Playing in the Water After the Rain

When You Are Away

To Kari:

When you are away,
It just isn't the same.

I want to say, "its all the same,"
But it clearly isn't.

The cheerful tone in your voice.
The radiante smile on your face.
The beauty you share glimmers.p
The passion you show me - amazing!

It's clearly not the same,
When you are away.

Chapter Six: What Happened Next

For Chapter Five Click Here

John-Thomas was a skilled rifleman. He had served in Desert Storm and the early years of Operation Freedom; he was a reserved man, but understood what it took to carry out a mission. John-Thomas was now operating in "mission mode."

He immediately left to find out what window had been broken and why.

I clung to my weapon and let my mind wander for a moment, "I hope the boys have after school activities...I don't want them involved...what is really happening..." were just a few of the thoughts. I needed to regain composure and focus on the task at hand.

Two shots were heard from the other side of the property. John-Thomas is either shooting or being shot at.

As I came around the corner into the utility room, I saw John-Thomas standing on the patio lowering his weapon. "Did you shoot?" he yelled at me.

"No!" with a hint of panic.

I stepped outside to survey the patio and two creatures lay dead; one directly in front of John-Thomas and the other behind him. "Someone is helping us," he acknowledged, "but I didn't tell anyone what was going on here."

I scanned the outskirts of the property and did not see anyone. "Where's the third creature?" I exclaimed. The hair on the back my neck began to tingle; suddenly two bat-like arms wrapped around my waist pulling me back into the house.

This concludes Chapter Six: What Happened Next

Please note, this is a work of fiction, currently being hashed out here at Insert Title Here. Thoughts, ideas and story is the property of the author.

Tune in later for Chapter Seven: It's Not a Dream

Peek a-boo with Logan

Chapter Five: Behind the Scenes

For Chapter Four Click Here

Not a single news station, newspaper or website published what happened next, but that's probably because those involved agreed never to speak of what happened that afternoon. As the three waited with every intention of doing whatever it took to survive, a black ops team stood by to clean up the mess.

The creatures were not unknown to the government, but kept secret for various reasons. The creatures had first been sighted on the northern coast of Washington four years ago and since than were under constant surveillance, teams were assigned in zones all across the country. Team Lambda 2 had been on alert for the last 36 hours and had been monitoring the situation the entire time.

Team Lambda 2 was poised and ready to do anything necessary...

This concludes Chapter Five: Behind the Scenes

Please note, this is a work of fiction, currently being hashed out here at Insert Title Here. Thoughts, ideas and story is the property of the author.

Chapter Six: What Happened Next

Loving the Blogger App

I recently downloaded the blogger app. I had not searched in a while for this particular app in a while, but when it popped up on the search I immediately downloaded it. So far, loving it.

This app should allow me to post on a more regular basis; considering I am not in front of a computer much, but I do have the iPhone on hand.

It was recently brought to my attention that I never competed my short story, thanks Matthew, hopefully I can wrap that up in the next few weeks.

Did anyone else notice some new speed limits around Austin? 75 on Texas 130! I guess the road crews are hard at work increasing the limits all over the state.

God bless.

Bathtime Sing-along Time

Poetry Thursday

Wandering through the mall
Looking at all the merchandise
What to buy, what to buy?

I got my allowance this morning
A whole dollar fifty
What to buy, what to buy?

Some may think my options are small
But I see many things with my name
What to buy, what to buy?

A matchbox car will go far
Pack balloons will entertain
Or some marbles to shoot

What to buy, what to buy?
I don’t know
Maybe I’ll save it
  For next time.

An original composition by Jeremy Hellums

Sunday Morning Thoughts on the Word

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:35 & 37

"Victory is ours through Christ..." Are you living in His victory today or are you wrapped up in self pity  unattainable self expectations or whatever? When we realize He is our victory, we learn that He is our identify. It is no longer Jeremy (insert name here), but Christ.

When you put on Christ, die to self and put Christ at the helm, He is doing the living; no longer you and I.  He has defeated all these things we just get to be along for the ride.  In our weakness He is strong.  Do you believe that?  If so, what are you doing with it? How are you responding to others around you? How is Christ revealed to others?

Christ should be at the forefront of ever thought, movement, word that crosses your lips; everything. The only way this is possible is to first surrender you life to Him. Turn it all over to Him. Begin to get to know Him through His word, by worshiping Him, praying to Him and fellowshipping with other believers.

"We are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit
we are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity
may one day be restored:

And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love."

If those around you can't see Christ, ask yourself, what's wrong? It should be evident daily.  He is the victory, nothing can stand in His way.  What will you do about it? Will you continue to live? Or will you allow Him to rule you in ever aspect of your life?

God Bless.

