like to be faithful to God, personally grow, honor my life's commitments....without burning out.

One hypothesis I am thinking about is this: It can be fairly easy to be a great pastor but pretty difficult to be a great person. I have hope that those will never have to be separate again.

YOU: Ok, what is new?

ME: A few things. One, we are doing DINNER CHURCH once per week. It is a blast. It all revolves around the idea of allowing our faith to be connected to our lives and not an event we have to pause (or break up) our lives to attend. More info on this to come. Who knows, maybe you can start a dinner church where you live?

Finally, I am part of a brand new podcast. And it is so much fun (and so much work). The People Who See Podcast is a collaborative project with two of my friends. We all have reached points in our lives where we have way too many close relationships with people who are burned out or disillusioned by Church and faith. Our hearts are broken for them and we still have hope in the beauty and need for God's Church. Truth is, our audience has become exactly who we are planting THIS church for. We could use your support to help us get going. Our success depends less on content and more on how many individuals download, listen, and rate us. This costs zero dollars and might just be what you (or someone you care about) need right now. CHECK IT OUT: (APPLE or SPOTIFY).

Sorry for the longer post today. I try to keep them short for everyone like me. : )

As also, feel free to reach out via email anytime you have a question or just want to connect.

You are loved and NEEDED. Thank you.

- Jared (and Becky)