Quotes from A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller

These are just a few of my favorite lines from A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. If you haven't read Blue Like Jazz, I would recommend reading it before you read this new one.

"Here's the truth about telling stories with you life. It's going to sound like a great idea, and you are going to get excited about it, and then when it comes time to do the work, you're not going to want to do it. It's like writing a books, and it's like that with life. People love to have lived a great story, but few people like the work it takes to make it happen. But joy costs pain." pg. 100

"Job found contentment and even joy, outside the context of comfort, health or stability. He understood the story was not about him, and he cared more about the story then he did about himself." pg. 197

"The human story goes on." pg. 203

"It's a terrible thing to wake up and realize the person you just finished crucifying didn't turn out to be Jesus." pg. 205

Have a great day. God Bless.

Very Interesting Article on Church of Scientology

"Raised as Scientologists, Christie King Collbran and her husband, Chris, were recruited as teenagers to work for the elite corps of staff members who keep the Church of Scientology running...

They signed a contract for a billion years — in keeping with the church’s belief that Scientologists are immortal. They worked seven days a week, often on little sleep, for sporadic paychecks of $50 a week, at most."

The New York Times posted this article this morning concerning abuse in the Church of Scinetology. Here is another quote from the article:

"The defectors say Sea Org members were repeatedly beaten by the church’s chairman, David Miscavige, often during planning meetings; pressured to have abortions; forced to work without sleep on little pay; and held incommunicado if they wanted to leave."

Check out the link and read it for yourself!

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

Just Landon & I

This weekend Kari is going to a Lady's Retreat, so Landon and I are holding down the fort. We dropped Mommy off yesterday evening and headed back to camp. He basically cried the whole way home and threw up on himself. About 15 minutes from the house, he feel asleep.

Due to the vomit, I tossed him in the bathtub and we played for a little bit. He loves the bathtub, but is not satisfied with just "swimming" on his belly. Landon has to stand up in the tub, explore and cause me to worry about him hitting his head (which he does).

I got him dressed and bedtime was quickly approaching. He took his last bottle of the evening and quickly fell asleep. It was a great night and I got plenty of sleep.

Currently he is napping, maybe it will be one of those two hour naps I have been hearing about. It has been a great day off with my son and I am excited and looking forward to the rest of the weekend with him.

I have a special prayer request: Kari's Aunt Eve was just diagnosed with cancer. Eve is an amazing mother of three little ones who depend on her a ton. Her husband, John, is not taking it so well, so please pray for healing and comfort for John and Eve.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Also keep Kari, Landon and I in your prayers as she attends the retreat and Landon and I spend our first weekend solo.

God Bless.

"Tiger Woods' apology: sincere or staged?"

This question has been posted or said in so many places since yesterday's press conference.

Who cares.

Leave the man and his family alone. He made a mistake and apologized; let him work it out with his family and get back on the golf course as soon as possible!

Find something else to report.

This concludes my rant. Thanks.

Hear No Evil

Matthew Turner had me laughing from the beginning of Hear No Evil. This was a book that was not going to be put down. What seemed a bit like the movie, Almost Famous, Turner offers a view into how music has affected his life, and how it subconsciously affects us all. His jokes and honesty about being a Baptist made this a page turner, but he was real with everything he wrote. The honesty he pours into this book helps all Christians realize that they aren’t the only ones who have been there. Turner talks about personal struggles and it is something we can all relate to, but something we would never share with other believers for fear of being judged.

This book goes by quickly, but music is always in the background, whether you’re hearing Turner’s or the music of your past. He ends with a perfect sound and what I felt was a peace to how life has gone. There is always a song or artist who can help you find your way back to, or closer to God. I’d recommend this book to a reader of any age. Happy reading!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Reviewed By: Ashley Beggs

Love & War Worth Your Time

By reading the first few pages of Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge, I know I have found a good one.

"With refreshing openness that will grab readers...the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced."

John and Stasi take turns giving their respected point of views and the knowledge they have gained from the situtions shared. They don't seem to hold anything back; confessing in the beginning that early on in their marriage they were already discussing divorce.

As I have been reading through the book, many of the topics and thoughts have been very relevant in my own life. It has made me evaluate how I can strive to be a better husband to my wife. I am sure I will be re-reading several sections of this book in order to soak in all that I can from Love and War. Check it out and get your copy today.

God Bless.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Hellums Family News Update

Kari, Landon and I went to the doctor on February 3rd and learned she is 12 weeks along (as previously posted). The heart rate was averaging about 160 and from the picture everything seems to be doing fine.