News Alert: Obama "burns" $535 Million

"Newly released documents show that a Silicon Valley investor and senior administration officials warned the White House against having President Obama visit the solar company Solyndra in May 2010 because of its mounting financial problems, saying he might be embarrassed later. 

Obama’s Energy Department had provided Solyndra with a $535 million government-backed loan and wanted to highlight the investment to show taxpayers how their stimulus dollars had been put to work. Top administration officials concluded that while a visit posed political risk, it was appropriate. Obama ultimately appeared at the factory and praised the company, which collapsed in late August and is now under federal investigation."

Posted on Washington Post earlier this afternoon, this article outlines one of many errors our current president has committed.  $535 million dollars wasted on an alternative energy company now under federal investigation.  Jobs creation and change is not what the current president has accomplished.

It is time for the citizens of our country to make a statement.  If you aren't registered to vote, get registered. Find out where your voting location is and make every effort to remove the current president from his office and make way for a real leader, not a rock star.

Have a wonderful day.

MikesChair - Someone Worth Dying For

If it were to snow

If it were to snow,
Would you go outside
And roll in the white flakes?
Would you sit by the window
Watching it drift down?
Would you make a snowman
Or maybe an angel?
Would you make a fire
And sleep all afternoon?
What if it were to snow.

An original composition by Jeremy Hellums

Sept. 11, 2001

Birthday & Central Texas Fires

As the Labor Day week comes to a close, I find myself thinking about a few things (please excuse the fragmented thoughts):

Dinner at Hula Hut and desert at Mozart's with some close friends was amazing. It was a wonderful celebration and a great way to start my birthday celebration.

Celebrating my 30th birthday will not be easily forgotten for several reasons: I blew out 2 candles on strawberry muffins with "15" (with Landon's help). Kari said, "who wants to celebrate 30 when you can celebrate half that" (noteworthy: we didn't have a 3 or 0 candle).

We made a trip to Bastrop to drop of some clothing and baby items to those effected by the Central Texas Wildfires. We spent time with the Adare's who lost everything, my mother who evacuated, but was spared, and my grandmother, who was worried about all that was going on.

Bastrop State Park will never be the same. My Papa took and taught my brothers, cousins and myself how to play golf at Lost Pines Golf Club. We helped and drove Papa's golf cart and I can admit to getting it into at least on minor wreck while driving up to hole number 7 (back when it was only a 9 hole course). He taught us to take care of our equipment, respect those around you, repair your divits and no matter how bad we hit the ball (I still do) he had something encouraging to say. We spent a lot of time at Bastrop State Park.

Taking an opportunity to serve our neighbors in Spicewood who lost everything makes me speechless. As we arrived at the property where homes once stood, my heart ached for those who didn't have a home to return to. This ache only seems to drive more outpouring of compassion to those who are at a loss and do everything in my power to help.

Labor Day Weekend 2011 will not quickly be forgotten for some many of my family, friends and neighbors, but I am reminded of the promise, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1; He is still in control.

We are continuing to pray for everyone that is still fighting the fires, effected by the fires and serving those who are in need.  I pray that the fires stop and the Lord restores the land. God Bless.

Highly Recommend a Penny for your thoughts

"Even when we get home late and should go straight to bed we still make time for our cousin Penny's blog! She's so funny and crafty with her words." Kari Hellums

a Penny for your thoughts written by Penny is a riot.  It is a must read blog.  She is an expecting mother and with each post it just gets funnier.  My cousin, Randy, usually gets quoted and say's some great stuff (classic husband statements).  If you get a chance, start reading, subscribe to a Penny for your thoughts you won't regret it.

God Bless.

Have You Been Cursing God?

In the book of Job we find a man who loses everything, but his life (some may contend that he did lose his life). Either way Job had it pretty bad. He had the worst Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. He questions God and is encouraged to cruse God and die until the Lord gives Him some thought provoking words starting in chapter 38. The section I have chosen is Job 38:4-7: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

God is in charge of everything; He is creator over all. What have a created today or what have I screwed up today, might be a better question? God didn't mess up, He designed it all according to His plan and I don't have an ounce of that kind of power.

What is Job's response after being reminded of who's in charge and what should our response be, "...Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know...therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:3b & 6

Repent. Repent and return to Him. Sometimes we just need to be reminded to repent and return to the Lord. Job's example is one of many you will find in scripture concerning repentance. God wants you and I to be in communion with Him; allowing Him to be in control, not us.

What happens after Job repents?

"And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." Job 42:10

God restores Job. When we see the error of our attitudes, issues, control problems or maybe we realize you've been putting God in a box; in other words you're living in the flesh instead of with Him, you and I repent. Restoration comes after repentance. How exciting. God restores you and I and blesses us.

