Sun Stand Still Encouraging

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick is an encouraging read. Furtick focuses on the prayer in which it is asked to have the sun stand still and God answers the prayer. The sun standing still is only something God can do and He does is just another amazing illustiration of how BIG God is.

I consider this a book of encouragement to anyone who is looking to serve the Lord. Furtick uses personal stories and testimonies from other brothers and sister who share there Sun Stand Still moments. These encouraging stories revel that God is still in the business of moving in mighty ways.

I thought it was very easy to read and easy to comprehend. Furtick uses repetition to hammer home many of his points, like an good preacher, but it does get a little old. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking to be inspired or encouraged by the amazing things God can do through you.

I received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Got the material?" Mr. Clyde

If you had an idea or a project you might hear Mr. Clyde question, ""Got the material?" referring to the necessary wood, etc. needed to compete your project.

At Highland Lakes Camp we have resident volunteers. One of them is Mr. Clyde, who turned 89 less than a month ago.

Uponing returning home from Galveston we learned he was walking outside, fell and hit his head. I am giving vague details because i only heard, but you get the basic story.

Our family had the opportunity to go visit Mr. Clyde tonight in the hospital. We met his daughter and son-in-law who quickly welcomed us inside. They told us he was in a lot of pain, but was doing well. He has spent part of the morning walking around with a walker.

Landon loves talking to Mr. Clyde. Often times Landon will sneak up on Mr. Clyde in the dining hall to say hello or wave to him. It is a very precious sight. He did smile and wave to us tonight, but you could tell he was hurting.

Mr. Clyde has boldly shared the gospel all over the world and we are truely blessed by his joking, sleeping on the job, skilled craftsmanship of wood and his passionate love for Jesus.

Please say a pray for our friend Mr. Clyde. He will begin rehab on Friday.

God bless.

Vacation Observations

A few observations:

As I watch Landon learn and grow by exploring on the playground this afternoon, I am also amazed at what a 20 month old can do.

Salty air is making my nose burn.

Being on the road for several hours with two children under the age of two isn't that bad (only one diaper stop)!

My wife might be OCD when it comes to organizing the hotel room.

Watching other children do more advanced things on the playground because they are older, proves peer pressure exists because Landon wanted to attempt what they were doing.

Is that person really in a bikini (it's 53 degrees and very cold when the wind blows)? Brrrr!

The second Hellums family vacation continues.

God bless.

Happy Anniversary, Kari.

What's the big deal about an anniversary?

I can think of a few reason to reflect, remember and celebrate.

Reflection upon what it means to be in a covenant relationship. Established by God in Genesis, a man and woman shall leave their parents and build a new family. God also makes this covenant with His people; that is why our hope is Christ; who will return for His bride, the church.

Remembering now is easy, but I suspect as I get older I might forget. Kari walked into old Miles at Highland Lakes Camp as I was in the air on a ladder adjusting lights. She proceeded toward the stage and introduced herself by asking, "Is that a Texas A&M bracelet?" I replied, "Heck no, Texas State." She laughed and said, "Well, I'm Kari Davenport." It will be six years in May since that unforgettable day.

Remembering March 10, 2007, I'll never forget when the doors at the back of First Baptist Church Cameron opened up, my beautiful bride to be began her walk. I couldn't take my eyes off her.

A memory that makes us laugh and is still brought up to this day, is Bro. Jimmy saying Keremy. Instead of saying Kari he said Keremy until the end of the ceremony. He said, "Have I been saying that the entire time?" Yes, yes he did.

There is something to celebrate because about 50% of marriages in America fail. Right now we are the other 50%. This static is heartbreaking in so many ways especially when you consider divorcing with children. Being one of those children affected by divorce, I can say there are many tears shed. Marriage is a sacred union between man and woman before God; and God hates divorce.

Kari, I love you and am thankful for our four blessed years of marriage.

Welcome Our Newest Member

On Sunday, February 27, we welcomed Cruiser Hellums into our home.

Cruiser is a Shih Tzu puppy born on December 19, 2010. He is a playful puppy that took quickly to Landon; as did Landon to Cruiser. Landon calls him Cru Cru and Pup pup and they talk to one another as they play.

Earlier this morning while Landon was swinging he wanted to hold Cruiser, but Dada thought it would be a bad idea. He wants to do everything with Cruiser!

Logan doesn't know what to think of Cruiser yet, but he is not frightened by Cruiser.

We anticipate many fun times ahead with Cruiser.

God bless.

For daily updates, follow my twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremyhellums

Happy Texas Independence Day

175 Years of Texas.

I am proud to be from Texas! Born in San Marcos and can say I have never lived in any other state.

May you have a Happy Texas Independence Day.

God Bless.

He said! She said! They said!

How many times do we use these phrases? Are these phrases really necessary? Or are they just excuses for someone who is not ready to grasp hold of personal responsibility?

We all make mistakes; some of us just have a harder time admitting it.

For example, me telling my wife she should change her diet as she clung to a toilet bowl throwing up while pregnant. Bad idea.

Maybe a better example is owning up to something I clearly told a co-worker I could do, but honestly I couldn't do it. I confessed my wrong-doing to the other person and asked for forgiveness.

Sometimes we just make mistakes and in the long run we can do everyone a favor by owning up to these mistakes.

Jesus confronts a woman about her sin in John 4:16-18, " "Go and get your husband," Jesus told her.

"I don't have a husband," the woman replied.

Jesus said, "You're right! You don't have a husband-for you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now."

Wow, thanks, Lord. He just brings it up and takes care of it on the spot.

Imagine what it would look like in our journey, communities and families if we took the, "He said. She said. They said," out of our lives and inserted truth. Truth in love, "Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself," " James 2:8.  I believe we would see a community reflective of Christ's love abounding in truth.

God bless.

The Fairy Tale Life

What is the fairy tale life? I am talking about someone who is no longer living in reality, but living a dream. It consists of someone being fake, not accepting reality or completely unaware of what is happening.

Have you been living the fairy tale life?  I think we all walk around at some point living the fairy tale life.  I think sometimes we can get caught in a fairy tale life moment and not even know it.  Again, have you been living the fairy tale life?

Maybe a better word is oblivious.

Church, it's time to stop being oblivious to the dying, broken, and hurting world around you and spread the good new of the gospel.

If you have Christ:

• tell someone about what He has done for you.
• show someone  how He loves you.
• help someone who needs to see Christ.
• remember, as a Christian, you are a little Christ, your peers are watching.