Kari is experiencing the same type of sickness she had with Landon. This includes: vomiting several times a day, nausea and sometimes a headache. She didn't try during the last pregency, but she is taking Zofran, which is used to prevent nausea and vomiting. It works every other day, but she is very thankful for the good days.

In addition to moving very fast on all fours, Landon is now pulling up on anything he can get his hands on. His favorite "toy" now is an empty diaper box. He will pull himself up to his feet and than push his entire body on top of the box and lay there like a seal. He does fall off on occasion, but Kari or myself is usually there to catch him.

I am continuing to love where God has allowed me to serve. I enjoy everyday at Highland Lakes Camp. Ira, Brandon and I are always working hard, but laughing almost all day long. We are currently pulling a daily prank on Mr. Clyde and Mr. Bill; everytime they go on break at the dining hall they leave the windows down on the truck. We roll up and lock the doors to the truck; easy to get back into, but their reactions are priceless (shhh, they don't know we are doing this).

This month we are hosting the annual Highland Lakes Women's Conference. Called to A New Day will be February 26-27 and it looks to be a wonderful event. On March 12-13, Highland Lakes is hosting the Texas Hill Country Hot Hearts Student Conference. The featured guest are: Afshin Ziafat, Aaron Ivey, and Remedy Drive. You can register online this year, so sign up today.

I hope everyone is doing well. God Bless and have a great week.

Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath

"Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most

Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside

Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this

Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life

Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you"

"Franklin is Takin' it With Him"

Rev. Joe Dan Franklin, Kari's Pepapa (grandpa), passed away on February 5, 2010, at the age of 80.

One of his many statements concerning death was "Franklin is takin' it with him." He would joke that at his funeral he wanted a u-haul truck to follow the hearse with a sign on it that said, "Franklin is takin' it with him," and than he would laugh a great big laugh. He was a man who loved to joke, give people a hard time, loved people and the Lord passionately.

Rev. Joe Dan served as pastor at several churches in Central and East Texas and Louisiana. One of my favorite sermons he shared with me was simply, "Love." He described to me that the Lord had laid on his heart to get up and just say, "love," to the congregation. What a powerful message; one that I will never forget.

Rev. Joe Dan was married to Mary Lou and had five wonderful children: Martha, Danny, Becky, Ruth and John; many many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, February 7, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. A funeral service is set for 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 8, at First Baptist Church of College Station.

Thanks for all your prayers. God Bless.

Angels

Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals by Dr. David Jeremiah is a look into angels. Dr. Jeremiah uses scripture to reveal to the reader his points. Its not a quick read, because it makes you want to pick up your bible and read many of the accounts in the bible the author refers to.

It is an interesting and intriguing topic. I would recommend checking out Dr. David Jeremiah Angels.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Baby Hellums Number Two News

Baby Hellums Number Two is scheduled, which we all know is subject to change, is due August 15, 2010.

More to come.

God bless and please keep us in your prayers.

Do You Ever Google Your Name?

I do often.

For several reasons, but now Insert Title Here is the first hit when you google Jeremy Hellums. This evening I typed in Kari Hellums and found the following article in the Rockdale Reporter:

"Congratulations to Ronald and Ruth Davenport of Milano on the birth of their new grandson. Daughter Kari Hellums and husband Jeremy welcomed their first child, Landon Jeremy, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Landon weighed six pounds 14 ounces and was 18 inches long.

Other grandparents are Denis and Donna Hellums of Cedar Creek and Debbie Lueders of Smithville. Great grandparents are Joe Dan and Mary Lou Franklin of College Station and Granny Lueders of Bastrop."

I had no clue this was in a newspaper. Gotta love Google!

I hope everyone has had a great week. God Bless.

Attack of Mommy

Attack of Landon

Prayerfully Consider Friends of Highland Lakes Camp

As most of you know, I currently serve at Highland Lakes Camp in Spicewood, TX. Highland Lakes has been a very special place for me for more than eleven years. In the Summer of 1998, I accepted the Lord as my Saviour. This instilled within me a passion to serve others in the name of the Lord. Another amazing divine appointment at Highland Lakes was the Summer of 2005, when I met my wife Kari in Miles Auditorium and most recently the Lord called Kari and I to live and work at Highland Lakes in April of 2009.