Blessings might sound like fancy cars and diamond rings, but I disagree. Blessings can be a number of things including: sharing your story with someone who is seeking, cleaning a toilet (or 313), being let into busy traffic by someone, receiving an encouraging note...the list goes on and on. Are fancy cars and diamond rings not blessings? They could be, but really it's a heart matter. Christ tells us, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Back to Job. Realize. Repent. Restoration. God is so amazing, mysterious and loving. Stop cursing Him and return to Him.

God bless.

Baptized into His death

"What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin's dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin's claims. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over Him. For in light of the fact that He died, He died to sin once for all; but in light of the fact that He lives, He lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace." Romans 6:1-14

It is no longer you and I living, but Christ through us. Giving your life to Christ is so much more than getting a free pass to heaven or gaining membership to a local church. When you accept Christ, you were, "baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death."

Are you dead today?

More to come. Stay tuned.

God bless.

Landon Playing the Drums

A Couple Recent Pictures

Take No Offense

"And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for in the first place when I wrote the letter. My primary concern was not for the one who did the wrong or even the one wronged, but for you—that you would realize and act upon the deep, deep ties between us before God." 2 Corinthians 7:11-12

Paul had received word that the Corinthians had been slipping in there faith in Christ and twisting his teachings. In response, he wrote 1 Corinthians to put them back on course in their walk with Christ. Upon arrival of the first letter, the people took offense because Paul passionately corrected them.

In 2 Corinthians 7:11-12, this offense is mentioned and it is refered to as a growing moment or drawing "closer to God." Some of the benefits of this distress or offense is, "you’re [become] more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible." Out of something that might be initially considered an offense, you gain some much more.

As humans, we are easily offended and there are a few negative responses to offense: mad, upset, repeal and rebel to name a few. His letter was taken as a rude, scolding writing and yet his spurring was intended "...that you would realize and act upon the deep, deep ties between us before God."

What is your response to offense or correction? Scripture is clear we should not react negatively, but look at ourselves and begin to ask God to repair you and I in those areas in which we took offense. God is in the business of healing and these offenses can start that process.

Have you been offended lately? Have you gotten mad at someone's words or actions? Have you examined your own heart? Ask yourself these questions and my prayer is instead of you and I being offended we will take an opportunity to grow in Christ.

May you and I be offended for the glory of God and apply it to our lives. God Bless.

Wrong Side of the Bed?

"The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." Lamentations 3:22-24

This morning I was reminded of God's amazing promise, "His compassions never fail. They are new every morning."

What is compassion? Compassion is sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it or to be loved deep or mercy. He knows what side of the bed we are waking up on; He knows what we are going through and wants us to relie on Him. No matter how hard we try to fill ourselves, He does it, not us.

This compassion never fails. We know this to be true, throughout scripture Christ tells us love remains supreme; we wake up every morning and He continue to love us, no matter what.

As He loves us and fills us, we find our hope in Him. He is passionately in love with you and I and we our filled by Him, if we allow Him. Our hearts must allow Him to fill us each morning, we can either accept it or reject it, but it is available to us.

"Oh I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign."

May we run to Him this morning and every morning being filled and being renewed by His love.

Have a blessed day.

Landon Feeding Logan

The Gospel According to Finding Nemo

"...you just can't Nemo!...Get back here now...don't touch the boat...," Marlin tells Nemo before he swims out to sea, touches the boat and than encounters humans and is taken.

Landon has recently fell in love with Finding Nemo. I have never watched it all the way through until a few days ago. What a great film of spiritual application.

The above quote comes from the beginning of the film. Nemo disobeys his father and is captured. His capture represents our disobedience or rebellion to God. He swam out to sea in direct opposition to his father. How often do we swim out to sea thinking we are big enough or in control?
Later in the film Nemo cries out, "Dad!" This is the first word or cry from Nemo we hear in the dentist office. How fitting! He knew something was wrong, he was out of place and needed his fathers help. Many times we get ourselves in situations where we are away from God and all we need to do is cry out to Him.

Throughout the film Marlin is looking for his lost son. Interestingly enough, Nemo would have to get himself back to the ocean before he could find His father, but Marlin was right there ready to accept him back. God is ready for you to call on His name. Repentance, restoring things to order by returning to the sea (to Him), put Nemo in a position to be reunited with his father. Do you need to repent and return to the Father? He is there.

Near the end of the film, Marlin is looking at his unconscious son, after escaping being captured a second time by fishermen, and is screaming, "Nemo wake up!" During this scene Landon ran to the TV and helped Marlin yell at Nemo. I think sometimes our Father is yelling at us, "I am here! Wake up and listen to me."

I pray that maybe some of these scenes and thoughts will speak to you. God bless.