"Man's greatest need is not social or physical.  Man's greatest need is knowing Jesus Christ."  K. P. Yohannen Missionary to India

As believes are cannot live the fairy tale life or be oblivious to the world around us.

May this be an encouragement to you and to those around you.  God Bless.

Blog Neglect Plus Some

My poor blog is suffering from a case of Blog Neglect. As most of you can tell, I post about once every two weeks. How sad!

In order to fight Blog Neglect, I plan to post at least once week from this day forward.

As a father of two, I have plenty of stories, so material is not a problem, but time is. Storytime:

Landon brought me a bottle of Miracle Whip. He had taken the lid off and gave it a lick. His body shook from head to toe. After laughing at his response I asked him, "Landon, can you please take that back to the refrigerator?" He looked at me and respond, "Yes sir," and took it back to the fridge. What an awesome moment.

Logan is growing so fast. He is now getting attitude with anyone who takes anything from his hands. It is pretty dramatic, but too funny! Logan is now moving forward on his hands ands knees. It is so exciting to see him lift himself up off the floor and move.

Raising children is so much fun.

God bless.

Texas Rangers or Houston Astros?

I have been an avid Houston Astros fans even before the 2005 World Series run.  I have stuck with them through the rebuilding years and support there triple A club, the Round Rock Express.

The Rangers have shaken things up a little bit in my baseball world.  Nolan Ryan bought the Rangers and the Round Rock Express are now the triple A club of the Rangers.  I did get a Rangers hat before the 2010 season, so I did watch a fair number of the games this past season.

I am not dumping the Astros, but in supporting the local Express, I find myself torn between the two clubs.  I am ok with wearing multiple MLB hats, but when it boils down to the one team I am rooting for throughout the season, who will it be?

The Missing Truck Key

As we sat in the truck visiting with the retired volunteers, Landon played with Dada's truck key. When it was time to go, we learned Landon had misplaced the key.

After at least 15 minutes of searching, I found where Landon hid the key. It was below the cigarette lighter. Upon attempting to retrieve it, I forced it inside the floor panels. Bill and I took one panel off and found it wedged inside. We both attempted to contort our hands with no success. We decided tools were necessary.

Kari said, "I can do it, I have smaller hands!"

And she did!

The missing key has been found and the truck was started!

I hope you enjoyed our little story. God bless.

For a picture, check out www.twitter.com/jeremyhellums

Screw holder or Screw driver?

"My dad said I am a great screw holder." Bobby W.

Bobby told me this when I asked him to do something recently and it got my wheels turning.  I replied, "What do you mean?"  His answer was one that connected many dots for me.  Bobby replied, "You know, when he is doing something, I help by holding the screws."

About a month ago I was attempting to back a trailer.  I am not sure how I didn't learn to back a trailer, but somehow there was always some else who could do it for me, so I didn't have to learn.  I was practically jackknifing the van and trailer when Don, who is 70, came out and said, "Can I do that for you?"  I replied, "No thanks, I need to learn sometime."  He hung around to make sure I didn't damage anything, for which I am grateful, and eventually I got the trailer where I needed it.

Here the deal.  Do I want to raise Landon and Logan to be screw holders or screw drivers?  I believe the answer is obvious, screw drivers!

I think about my grandfather and father and there skill level in so many things.  That is someone I aspire to be.  If I don't grasp hold now and become the screw driver, I believe I will become obsolete.

I am uncertain where I missed the boat and became the screw holder, but maybe being the screw holder is easier and a form of laziness at times.  I don't want this for myself or the boys.  I am sure there is a balance between teaching and allowing them to do it on there own; I just want to be able to find the balance and prevent my boys from becoming screw holders.

I never want to be a screw holder again!  Pass the be screw driver and let me put it together...unless it comes to my boys; I will find a balance and show them how and we can do it together.

Any thoughts?

God Bless.

For daily updates: follow me on twitter @jeremyhellums

What is Solid Food?

"Word. Worship. Prayer. Fellowship." Rod C.

My buddy Rod, sums it up with the above statement.  Word, worship, prayer, and fellowship bombard my ears, mind and thoughts often.  What does solid food look like?  I think these four concepts equal solid food.

Word.  There is a noticeable difference in those who are in the word versus not in the word.  Jesus responds to the devil by quoting Deutronomy 8:3, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."  Where do we find the words of the Lord?  The bible.  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16.

Worship.  Psalm 96:9 says, "Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth."  And why wouldn't we, humans, want to bow before the creator of the universe for all the things He has done.  John tells us in Revelation 22:8 that, "I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel...," but was quickly told by the angel in verse nine, "Don’t do that!...Worship God!”  Worship is critical to our spiritual walk.

Prayer.  Jesus teaches us how to pray; in fact in Luke 11:1-4 the disciples ask Jesus how to do it,

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come. 

Give us each day our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, 

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. 

And lead us not into temptation.’” "

Not only does Jesus teach us how to pray he teaches us to, "...believe, [and] you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Pray.  Pray.  Pray.

Fellowship.  Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  Jesus established the church or fellowship with a two person minimum.  People desire community, without it you are alone.  We need one another to review God's word, pray for one another, help each others physical needs and to love each other.  Fellowship is very important.  Find a body of believers today, in or out of a standardized church and start studying God's word. Fellowship is part of the recharge time; you need it.

I hope you find some of these thoughts useful.  Just remember, above all else, solid food is:  Word. Worship. Prayer. Fellowship.

God Bless.

Happy Valentines Day, Kari

In May, it will be six years since Kari and I met at Highland Lakes Camp. I'll never forgot seeing her come into the old Miles Auditorium with a huge smile on her face. If it wasn't love at first sight, than eleven days later the deal was sealed. We were both smitten with one another.

We made our vows on March 10, 2007 and are looking forward to celebrating four years of marriage in Galveston together.

Marriage is a journey; gravel roads, dusty trails, paved highways and interstates; sometimes all in the same day. No matter what road or path it is, Kari is my soulmate and will be by my side, until death do us part. What an amazing partner to be facing these roads with.

I love you, Kari. Happy Valentines Day.

Milk or The Good Stuff: Solid Food

Have you ever stood in line at the supermarket and been blown away by what someone said because they were talking loud enough for everyone to hear?

Lady One*: "Tina, it's so great to see you and Grant!" (Grant is the toddler in the shopping basket)

Lady Two: "Same here! (shocked to see Tina) how's little Roland?"