Highland Lakes Camp is a place for ANYONE to come: to find the Lord, meet with God here in worship and prayer, enjoy Christian fellowship and SO many other ways. I was just one of the 16,700+ who have commited their lives to Christ over the last 50 years at Highland Lakes Camp. That is an average of 334 people annually who come to know the Lord. Isn't that an amazing thing to praise the Lord for?

Our new Director of Development and Church Relations, Rod Cordsen, has put together a monthly giving program designed to invite every person who is connected to Highland Lakes Camp either from coming to camp here, participating in a retreat, being a member of a local church connected to the work of the camp and our 12 associational Baptist churches and their members to join together in reaching our communities for Christ. Our staff and board are already the largest financial supporters of the camp and that is due to first God's call on their lives and second their understanding of what God is doing here and finally their belief that it is important in the kingdom.

What does all that mean for the readers of Insert Title Here?

I am asking for your help and join Kari and I in becoming a Friend of Highland Lakes Camp. We have submitted our paper work and our asking you to join us in supporting Friends of Highland Lakes Camp.

It is easy. You can follow the link and set up your monthly donation online, call the camp (1-888-222-3482) and talk to Rod Cordsen or download the form from the website and mail it in. If you have any questions email me.

God Bless.

Coming Soon in 2010: Hellums Baby Number Two

FAQ:

How far along is she? We are not for certain as of yet; we will be going to the doctor sometime in the next couple of weeks. (I am sure I will post more details after that appointment.)

Were you planning this? No. Too many times Kari and I make plans, but God has a completely different plan. I said this a few times, "I am not sure if we would have planned Baby Number Two, so this works."

Was Kari taking birth control? Yes and as my boss likes to say, "That baby is going to come out with its fist clinched around a little pill."

Are you excited? I am very excited, but shocked. Who wouldn't want three more little "Landon" babies! :) It has been a wonderful first six months and I am looking forward to having another baby.

Is Kari sick again? Yes. She has already started throwing up and snacking all day long. I guess we should have realized something was up when she started snacking again at weird hours.

Do you have a name picked out? We do have a girl name picked out, but not a boy name. Upon birth we will announce the name of Baby Number Two.

Do you want a boy or a girl? Yes. We are praying for a healthy and strong baby. I think Kari would like a girl, but I want another boy.

If I missed anything, please feel free to ask. We would ask that you pray for Kari, Landon and I as we travel down another year of pregnancy.

Batterson's Primal Worth the Read

Mark Batterson's latest book is an encouragement to myself and the church of one of Jesus' teaching, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..." (Luke 10:27). Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity is broken into four sections and Batterson focuses on the ways we can love God: our heart, soul, strength, and our minds. This happens to be one of my "cornerstone verses" that I often read and re-read.

Batterson uses easy to read applicable stories from his own life and others to help the reader understand his points. I would highly recommend anyone reading this book. The author never writes over your head and his books ooze with his own personal relationship with Christ; it is easy to allow God to change your heart after reading a Mark Batterson book.

Check out Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, you won't be disappointed.

God Bless.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

A Few Quick Points

Landon had his first cold; 101 temp and all...he is getting better, still a little congested.

Today began Christmas break @ HLCCC; ready for a little rest and relaxation. Family Christmas' here we come!

We recently found out we will be moving from the north side of camp to what I call the east side of camp. We will be moving from our 1 bedroom duplex to a 3 bedroom house. It will be more space and crawling room for Landon.

Kari hurt her back some how and was in extreme pain last night; please keep her in your prayers and Landon too as he is fighting this cold (and we are loosing sleep).

I plan to write a Christmas blog...so stay tuned. God bless.

Hey Cupcake! Review

We have driven by the new Hey Cupcake! stand in Oak Hill and finally dropped by to see what it was all about. I have heard several people say they were amazing cupcakes, so we had to check it out.

With one store front and four other location "on wheels" in and around Austin; business does not seem to be too bad. I think the idea is cleaver, especially in a town like Austin. If you haven't seen one of these stands, basically the menu consists of 7 cupcakes, drinks and other gift items (shirt, hat, gift card).

Kari ordered The Standard and Red Velvet. We tried both and to be honest weren't very impressed. The Standard left a funny after taste in my mouth, none that I desire in a cupcake. The price seems a little high as well. Coming in at $2.50, that will be the last $5.00 I will spent at Hey Cupcake!.

With a little quality improvement in the flavor of the cupcakes, this little business would be smokin', but until than, it is just and average, quirky desert joint in Austin.

Have a great day.

A Few New Photos by Rod