Even Brats

"She's a spoiled brat! When is she leaving"

I once heard this statement about a 16 year old girl from a friend of mine. This statement conjured this response:

A brat! That young lady might be a brat, but she probably doesn't know any better and you have an opportunity to show her something different. If you claim to have surrendered to the ministry, than you need to start loving everyone, including spoiled brats. You don't know it, but she is watching your actions and words and you are passing up the opportunity to show her Christ's love!

Who have you written off today or in the past? Are you passing up opportunities to love someone? I encourage you to check out the below passage:

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:8-10

I pray that we show others unconditional love, even brats. God bless.

Transformation in Him

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Transformation is an on going process. The result of this transformation is becoming more like Christ. We begin to follow Christ, the heart change has happened, but there is still other transforming that occurs over time, from the inside-out.

It's amazing to consider as we follow Christ, He changes you and I.  Sometimes change is hard, but it is truly necessary when we follow Christ.  This change can only come from Christ.  Notice it, "comes from the Lord..." with Him and only Him can we be transformed.  Allow Him to change you.

How have we changed? Are you blooming the "the fruit[s] of the Spirit"... "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." Galatians 5:22-23.  These are outward signs that the Lord is transforming you.

My prayer is that each day you and I will be completely filled with fruit and be transformed by and through Christ!  God Bless.

Made Complete in Him

"For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority." Colossians 2:9-10

Some days are such rush, I didn't even have enough time to spiritually focus.  Taking a few moments to slow down, pray and read over scripture I found Colossians 2:9-10.

Christ is God and man.  Scripture reveals the Jesus was both God and man.  In this passage, it is very clear Christ is not only human, but God.  God walked, lived and experienced the same things you and I do; He knows what we experience first hand.  Sometimes we think He is too distant or some figurehead, but He has been among us, not far far away.

The author and creator is, the same who has made you and I complete is, "...the head over every ruler and authority," which includes the physical and spiritual world.  In our completion He is in control of all these things, our sovereign Lord.  Isn't amazing to know that He is sovereign over every detail in our lives?

We have been made complete in Christ.  Often we think of ourselves as mere sinners, but once He rules in your life you have been made complete.  We no longer need to live or dwell in the past, but rather realize you have been redeemed and made anew.  As we continue becoming more like Christ, we draw nearer to perfection.  It is easy to forget, but we must remember He has made us complete. 

I pray that we will continue to submit ourselves to His authority and daily bask in our completion through Him.  God Bless.

Sowing Righteousness

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10

His righteousness is the seeds we sow. Who is righteousness? Christ. When we sow righteousness, we are sowing Christ.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6

When we are dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us we are sowing Christ to everyone around us. We can choose how much to sow. 


Sowing continues even in hardship.  Christ says in Matthew 5:39, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."

It's never about you and me; it's about Christ. Christ comes first and teaches that even in hard times; He must rule. It's not about us; it is Christ living in us.

I pray that we continue to surrender all to Him and sow righteousness, Christ, to everyone around us.


God Bless.

More of Him

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

We are called to a radical faith which is counter to everything the American Dream teaches you and I. Passages like this one go against popular culture and social norms. Most of the time we are worried about ourselves, how to make more money and how to take care of "me."

Christ calls us to become less; forfeiting our lives to Him. This surrender comes at a price: we give our hearts to those who will crush it, we move hundreds of miles from loved ones, we sacrifice earth treasures for Him.

Christ wants less of you and I and more of Him. Where do you and I stand?
Let Him rule today; no one else. More of Him, less of Me.

God Bless.

Purified by Light

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

The blood of Christ purifies you and I. We gain sanctification from our deepest darkest secrets, sin. We sometimes play these sins over and over again and such things our foolish because His blood has already taken care of your sin.  His blood was shed for you and I; once was enough.

Once you have accepted Christ, Jesus makes us priority as we should make Him priority. Through that priority, we begin to carryout what He wants to do through our lives, share His name among all humanity. Our priorities become secondary when we become purified by the light.

Walking with Christ is in the light. As we walk in the light we draw closer to light and those around us. With those around us, our love of and for Christ should be spilling over to everyone.  Are you walking in the light?

What a powerful relationship you and I have in Christ. We are purified and we need to share it. Walk in the light and be a tool of righteousness.  May you be surrounded by light and dance in the freedom of purification.

God Bless.

Handicapping Yourself with Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?...For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-27 & 32-34

I read this passage yesterday and it's amazing how God puts the right scripture in front of us at the right time (go figure).  He is going to take care of your school, your job situation, your relationships...Jesus is going to take care of EVERYTHING.  When we begin to stress about silly things we effectively hurt our ministry.

Imagining me being consumed by thoughts of worry and stress, when someone across the room needs to be loved on; I am held hostage by worry.  I have listened to many students talk about a multitude of worries and over and over again I remind them, "If you believe in Jesus, let Him take care of it and He will."