Lady One: "Oh girl, let me tell you, Roland is excelling in every area. Do you know the Wilson's? God bless those boys, they are so far behind!"

What? This is about where I was in shock. Did Lady One just bring out of no where someone's kid and there development? I found this inappropriate and immature.

This quickly brought to my mind spiritual application concerning immaturity. What is God trying to teach me, even when I am standing in line at the supermarket? What does God's word say about maturity of believers?

"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" Hebrews 5:13-14

We can't keep drinking the milk! Most studies show milk isn't even necessary for humans after a child is weened or over a year old. Milk is specifically designed for babies; it's got everything they need, but not what you and I need.

We need solid food. Solid food give us nourishment to satisfy our physical needs. We cannot maintain a milk diet and expect to get everything we need.

This can be applied spiritually. Spiritually immaturity hinders your growth with the Lord. Without solid food, you are outside God's plan for you as a believer and according to this passage you cannot "distinguish good from evil." God desires us to grow in our faith, not sit idol in mediocrity. If we got the milk, than we are missing out. I mean, solid food tastes much better anyways!

It is imparitive, that believers move past immaturity or the milk and move on to striving for righteousness in solid food. My prayer is I am diving into all the solid food I can get daily and seeking Him for guidance.

Thanks, loud talking ladies.

God bless.

*All names were changed to protect the identity of those who talk loudly in the supermarket lines.

Hellums Recent Milestones

The boys are growing way to fast.  Each day brings somethings new!

Just the other day I asked Landon, "Can I nibble on your ear?"  He actually put his ear next to my mouth and I gave it a nibble.  I am blown away everyday how smart kids are.

Landon ate chips and salsa for the first time on Sunday evening.  He always has enjoyed dipping stuff, but never ate it; instead fed Dada.  Now he is eating it after he dips it.

Logan is now an avid scooter.  He love scooting in reverse and also rolling over to get to where he wants to go.  He is ready to move!

Logan is loud.  When he starts talking he doesn't use the inside voice.  It makes me laugh when Logan starts talking with Landon is napping Kari typically says, "Brother! You're going to wake up Landon!"  He smiles and keeps making loud noises.

Both boys are now sleeping threw the night; also, they put themselves to sleep.  This has allowed Kari and I to get some much needed husband and wife time that we had been missing...oh and some extra sleep.

Both boys laugh at just about anything.  Kari is definitely the funny one, as in comedian funny, but Dada gets a few laughs out of the boys; mostly when I make loud noises, like scream randomly for something they did or growl and bite on their bellies.

The joys of parenthood continue and I am such a proud Dada.

God Bless.

For daily updates check out my twitter @jeremyhellums

Forgiveness for Being Sold into Slavery

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

I posted Colossians 3:12-15 yesterday after talking about the subject in chapel yesterday.  It was a good discussion actually based on the life and story of Joseph in Genesis.

Imagine reading the newspaper (or reading it online) or watching the news:  Breaking News: Young man thought to be mauled by wild animal, click here for more information.  When you follow the article you find out that maybe it was a crime of passion where the young man's brothers threw him into a dried cistern and than they decided to sell him into slavery, but this is all speculation because the coat was covered in blood and the brothers told there father he was killed by an animal.

It might be spun so well, CNN and Foxnews might give it 24 hour coverage and surely accusations would fly that all the brothers should be throw into jail.  It would be a very sad story for the boy who was sold into slavery and yet the story would resurface many years later.

Years later we learn that the brothers have found Joseph and he is in a position to help them and he does.

What an amazing picture of forgiveness.  Put yourself in Joseph shoes, now do you want to help your siblings out?  Instead he provides for the very same people who sold him into slavery.  I believe this begs the question; this was God's plan?  Of course it was!

We quickly, daily, minute by minute get uncomfortable with life, our situation, even the to the point of a particular smells irritate us, but what if all these things are part of God's plan.  I believe we get to comfortable and think any slight irritation is not meant for good, but many times we are blind to it.  God's plan is perfect and in Joseph's situation there was some serious irritation.

Now, was this post about forgiveness or God's plan even in the bad times.  It's about both.  We have to make allowances for one another because we are going to irritate one another, but following God's example of forgiveness is a major part of this.  Joseph forgave his brothers for rejecting him, faking his death, and selling him into slavery.

I want Christ to rule in my life and be clothed in tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  How about you?

God Bless.

Colossians 3:12-15

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

Drum Roll, Please

I know many of you have been waiting on the edge of your seat (Mom) for the first post of 2011 at Insert Title Here, well here it is!

Happy New Year to everyone.  I hope that each of you had a blessed time celebrating.  My family and I celebrated with our camp family and former Summer Mission's Team (SMT) at the annual SMT Reunion.  We were blessed to be led in worship by Jonathan Davis and Mike Satterfield.  It was a great time.

My family keeps getting older.  Kari and I are amazed every day by our 1 1/2 year old, Landon and 5 month old, Logan.  It has been such a journey figuring out how to manage married life, two little boys and camp ministry (and the journey continues).  Each day brings different challenges, but by the grace of God, we make it through each and and are so thankful for His guidance, protection and love.  I am certain no one showed me where the instruction manuals were on these boys!

We are continuing to press on with our ministry at Highland Lakes Camp.  We firmly believe God has called us to this ministry and we are very excited about what 2011 holds for the camp.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we serve those who step on campus, provide opportunities to share the love of Jesus and strength and energy daily.

Many of our camp family members are participating in HLC Biggest Loser, I keep saying I am doing Biggest Gainer!  Although I am joking because Kari reminded me that I want to someday meet my great grandchildren.  What a thought!  That is motivation enough to try to get into shape, eat healthy, etc.  We are doing Zumba and trying to follow a strict diet; we'll see.  I have hope that I can whip this old body into some shape.

Stay tuned to Insert Title Here in 2011 for more nail biting Hellums Family Stories, Random Posts, Theological Thoughts and much much more.

God Bless.

Our Redeemer is Here

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Written in about 700 BC., Isaiah 9:6 is one of several passages that points the reader to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.  I enjoy reading this passage and applying these titles to my Lord, because He is all of them.  Do you ever consider that many people are still looking for the Messiah?

Messiah can be defined as the redeemer or the expected king.  What does that mean to us?  Each of us are in need of a redeemer to reconcile our relationship with God.  Many people say, "But I am a good person."  Jesus tells us that “No one is good—except God alone" Mark 10:18.  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," states Romans 3:23.  You and I are living in a fallen state (seperated by sin from God) and everyone needs a redeemer.