We should rely only on Jesus Christ or we become pagans chasing after pointless things.  Think about the time you waste over worry!  Adding our stress to today and tomorrow only makes you and I ineffective.  An ineffective minister of the gospel is a winner for the other team, not Christ.  Allowing to be controlled by these thoughts handicaps you and I from sharing Christ love.

Jesus takes care of it all.  Kari and I have seen Him take care of us over and over again. We have seen Him take care of others; how easy is it to forget! We need to remember and live it.  We can know the scripture by heart, even share it with others, but if we don't believe it, we remain handicapped.

My prayer is that you and I become more effective ministers and be freed from worry and stress.  Christ takes care of you; no need to worry.  It might sound crazy, but you need to dive head-first into His arms.

God Bless.

Romans 6:5-7

"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." Romans 6:5-7

The Hellums Boys Singing on Stage

Kari Almost Falls

A Shocking Story

As I did the dishes late Tuesday evening a huge storm rolled through. I leaned with both hands and arms on the stainless steel sink. Lightening flashed and a tingle slowly crept through both my arms and my body. Kari had one hand on me and felt the same sensation. It took a moment for me to realize what was happening, but I removed my arms and the tingle stopped. We were both shocked!

We stood there for a moment taking in what happened because it all seemed to happen in slow motion. The sensation was not painful, but only a little stronger than when you put your tongue on a 9 volt battery.

Kari and I both can now say we've been struck by lightening! Or shocked!

God bless.

Love at Last Sight: An Insightful Read

Love at Last Sight, by Pastor Kerry and Chris Shook, is another refreshing look on marriage. This book is divided into a four week study: The Art of Being All There, The Art of Acting Intentionally, The Art of Risking Awkwardness and The Art of Letting Go. Each of these sections is specifically written towards the topics listed.

My favorite section is the art of acting intentional. As Kari and I continue on our journey together, I have caught myself "taking it easy," and sometimes overlooking opportunities to do things for my wife. This section reminded me that it is necessary for me to continue to act intentionally. 

I would recommend Love at Last Sight to married folks. God Bless. 

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.

Unposted Photos of Landon: Check my Hair & Wink





Happy Easter 2011

Summer! Summer! Summer!

As of May 15th, we will have started our third summer as full-time staff at Highland Lakes Camp. Between May 15th and August 15th, many of those serving work six days a week and somedays 17 hours a day. It sounds like torture, but it isn't when you are serving Jesus and spreading the gospel (it's actually a blast).

Please keep Kari, Landon, Logan and I in your prayers. During the retreat season we get to spend a lot of time together; this will be the first summer with both boys and the first time Dada won't get to kiss each of them goodnight every evening. Also, pray specifically for Kari, as she puts on her Super Mommy uniform everyday to love, take care of, teach, play and feed (among many, many, many other things) Landon and Logan.

Pray for our marriage: that through these three months, we would continue to hold on to our foundation, which is Christ and love one another as we have for almost six years now.

We thank each of you for your prayers, love and support.

God bless.

Hellums Boys Update

From the bouncer to bouncing, from the jumper to jumping; our boys are growing up way too fast.

Landon is loves jumping on the trampoline. It's amazing to watch him build corridonation and the sheer excitement of him flying on the air (well maybe he doesn't fly that high). Some of his common words lately are: Jeremy, hold you, waguer (meaning water).

Logan went from crawling to sitting to speed crawling and now he is pulling up on everything in a matter of a month. He has now started holding himself up with one arm on some objects he pulls up on. He has also begun to find his voice. He says: dada, nana and baba.

One of the highlights of my day is to come home from work and watch Logan's face light up and speed crawl to me. After I pick him up, Landon gets on all fours and crawls to me with a big smile on his face. I pack both boys around and just love the precious time with them.

Thanks for tuning in.

God bless.

No Sin Home Video in Heaven

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12

There is a common misconception that when you get to heaven you will watch a home video of all your sins, mistakes, screw ups, etc. What kind of welcoming gift is this? It is one that I am not interested in and one I believe is not biblical.

I find truth in Psalm 103:12, which guarantees there is not a home video of my sins awaiting for my arrival.

Can you imagine "...as far as the east is from the west..."? The two never touch; one goes one direction, the other goes completely opposite of the other. Jesus' blood completely washes your sins away.

No home video. No shame. No guilt. No worries.

Are you living in this freedom?

Freedom in Christ. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..." Galatians 5:1.

I pray you remember that Christ's blood is powerful enough to cast your sins as far as the east is from the west. God bless.

"Then they remembered Jesus’ words."

Easter bunnies and egg hunts are the main stream ideas of Easter. I don't remember when I came to the realization these "extra" things added to such a holy day were part of the worldly smoke screen to shift focus away from Christ. I am glad to know this day still has more meaning than bunnies and eggs for many, many, people.