Jesus tells us His reign is not exclusive to the Jewish nation, but everyone.  Examine these words spoken to a Samaritan woman:

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:23-26

Jesus tells Samaritan woman He is the Messiah and when you follow Him you will be called a true worshiper; not a Jew, Samaritan, Greek or Gentile, but anyone is welcome to follow Christ.

Our redeemer is here, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:11,13-14.

You can call Him: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace if you choose to.  Do you know Him?

Merry Christmas and may each of you chase after Christ.

A Hellums Christmas Story

A few days ago we spent some time with Cordsen Photography and I said, "I really want to get a shot of Landon playing with the tree."  I would have my opportunity.  Rod looked up and Landon was playing with the tree.  He handed me the camera and I snapped this lame before shot, but what makes it worth while is the after shot.

After I snapped the camera, Landon looked at me and raised the ornament above his head.  Not considering the ornament might be breakable, I did not stop him.  Normally when he put objects above his head, especially spherical (balls), he throws them.

You guessed it, he threw the ornament to the ground and pop!, the ornament was smashed into several pieces.

I hope that everyone is have a great Christmas holiday.  Don't miss out on all the fun that there is to be had.

And for sure don't miss out on what Christmas is about: Christ!  God Bless.

Jesus, Our Friend

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:12-15

The passage in John 15 tells us that Jesus is our friend.  Do you consider Him as a friend?  It is sometimes not what we consider our Lord, but scripture is clear He wants to be our friend.  Many times we view God as our guide, leader or sometimes view Him as a mean parent.  These views of God aren't bad, but we should add friend to our list of thoughts about God.

What does your friendship look like with Jesus?  It should be similar to our friendships on earth.  We talk to our friends, share secrets with our friends, cry with our friends, be open and honest with our friends and love our friends.  We have the option to talk to God in prayer all day long.  Spend time in His word and be honest with our Lord.

Remember, He is your Lord and also wants to be your friend.

God Bless.

The Christmas Season Part Two

"From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another." John 1:16

As I was sitting down to write Part Two, I received and email from a wonderful friend who said the following, "From experience please don't make it all just about the kids.  I did that in just about a way that it become a bad habit that it was just about my kids.  Stay focused on JESUS this Christmas."

I am happy to publish my friends words and say thank you for sharing from your experience.  It is all about Jesus Christ.

Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth, resurrection and second coming.

I love it, Christmas or Christ is not exclusive to anyone.  The passage says, "all received."  If we receive Christ we become benefactors of God' blessings; who abundantly gives them.  Who doesn't want to be blessed?

John 14:6 tells us that, "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."  Through a relationship with Jesus we "receive blessings [one] after another."  Jesus showers so many blessings on us, so many I can't believe we see all the blessings He provides.

Kari and I desire to instill into our boys that Christmas is about giving and blessing one another with the love of Christ and not just about presents (and surely not candy apples).  Bless someone today, flash a smile, say a prayer or even stop someone and tell them "God loves you" or "I am praying for you."

Truly, tis' the season.  God Bless.

The Christmas Season

Several years ago I was very hum-bug about Christmas, but I credit the Georgetown Christmas stroll for changing that attitude in my life.  Not that I had anything against the celebration from a spiritual aspect, but just the decoration, singing and stuff...I don't know, maybe I was just having a bad year.  All to say, Christmas is one of my all time favorite seasons of the year.

In addition to the colder temperatures, there is good winter time eats: stew, chili, tamales and stuffing.  I have already been enjoying many of these meals and am thankful to have such a wonderful wife that prepares them.

Christmas is changing for Kari and I.  Although we both agree we are still kids at heart, it is becoming less about us and more about our boys.  We want to find a good balance for our boys and hope they grasp and understand that Christmas is more than toys and candy apples.

More to come on this topic...stay tuned to Insert Title Here.  God Bless.

A Christmas Giving Option

Many will give to great cause this Christmas season. If you haven't given to a cause, please consider Highland Lakes Camp. We saw 610 students come to know the Lord this past summer; wouldn't be amazing to see more students than that next summer. You can help make that happen.

Log on to www.highlandlakescamp.org/donate to give $25 today.

God Bless and may each of you have a Merry Christmas!

Justin Bieber's Latest Song and Video Pray

Ok. I am serious when I say, "Justin Bieber has a great video and song here." Take a few minutes to check it out.

Go Bears!

Today at 2pm the Bastrop Bears are kicking off in the quarterfinals game against Mesquite Poteet.

Ten years ago, I was on the sidelines cheering on the Bears and today my family and I will be sitting in the stands. How exciting for Bears to be driving so deep into the playoffs.

Go Bears!

Scam Scared?

Why do I always believe someone is running a scam?

We were watching some infomercial because Little Einsteins ended and Kari asked me this morning, "Do you believe in the product they are selling?" My response was not to specific, but along the lines of a little yes and heavy no.

Why am I writing about this? Well the question made me consider, "Why do I always believe someone is running a scam?" Have I been cheated or fooled one to many times? I am not sure where my leary nature comes from, but I do have a hard time believing the next latest greatest thing is worth my money.

Am I overanalyzing? Maybe, but I do think that sometimes I am more apt to say no than yes to something and that is not necessarily a bad thing unless it was a good thing I should have said yes too. Therein lies the problem: sometimes it is not a bad thing, but I assume it is.

Read a ton of reviews, asks your neighbors or just stop watching infomercials are some solutions.

Thoughts?

Hellums Family Update

The boys are growing way to fast, so fast that when sitting in front of the screen I can't think of all the things that are happening in our house.

Landon is talking all the time. Some of his words include: milk, golf cart, boom (which means pound it), dadamomma (now sometimes one word), and many many more. His latest toy that he loves is a football. We get in the yard and toss the football to one another and he just can't get enough of playing ball. Landon made a football connect recently while holding the ball when I turned the TV on to a game. He pointed and said, "ball!"

There has been a resurgence in his love for the swing, so much that today we had to go swing outside in the cold air. Tonight will be a first attempt in Landon sleeping in a big boy bed. Today Kari converted his bed and we'll see how he does tonight. He will be 17 months on Saturday. Landon is now enjoying scrambled eggs, asparagus and loves pasta. It is amazing how often he smiles; maybe all babies smile, but both Landon and Logan smile all the time.

Logan now rolls over from his belly to back every time he wakes up. He is an amazing sleeper. I am pretty sure he could sleep through a hurricane. He typically sleeps from 8pm to 6 or 7am every night. He is now smiling often, following objects including his Momma, who he is always keeping a close eye on.