"The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?"

Then they remembered Jesus' words." Luke 24:5-8

Will you remember what Christ has done for you and I today? Will you bow down to worship Him today? What power and freedom we find in Christ and anyone can come to Him!

May each of you have a blessed Easter or Resurrection Day.

Heresy Among Believers

Maybe it has always existed, I mean from ten commandments came 600+ laws, dancing leads to many things and appropriateness is "important," but as I continue to read and grow in the scripture, I have become to see these thoughts (among others) as heresy in the church. I am certain some of these thoughts were well meaning, but i believe they are not Christ-like.

Personal preference or opinions versus scripture. Luke 4:1-13 is known as the "temptation of Jesus," Satan tempts Jesus and each time Jesus responds with scripture. Scripture reigns supreme in every situation in life, not our personal preference or opinion. Adding and taking away from the Word of God is sin. When various rules, schools of thoughts or tradition is counter to scripture, you should throw it out. Scripture should never be superseded by an opinion in all matters.

The acceptance of different generations. I believe this can be called Trans-Generation Ignorance. Trans-Generation Ignorance is the lack of knowledge about the various thoughts, trends, social interaction, patterns, norms, etc., from one generation to another generation. Trans-Generation Ignorance can tear apart a church body, push wedges between people, therefore not expanding the Kingdom of God (which is here and now).

Let me give you an example: if you are more concerned with the clothes someone is wearing, than the urgency concerning heaven or hell doesn't really matter to you because you can't get past clothing.

This reminds me of Jesus visit to the, "Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed," in John 5:1-15. These very people desperately needed Christ, at one point Jesus asks, "would you like to get well?" The sick man's response is, "I can't, sir, for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." 

Did he almost miss the point because his focus was on something else other than Jesus' offer of healing? I'd say he almost missed out because he was more concerned about getting into the water and not Christ. 

"Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyze," can be anyone, look different, be a different age and communicate differently than you; choosing to disregard these differences is close-minded and is potentially sending some who is not like minded as you, to hell. (also see John 4:1-38, Acts 8:26-40; these are a couple of my favorite examples).

Real. Everything we say, see, do or not do goes noticed by someone, young or old, someone is watching; while being mindful of this, the 18-30 age range is looking for authentic faith. We are looking at the Hebrew and Greek text to find out what the scriptures teach, not some sugarcoated story or some rule that someone taught was scripture, but is not. Real is being honest, staying true to the word and doing your best at living it. When we slip and fall, we want help back up and not a slap in the face, kinda like scripture teaches.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

I love this passage because it talks about the real change that comes when we follow Christ. The Greek word for transformed is metamorphoō to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure. When we accept Christ we become different and that difference is now our molding into Christ-likeness.

Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. In Braveheart, William Wallace says, "There's a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it." 

Christ came to make sure we have freedom. Jumping back to Romans 7:6, "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." With Christ comes freedom, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery," Galatians 5:1. As we set out to share the gospel, reflecting Christ in and through us, we do it free from bondage! 

Bondage could look many different ways: caught up in legalistic traditions, opinions that supersede scripture, judgmental attitudes, etc.

I want to charge myself and anyone else to expel heresy in your sphere of influence; not to attack, but live out your faith in such a contentious manner that through your words and actions you abound in the real freedom of Christ.

God bless.

More Taylor Swift Theology

"And I remember that fight, two-thirty AM
You said everything was slipping right out of our hands
I ran out, crying, and you followed me out into the street 

Braced myself for the goodbye, cause that's all I've ever known
Then, you took me by surprise
You said, "I'll never leave you alone." 

You said, "I remember how we felt, sitting by the water.
And every time I look at you, it's like the first time..." Mine by Taylor Swift

I have written about Taylor Swift's lyrics before and I guess it can be deduced that I am a Taylor Swift fan, but really I hear her lyrics and think about God.  I heard this song recently and could not get these lyrics out of my head. Not only does it apply to Kari and I because when you have two little ones, 2:30 AM fights happen, but it also applies to my relationship with Christ.

There are times when we get to the point when we are just mad at God, almost to the point of fighting. We are losing sleep over it, praying or not praying about it, but it feels like He is so far away. Running away really isn't an option with God, but you feel like you should.

He chases after you. Matthew 28:20, "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We think we aren't good enough sometimes and He comes after you, puts His arm around you and says, "I'll never leave you alone."

We stray away from Him, but He always remembers that moment, sitting by the water, when you surrendered your life to Him.

What powerful words that remind me of a moment I will never forget that happened late one evening at Highland Lakes Camp; when He and I sat by the water, for the first time.

God Bless and may you continue to look for Christ, even in Taylor Swift songs.

Chapter Four: An Urgency

For Chapter Three Click Here

"What in tarnation!" John-Thomas exclaimed when he saw the photos.

Mason recounted the morning to his friend in  a somber tone and Lily filled in the details about the wreck (to a certain extent). Mason was living in his reoccuring dream. He mentioned to John-Thomas, in the den, some of the more graphic images from his dream and stressed the urgency of something strange was happening.

John-Thomas had brought with him a sawed-off shotgun and a .30 - .30 deer hunting rifle. John-Thomas was a well known marksman in the area and Mason only hoped what happen in his dream could be averted.

The three decided to hide in the living room in wait for the creatures to arrive. A large bay window faced the north, hopefully they would be able to spy them before they were found.

My palms sweat and my fingers were beginning to ache as I held the shotgun tightly. I watched John-Thomas load the weapon with fresh bullets, everything should be fine. I crouched near the door, we decided to hide Lily in the attic and John-Thomas crouched in the far corner of the room.

About two o'clock that afternoon the three creatures captured in my iPhone, appeared in front of our spying window. All three, humanoid-bats, walked with an angry demeanor and held guns in there claws.

"Why, why, why did I take there picture and what do they want?!?" I thought in a brief moment of panic. Fragments of a window fell to the floor on the other side of the house.

This concludes Chapter Four: An Urgency

Please note, this is a work of fiction, currently being hashed out here at Insert Title Here. Thoughts, ideas and story is the property of the author.

Chapter Five: Behind the Scenes

Applying Free Market Principles to Ministry?

A free market is a market in which there is no economic intervention and regulation by the state.

These are some thoughts concerning the free market concept and what it would look like if we applied it to our lives and our ministries. I am not sure why God has laid this on my heart, but here's some thoughts.

You are serving the Lord through volunteering, pastoring a church or insert your type of service here, but it fails. Why did God allow you to fail? I think it is to make you grow better and stronger.

I serve as a Public Relations director.  I am responsible for the camp video, photos, lights, sound and the video media (I think that's it). If I do not manage my team correctly and put them in the places they need to be at the times they need to be there, we will not have a camp video. This can be applied to any ministry, team, church or whatever.  If I do not produce, or my team does not produce a camp video, than I have failed.  At this point, someone would step in, re-structure, evaluate and hopefully I will learn and grow from the failure.

Purpose. The idea of a free market allows for failure (unless you get a bailout, which I will talk about). In that failure, you can take what you learned and improve upon what you had to make your business better.

Bailouts. Bailout, government run business or enabling does not allow for growth or learning. If I run my business and am constantly getting help from the government (ie. outside sourse) how am I becoming a better business?

Spiritual application. God wants you and I to spread His name to all the earth and give Him glory. If we rely on others to get us through all the time, we are:

• a. Not relying on God.
• b. Never in a postion to be on our own (dependency).
• c. Become stagnat in your journey with others and Christ.

Am I trying to tell you God endorses free markets? No. I am only trying to compare a very familiar idea and apply to our lives in ministry.

Thoughts?  I'd love to hear some feedback and your thoughts.

God Bless.

Jeremy

Chapter Three: The Three Pictures

For Chapter Two Click Here

We could not stop looking at the pictures and I could hardly believe I was looking at something I presumed only to be a dream.

After the wreck, Mason took the unidentified woman back to his home. He began to think, "if the rest of the morning was anything else like his reoccurring dream than she would need to be protected."

"Can you believe this?" Mason asked Lily, the driver of the red Dodge Caravan, "and I'm telling you I have seen these creatures before!"

The images were almost unsightly, but Mason continued to pour over them.

In the first image were three of the larva, two side by side and the other staked on the two. A bald skull of a human head could be identified in the larva on top, as if it were pushing it's way out. The light bounced off the larva revealing two other faint images of humanoid figures in the other larva pods.

The second image captured the creature emerging from the larva pod. The head and what appeared to be an arm-wing pushed out reaching for freedom. In the other two pods, the creatures seem to be searching for freedom also. A leg had broken free in one pod and two arm-wings protruded from the other pod. 

The last image captured the full body of one of mysterious creatures. Standing nearly five feet seven inches in height, the creature had gray skin and was completely covered in a fine similar colored hair. The arm-wing could be compared to that of a bat's wing. The creature stretched it's self upon it's birth as the other two removed themselves from the pods.

"I hit that?" Lily tried to understand what was happening.

"Yes, and if I have seen them before, we will soon see them again," Mason calmly and frankly replied.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed John-Thomas number, he had become a close friend. 

"Hello," John-Thomas answered to his friend.

"Can you come over? You have to see something, it is urgent!... And bring your guns," Mason said.