He has had several laughing fits and one recent memorable laughing fit was when Landon smacked him in the chest. We thought Logan was about to cry, but Logan burst into laughter after Landon smacked him good in the chest. Logan is enjoying eating rice cereal and can put some bottles away. His 4 month checkup is this week, so we will now soon how much he is weighing. He is a TV bug. When the TV is on, Logan is watching it.

Kari and I are doing well. Besides getting older and starting to have aches and pains, we both can say we don't have gray hair yet, but could see how it is possible. We have our home decorated for Christmas and Landon hasn't torn down the tree...yet.

I hope that everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving and that you and your families are doing well. God Bless.

Shawn McDonald Here I Am

Currently, this is my prayer:

I lay myself at Your feet,
Asking You won't You meet,
Won't You meet me,
I cannot do it on my own,
I cannot do it all alone,
Here I am, oh, tonight,
With my arms open wide,
Won't You come inside,
Won't You come inside, God
Come and fill this heart of mine,
I'm in need of You,
Of Your touch, of Your life, of Your love,
I need You,
I need You."

What a powerful prayer.  Join me.

Part One: Thoughts on Philippians 2:1-11

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. 

And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11

In Philippians 2:1-11, we are encouraged to live differently: humble and with the same mindset of Christ.  This is very counter to our culture; humility is rare.  Read it, read it again and read it a third time.  There is so much in the passage, probably to much to tackle for one post, but here are some thoughts I have gleaned from the passage:

• If you don't have Christ, this is not possible.  We cannot become humble without Christ.  Christ must be in control of your life for humility to rule in your life.  

• We must be focused on Christ.  We cannot be humble with our own operation powers, self will, or legalist training methods.

• As you continue to follow Christ seeking him throughout the day, He will transform you into his likeness; hence the words "have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."

• A few things we should be avoiding:  do nothing out of selfish ambition- Don't look after yourself first, but others.  Being selfish with your time and resources is the fast track to not being humble.  vain conceit- Pride.  Nothing else needs to be said.  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others- Matthew 7:12 says, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..."

If we are focused on Christ, following his teaching than we will not fall into these areas. Romans 2:8 says that that "who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."

Here is plenty to chew on in Part One: Thoughts on Philippians 2:1-11.  I pray that we stay focused on Christ and chase after Him with wreckless abandonment.

God Bless.

Boy's & Girl's Camp @ Highland Lakes Camp

Sanctus Real Lead Me

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying:

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying:

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone.

Thoughts on Luke 18: Part Three

"People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:15-17

This is the third part of six I will be writing and posting. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts as well.

Do you have a childlike faith?  Can we have this type of trust in the Lord?  Christ calls you and I to have this type of faith!  Anyone who doesn't, Christ says, will never enter the kingdom of God.  Today this passage is more real to me than it has ever been.

Recently Landon took interest in my bible sitting on my nightstand.  Frankly, he is interested in anything on my nightstand, but is currently fascinated with books.  My first instinct was to snatch it from his hands and tell him no, but than I remembered this passage.  I stopped myself before I could react and instead said, "Landon, there is a story in here for you.  Let me show you."  I read aloud Luke 18:15-17 and told him that I desired to have childlike faith as he does.

When I arrive home from work, Landon runs down the hall to greet me by jumping into my arms.  He knows and trusts I will catch and pick him up.  This picture is a type of faith Christ wants us to have in Him.  Babies trust we will take care of them, nurture them, love them and wipe their bottoms.

Christ wants us to run, headlong, after Him.  Are you running headlong after Christ?

I love the first part of the passage as well.  Jesus wasn't afraid to make friends, even with the youngest.  The disciples thought maybe Jesus was to busy or didn't have time for the children, but Jesus rebuked them.  Jesus desires for us to be friends with people of all kinds; as the song now goes red, yellow, brown, black and white and age shouldn't be a factor.  Jesus wants us to love everyone of all kinds.

Christ followers:  put a smile on your face.  Say hello to a child.  Love your neighbor.  And run after Christ, jump into His arms and bask in His freedom.

God Bless.

The Day My Dell Died

It is official, my Dell Laptop died the summer of 2010 (2005-2010).  My Dell Laptop is survived by my tower PC built by Will and Kari's HP Tower.

My laptop will be remembered for watching movies, downloading music, editing photos, editing video footage and much much more.  I didn't have many problem with her, just a bad battery, but is that really the laptops fault.

If I were to buy a computer today, I would not consider Dell though.  I am not knocking Dell because my preferences changed.  Today I would buy a MacBook Pro, but right now this is only a dream.

Till than, I will mourn the death of my Dell Laptop.  Tear.

Things God Has Been Teaching Me

I have been chewing on a few passages of scripture lately and I feel led to share what God is teaching me.  I pray that anyone who reads, take it as encouragement, because that is the intent.

In an society where using words like honor is fading, Exodus 20:12 tells us we should, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

What does that mean to adult child? It means we honor our father and mother in their decisions, even if we disagree with them (not saying you have to agree, but acceptance is what I am talking about). Consider our lifespan, I potentially have 30 years left to spend with my parents. I don't have time to waste on being mad, angry, offended or whatever other selfish feeling you can think of towards my parents, there is just not enough time.

I can't imagine one day Landon or Logan choosing not to speak to me.  Could it happen, yes, I would be broken hearted to tears.  I can't repay my parents in such a way, I love them too much.

In keeping with this commandment, God is going to bless you.

Lamentations 3:38-41 says, "Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven..." 

God is in control of everything.  Good or bad, God is on His throne and His ways are higher than we can fathom.

We have no right to complain.  I have been challenged to examine my ways and return to the Lord in many areas of my life.  When return to the Lord, there is blessing.  Are you missing out on blessing today?  We are encouraged to lift up our hearts and hands to God; what an amazing picture of submission to our Lord.

I heard in a sermon recently the pastor reference Genesis 16:9-10, "Then the angel of the LORD told her, "Go back to your mistress and submit to her."  The angel added, "I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count."

God is talking to Hagar, Sarai's Egyptian maidservant, after she found out she was pregnant with Abram's son.  God is telling us to go back, submit and He will bless us.  It is so easy to run away, but God is directing us to go back, deal with it, forgive and forget, insert your cliche, but go back and submit.