This concludes Chapter Three: The Three Pictures

Please note, this is a work of fiction, currently being hashed out here at Insert Title Here. Thoughts, ideas and story is the property of the author.

Chapter Four: An Urgency

Confused?

It has been brought to my attention some of my readers don't understand what I am posting.

I have a short story in my head that needs to escape, please feel free to read, comment or ignore. It is based on a recent dream that I had and I thought it was worth developing into a short story.

Thanks for reading.

Chapter Two: Strange Drive to Work

For Chapter One Click Here

Typically it takes me about forty-five minutes to get to work. We moved outside of town to Cherryville about three years ago. The boys were doing poorly at Westside High School and it was time for a move. 

Cherryville was a small town, but little did Mason know, a very strange town. For the last ten years various reports of dead cattle, trashed crops and missing small animals had been reported in the local paper. These minor reports went unnoticed by anyone outside of the rural area.

My first wife passed away five years ago when the boys were eleven.  I often think of her, Julie, each morning on my commute. That morning was one of those mornings.

Her sweet words fell warm on my face every morning, "good morning, love," she'd say. We had been married thirteen years when she was diagnosed with cancer. They said she might live three to five years, but it was only six months.

The vehicle, a red Dodge Caravan, in front of me was traveling at a similar speed. As I thought of Julie and our mornings together, my attention was draw away from my thoughts as I noticed the tail-lights of the Caravan swerve to left. Quickly the van jerked to the right and hit the grassy ditch.

The van quickly disappeared into the brush leaving a path of tattered vegetation.  At one point I could only make out the red lights.

After little thought, I found it necessary to stop and render aid. Walking along the path cleared by the van I began to repeatedly shout, "Hello, can I help you?" 

My pace quickened as I noticed a smoldering coming from underneath the hood. The smell of something foul emerged from an unknown source, but what I saw I had seen before.

I ran to the van and pulled an incoherent woman from the drivers seat. She had hit her head on the steering wheel, but it was what she hit with her van that was creating the foul smell. The woman's knees buckled when she saw the black bathtub sized larva in front of her van.

The black tinted larva was iridescent revealing a creature inside. I had seen these creatures before, in my dreams. They were the very same creatures who had tied me up. I quickly pulled out my iPhone and snapped three pictures.

This concludes Chapter Two: Strange Drive to Work

Please note, this is a work of fiction, currently being hashed out here at Insert Title Here. Thoughts, ideas and story is the property of the author.

Chapter Three: The Three Pictures

Chapter One: A Reoccurring Daydream?

It occurred to me that I had played this story out before, but it wasn't until I was lying on my back with my hands and feet bound with the glassy grey eyes fixed on mine.

It started out as a normal day. Normal as normal can be; the boys got up early, my wife slept in and I got ready for work. As the TV played the ESPN jingle, our normal breakfast companion, I ate my bowl of cereal. "Cereal," I thought, "crunch, crunch, crunch."

The sportscaster was talking about game five of the World Series and weather the Pirates would actually win. It was mostly background noise because I had allowed my mind to wander upon an intense daydream I had visited before.

"Dad!... Dad!... Dad!... Mason!" my oldest son, Randy, yelled at me.

Ripped from my daydream I replied, "Randy?"

"We're catching the bus, Dad, see you later."

Randy and James disappeared out the front door and I wasn't far behind them. I could not figure out how I had been tied up and by whom, but did it really matter, it was just a reoccurring daydream.

This concludes Chapter One: A Reoccurring Daydream?

Please note, this is a work of fiction, currently being hashed out here at Insert Title Here. Thoughts, ideas and story is the property of the author.

Chapter Two: Strange Drive to Work

Dreading This Day

It's official, President Barack Obama announces 2012 re-election bid April 4, 2011 5:53:08 AM via a YouTube video.

Some estimate he intends to spend 1 billion dollars to get re-elected and make up some other catchy campaign slogan that will be a lie.

I knew it was just a matter of time.

Count me as a vote against Rockstar President Barack Obama (just like last election).

Do Hard Things: Quick Thoughts

Do Hard Things written by Alex and Brett Harris is an amazing book which challenges teenagers and adults to raise your expectations of what life should look like between the ages of 12-18 years. I highly recommend this book. Here are some brief notes on some of there points:

What does the bible say about teens? Nothing!

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11

1900 is the origin of the word teenager.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

The First Scary Step:

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Don't let fear rule you.

Just a few thoughts taken from the book. Really, check it out. Great read.

God bless.

Check This! Free Ice Cream

For those of you who love free stuff, according to KXAN.com, "Amy's Ice Creams is giving away free ice cream Tuesday."

"Free ice cream will be given out at all Austin locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eligible sizes include tiny, tiny + crushn, small and small + crushn."

I hope some of you find some free ice cream!

God bless.

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.