God wants to bless you and I, we just need to listen to His words.  God will bless us if we follow and obey His instructions.  Didn't God bless Hagar?  Or course he did; it is believed that Ishmael is the father of the Arabs.

One final passage of scripture that God has shown me recently is, Matthew 7:12.  "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." 

God is going to bless us kindly.  The illustration my friend uses is as follows:  We ask God for a moldy strawberry and He says, "No, you don't want that, here take this fresh strawberry."  Would you give your child a moldy strawberry, by no means.  God wants the best for us.  He wants us to receive blessing and in order to receive it we have to look at verse 12:

"...do to others what you would have them do to you..."

We are called to love one another and treat others as we want to be treated.  I don't want to be treated with disrespect and neither do you.  How do we want to be treated in our mistakes?  We want to be let off the hook.  God wants the best for us; not mediocre. We should treat one another with love; unconditional love and even if it is not returned to us, love them anyway.

Jesus says, "...the greatest commandment in the Law [is] 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:36-38).

I pray that I continue to dive into God's word and glean from it what He'd have me learn. God Bless.

The Boys on Video

Reflections on Parenthood

"The storehouse of knowledge that comes with parenthood, overflows." - Jeremy Hellums

Since July 4, 2009, Kari and I have been on the path of parenthood and have learned so many things.  Sometimes I attempt to reflect on what I have learned, but there is no way possible I will ever recount everything I have learned.  It maybe the case that something will arise later in life and I will just "know," but parenthood is to credit.

• Learning how to communicate with someone who does not talk or who's pronunciation is not developed is possible.
• Guessing is always an option.
• Kids are slippery when wet; both from a diaper and from the bathtub.
• Moving slowly is rarely an option, but Mommy seems to always be faster.
• Precious moments are right in front of you; live in them, do not dread or dislike them.
• They maybe small today, but when the wake up in the morning, they have grown.
• Laughter fixes almost everything.
• Sleep is not necessary; you body can do amazing things.

These are just a few of the many, many, many things I am learning.  I know that we are blessed to have these two boys and will do our best to shine for Jesus as we raise them.

Let the learning continue.  God Bless.

Holy vs. Unholy

In The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer states, "We have learned to live with unholiness and have come to look upon it as the natural and expected thing."

This a truth that was real in Tozer's day and continues to be true today. We can see it when we turn on the television, listen to the radio and watch the national political landscape. Unholiness is acceptable and we accept it every single day.

What does our Lord think of this acceptance of unholiness? 1 Peter states, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy" (v. 15-16). God desires for us to chase after Him and be holy.

For those who follow Christ, Romans 6:3-4 asks, "...don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

We are called to live a new life. We are no longer alive for our earthly reasons (ie. money, fame, etc.), but Christ alive in us, to Him all the glory.  Colossians 3 present some guidelines for holy living:

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things," "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry," and "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (1-17).

With Christ in our lives we can be holy. Who's in control today; you or Christ?  My prayer is that you and I strive to be holy today and tomorrow and no longer live for ourselves, but Christ.

God Bless.

New Primetime Shows

I am a sucker for new shows.  I enjoy seeing what new and sometimes I get my heart broken because the network cuts programs.  Remember Studio 60 and the Knight Rider re-boot?  These are just a couple of the most recent shows that I was excited about, but than let down by them being cut by the network.

This season I am stuck on CBS re-boot of Hawaii Five-0 and Blue Bloods.

The two stars in Hawaii Five-0 Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan have captured my attention.  The two cops, McGarrett and Williams play off one another well.  McGarrett is a rough, shoot 'em up, ask questions later guy and Williams trys to follow the rules.  Both actors are handling the roles well.  I remember from the original show, "book 'em Danno!"  I am thankful they have not over used this popular phrase.

Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg star in Blue Bloods.  This NYC cop show is good drama.  It is an intense hour of crime solving,  law vs. human nature, and family.  I think what makes this show so real is the dinner time discussions.  The cast seems to have real talk concerning right and wrong.  The themes about cops, family and the sub-plot a secret society keep me going back for more.

Dear CBS:  You have two great new shows.  Please don't drop them.  Thanks.

Have a great day.

Thoughts on Luke 18: Part Two

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14

This is the second part of six I will be writing and posting. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts as well.

What a picture of true worship and yet we sometimes forget that proud and condescending attitudes of worship are unacceptable.  This passage of scripture describes two people worshiping God in two different ways.  Typically the Pharisee would be viewed as the "good guy" and the tax collector the "evil guy," but Jesus describes a scene that might surprise some.

The Pharisee followed all the rules and was proud of it.  He tells God, "I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."  These are all "good things" to do, but in these things, is the Pharisee honoring God?  I would say he is only doing them to look good, play the part, bragging about all that he as done and judging others.

The contrast is the tax collector.  Tax collectors were often viewed in the negative light, because many collected taxes for the government and added there own fees; robbing from those who paid taxes.  The tax collector went to the temple, but "stood at a distance," probably because he felt unworthy.  The tax collector is humbled before God and cries out, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."  His body language and prayer indicate true repentance for the sins he committed.  He doesn't make God a list, but confesses he is a sinner and Jesus tells his followers the tax collector, "went home justified before God."

Humility is rare in our culture.  We focus on ourselves, our actions and even our popularity.  These actions effect the way we treat one another and worship God.  If we are not focused and humbled concerning our lives, but instead looking at others and comparing ourselves, than Jesus says you are not justified. 

We are called to be humble and present ourselves in a real manner towards God and one another.  I pray that each of us can read, meditate and soak in this amazing picture of worship Christ shares with his followers in Luke 18.

God Bless.

Taken the Twitter Plunge

To be honest, I thought twitter would go away.  I didn't think it had value, but I can post today that I think there is value in twitter.  Not because I signed up, but because of the sheer networking web twitter weaves by connecting people, sharing ideas, images and encouraging one another.

Do I know much about twitter?  Not really, but I did do a lot of reading, research and asked lots of questions before I signed up.

Check it out @jeremyhellums or http://twitter.com/jeremyhellums  and follow me!

Have a great day.  God Bless.

Landon and Logan: Side by Side

Kari took this picture this morning of our two boys.  They are both growing so fast.  I was thinking to myself that it amazing how little you really know until you have kids.  I have learned so much about myself: life, love, sacrifice, a little one can reach really high; its so much to list, but I am so blessed to have these two boys.

Landon is 15 months and Logan is 2 months in this picture.

I hope you have a great week.  God Bless.

Praise the Lord for His Faithfulness Endures Forever

"Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.
For he loves us with unfailing love;
the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
Praise the Lord!" Psalm 117

Praise the Lord! God is going to take care of us no matter what. He is faithful.

It comes down to the 15th and payday hits the bank account. All the bills go out the door and there is only a small amount left. Is this amount enough to get by on? God thinks so, but too many times, I don't think so. Worry sets in and maybe we won't make it to the 30th this month, what than?

Psalm 117 says, "faithfulness endures forever". Do I believe what God is telling me in this passage or is it just a nice psalm to think about. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," states 2 Timothy 3:16.

God-breathed. God is the author; a bestselling author on top of that. God's word is truth and in these words, "faithfulness endures forever," I can firmly believe God is going to take care of my family and I.

From time to time this story I have recounted happens to me. Does God always provide? No matter what the circumstances are God has been faithful. Does this mean we are licensed to be irresponsible? By no means, we try to be responsible with what the Lord provides and as I said, "God has been faithful." He is not only faithful with money, but such much more.

Are you relying on God today? Do you believe His faithfulness endures forever? Put your faith in Him and He take care of you.

God Bless.

Praise the Lord for His Unfailing Love

"Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.
For he loves us with unfailing love;
the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
Praise the Lord!" Psalm 117

Praise the Lord! He has bestowed some many blessings in our lives and what can we do, "Praise Him!"

I was considering how I sometimes take advantage of God's many blessings. If it is with myself trying to control a situation or squandering what He provided in an irresponsible way, I am prone to allow my flesh to show it self. How many times do we take advantage of what the Lord provides?

Romans 6:6, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." When I wake up in the morning and allow Christ to live and I chose to die than I am more apt to give praise to the Father and accept His unfailing love. It states, "crucified with him." This crucifixion and death to self with Christ is the only way that we can even live such a life.

Unfailing love! A characteristic of God that is sometime most do not understand or comprehend. What would it look like if we love one another with an unfailing love. In that unfailing love, my thoughts chase the Father's choice to sacrifice his son, Jesus. Am I even willing to let the thought cross my mind for one of my children to pay such a price?

God's love is unfailing. I hope that you will take the time to enjoy this amazing love today and give Him all the praise.

God Bless.

Save Blue Like Jazz

One of my favorite books, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller was slated to be a movie. Filming is set to begin later this month, but not unless they raise $125,000.

Some friends of Miller started a campaign to raise the funds. Check out www.savebluelikejazz.com and follow them at http://twitter.com/savebljthemovie

Save Blue Like Jazz!

A Poem to Share

Dear Jesus,
Landon here again,
How's your day been?
All is well here.
Ready to pray for those dear.
Mommy she cooks great food,
And daddy is one cool dude.
Brother, Thanks especially for him,
Because he's now my bestfriend.
Thanks, Jesus, for my family,
They are the best for me.
Goodnight and amen,
I'll talk to you again.

What if: Highland Lakes Camp Summer 2010 Report

Wasp vs. Man: Part Two

Disclaimer: I do not take my shirt off in this post.

Last Friday morning I was mowing the yard. In our backyard we have two old-school clothes line "T" poles sticking up out of the ground. As I turned the lawn mower around I slammed into the clothes line pole. From out of the dark pipe came at least 20 mahogany wasps. As I realized what was happening, I only knew one thing...

...RUN!

I ran out the backyard, nearly across the street to avoid getting stung by those hacked off mahogany wasps. I caught my breath and assessed the situation:

The yard is not completely mowed; I left the lawn mower running next to the clothes line pole; they are swarming everywhere and I still need to catch my breath.

Thankfully, I recently overcame my fear of poison/wasp spray (I didn't want Landon or Logan to be harmed by it if it was on me, but I since learned they would have to drink a lot or bathe in it to be harmed). I went and got two cans of wasp spray and some foaming insulation stuff to plug to holes and went to work.

I successfully plugged four holes on the two poles and killed approximately 20-30 wasps. The exactly number will never been known, because I sealed many of them inside the pole. I did forget to mention, I accomplished all this, thankfully, without being stung.

Hopefully, this will be the last installment in the Wasp vs, Man series. Have a great day.

Must See Pics

Here is one of Logan sleeping. This little boy still has his nights and days mixed...sorta, but when he sleep, he is out. He is getting really big and is already smiling (or maybe it is just gas). It is so sweet. Oh and Logan attended his first football game in Milano on Thursday night.

Here is a picture of Landon at the football game making friends with a young lady. I am not sure where he gets his charm from, but in the words of his mother, "This little girl loved Landon...and I'm pretty sure he loved her..."

It is such a blessing to be raising two little boys. They are awesome. Enjoy the pics!

Thoughts on Luke 18: Part One

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:1-8

We started looking at Jesus' parables in chapel recently and I love reading and soaking in Luke 18. So much so, I decided to write a series on the six sections of the chapter. This is the first part of six I will be writing and posting. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts as well.

My favorite question in this section of the chapter is, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" What is faith? The Greek word for faith is pi'stis and in this context it is a physical action, based upon a belief and sustained with confidence; relying on God no matter what the circumstances or outcome, complete trust that God will take care of it.

The word faith usually brings on the word belief. The scene in Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade portrays the difference. Indiana Jones is in the cavern looking for the holy grail and comes to a cliff and reads the clue. He looks across the bottomless pit and believes that he can step out and he will live, but does he have faith? He takes a moments, holds his heart and believes and steps forward in faith to find an invisible bridge. For me, this images visually show us the difference between the two.

Isn't it hard to sometimes relinquish all your doubts, fear, worries, etc. to the Lord? Yet it is plain in God's word that our faith is powerful. Matthew 17:20 says, "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain..." Christ challenges me to allow Him to take over, operate on faith and know that He is going to take care of everything.

Do we follow the example of the widow and pray/cryout to the Lord day and night; petitioning Him for all our daily needs? In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are encouraged to, "pray continually." How's your prayer life? God hears your prayers. Jesus sets the example by praying himself, "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears..." (Hebrews 5:7). When was the last time you prayed and were moved to tears?

We can have such a loving and passionate relationship with Christ and it starts with faith. I pray yours and my faith in Christ grows daily and the fire inside burns because he will return and is looking for the faithful. Where will He find you?

God Bless and tune in next time.

Landon & Logan Recent Photos

Here are two of the latest photos of my boys. They were taken early this month with Kari's phone and I believe it has been way too long since I have shared photos.

Landon, on the left, is sitting on his toys with wheels while his mother is trying to tell him, "sit down!" He pretty much just looked at her and smiled.
Logan, on the right, is taking a little afternoon nap here. He is a good sleep, but he won't sleep in his bed. He is in his room in this picture, but on the guest bed not his own.

They are both growing like weeds and Kari and I feel so blessed to have these two precious boys. God Bless.

Insert Title Here Remembers 9.11.01

Today is the 9th anniversary of the September 11, 2001; a date that many of my generation will never forget, similar to many who have gone before us never forgot Pearl Harbor, D-Day, or the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

One day I will have the opportunity to explain to my boys what happened on that morning when over 3,000 Americans lost their lives in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

How do I remember it?

I was sitting in my car in line at the Austin Community College parking lot waiting, listening to a CD instead of Sam & Bob on KVET. I looked up to see my high school friend, Jeff M., wanting to jump in the car. He said, "Are you listening to the radio? The twin towers have been hit and there are several other missing planes." School and work was cancelled that day and I remember watching the news as each new report came out. I think everyone was glued to the TV.

Later that year, I had the opportunity to go to NYC and still remember seeing smoldering at Ground Zero. All the letters, flowers and pictures near Trinity Church at Wall Street was sobering. It was a scene of wreckage, memory and city all smashed together in the heart of Manhattan; images that will not leave my mind.

I continue to pray for those family members who have lost loved ones; the Lord only knows are when it is our time, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father," until that time we are encouraged to, "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Matt. 24:36, Phil. 3:12).

May we never forget those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and continue to tell the story. God Bless.

Landon Getting in Trouble...Sorta

Tales from Fatherhood

After much thought, I believe it is worthy of my blog to note two gross firsts that happened to me Labor Day Monday morning at about 5am.

For the first time about five, Logan vomited on me. Kari and I decided to try a little formula with him to see if he would sleep a little better. It seemed to have cause another effect: hence I was vomited on by my one month old. I am sure it won't be the last time.

Later that morning at about 8am, Landon awoke from his slumber. Thinking I could get a few more minutes to snooze, I prepared another Pedialyte bottle for him (we learned that milk products are not settling well on his tummy; uncertain if he is lactose intolerance yet). As I rocked him, we did both fall asleep till 10am, but in those two hours Landon urinated on me.

In less than 5 hours, I had been vomited on and urinated on! What a way to start the morning.

God Bless.

Wasp vs. Man

Wednesday afternoon, I walked into our living room missing my t-shirt and said, "I'm crazy," to Kari, Clay and Jackie.

Prior to this statement I decided to eradicate some mahogany wasp (also known as red wasp or red devils) that had made nest above one of our windows. With a can of wasp spray in hand, I positioned myself near the nest and began to spray up at them. As I closely watched the insects, I noticed two were emerging from the poison foam unscathed. One flew off above the house, but I could not locate the second one.

As I backed away from the nest, I happened to look down on my chest and stuck in the center of my t-shirt was a mahogany wasp. My first reaction was to pull my shirt away from my body and than spray myself and the wasp in order to prevent from being stung.

In the process of spraying, I realized I was spraying myself and gained control of the situation by frantically ripping my shirt off. Not that this was any less crazy, but it made sense at the time. As I struggled to remove my two sweaty shirts, I thought about not getting stung, move faster and what are the effects of wasp spray on humans.

After removing the shirt I promptly threw it on the ground and stomped on it in hopes of killing the wasp. I slowly picked it up, but the wasp was gone. Thankfully I was not stung or harmed by the wasp spray, but I am pretty sure my neighbors think I am crazy now.

Hopefully this made you laugh a little. I have been having a run on these funny little stories lately and am glad to share them.

Dear Jeremy, Happy Birthday

Insert Title Here is wishing Jeremy Hellums: Happy 29th Birthday.

29 years seems like a long time, but really it has just flown by. My ten year reunion was this past August, Kari and I just had our second child and I haven't hit 30 yet; now that is very exciting.

I am already catching flak for almost being 30 from my wife. She smiles really big, sighs and laughs a little and proclaims, "WOW, you are about to be 30!" Thanks honey, I need the reminder.

I am very glad to be 29 years old. No, I don't feel older, but sometimes when I wake up in the morning and my body hurts, I do consider, "Am I getting older?"

I hope everyone has a great day.

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall

I normally don't post music videos, but I love this one. Check it out...football season is around the corner.

Mini Vacation

What turned into a day off here and there turned into a mini vacation. I am so blessed to have Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. This will allow me a chance to re-charge my "getting old" batteries.

Sunday we will be attending my brothers couples shower in Red Rock. My brother Aaron and his wife Katie are having a little girl in about five weeks. I am so excited to be an Uncle on the Hellums side of my family. Just seeing some of the pictures Aaron and Katie recently took, just makes me so much more excited for my little brother becoming a father. I am certain he will make a great father.

Kari, the boys, and I will be spending time in Milano with her parents. Honestly, when I get to Milano I shut down. I go into complete vacation mode; I know that there is going to be sweet tea, rest, great food and since it is fall Friday night high school football. Logan has not attended his first high school football game, so we will be looking to put that notch on his belt.

A trip to College Station is scheduled to celebrate Kari's grandmother birthday, September 1st.

Today, Logan is one month old! It is amazing how fast he is growing. Landon and Logan are both a little sick, so please keep them in your prayers.

God Bless.

The Red Couch & White Couch

When Kari and I were first married we bought a living room set. When we saw it in the store it was set up in such a way that the full size couch was white and the love seat was red. We loved the setup because the rug tied the entire set together, so that is the way we bought it. We still love our living room set, but we confess that we did not consider children (or a messy man) when we chose a white couch.

Kari is away visiting her family right now, but I can truly say, "she is still at home."

The other evening I went to the kitchen to get a dinner/snack and found chips and salsa. As I walked into the living room I debated in my head which couch to sit on. In my head I heard, "Jeremy, please sit on the red couch since you are eating salsa," and I listened.

I pressed play on the episode of wrestling I was watching and started snacking. On the second chip, somehow I knocked the entire bowl of salsa out of my hand and it went everywhere...except on the white couch! I raced to the kitchen to grab towels to scrub up my mess.

I am thankful for several reasons: a) I was't sitting on the white couch; b) you can't even tell I spilled anything; and c) I learned listening to your wife is actually a good thing (even when she is not present).

I hope you have a great day and know that probably 95% of the time, your wife does know what she is talking about. God Bless.

Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!