Thoughts...

Wednesday is amazing!

I haven’t ridden my bike to work yet.

We still have boxes to unpack.

I need to pick up The Knowledge of the Holy and finish reading it.

Looking forward to bible study tonight with Will.

Only three and a half hours of work left.

The Move

Rewind to last week…

The anticipation that comes with a move might be near torture. Thoughts cross my mind such as, “What will we break,” “How are we going to move that couch,” and “Will anyone show up to help” (to name only a few). At the last minute, I decided to take off Friday, to begin the task. Kari’s sister, Ashley, and her husband James, arrived Thursday evening to continue the “boxing” processes with us. We made new boxes (that were broken down), reinforced boxes and did some patchwork on a few boxes. (Side note: Instead of purchasing boxes, see your local liquor store a month prior to your move, those are the best and cheapest boxes). My buddy Warren showed up on Friday, and we moved many boxes. At this point we realized we would need to empty out the boxes we had just moved, in order to pack up the remaining items…so we did. Empty boxes and a little dinner, we got more stuff packed, a game of Apples to Apples with the Salinas family and some good sleep, we were ready for Saturday. With the help of many friends, (more than expected) we made one big push on Saturday; successfully completing our transition from Pflugerville to Austin.

Today…(the “thank you” part)

We want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” to each and everyone who came out to help us in the move. We were blessed by your positive attitudes, mostly encouraging words (cause I think Warren made fun of my weight), and strong backs. Each of you had an “impact role” in the move; and we couldn’t have done it without you in the time that we did. We were and are truly blessed by wonderful friends.

Tomorrow…

With the move behind us, we are looking forward and excited about more opportunities to make new friends in our area. In addition, we look forward to having many of you, family and friends over to our new place. May God bless you this week.

What Do You Do When Your Cell Phone Dies?

How dramatic, my cell phone battery died! So, I asked myself the question, "What do you do when your cell phone dies?"

A) Plug it into your wall or car charger.

B) Enjoy a bit of peace with your wife and dogs.

C) Blog about it.

D) Just go to bed and worry about it in the morning.

I chose C! Yes, the other three options seemed very reasonable, but I felt like posting twice this week and amid everything going on, the cell phone dying makes the blog. It is interesting that cell phones are attached to everyone's heads these days (I would also like to note, ear-phones attached to an ipod are too!) I do remember ten years ago, when only a few people had cell phone and they weren't slick, shinny and "cool," rather they were either "brick phones" or "bag phones." My dad had both.

The "brick phone" reminds me of Zack Morris from Saved By the Bell. He would walk about Bayside with his "new" cell phone making plans for a date, I'm sure. We are now living in times when you can just about call anyone you know, where ever you are and just talk away, or text.

I was going to make a point, but really, it is getting late, the screen is beginning to look fuzzy, and my head...

...zzz...Night...

A Few Things to Share

I began this blog a week or so ago, but did not complete it. I have edited and added a few more things since than…

Thursday evening (April 10th) I received a phone call from a good friend. He informed me of dire situation that had occurred earlier that afternoon. Herb said, “Man, Larry had an accident today and it doesn’t look good, you and Kari pray for him and the kids.” This news took my breath because the thought of losing one parent is bad, but to consider losing both parents in such a short time would be horrible. You see, in August of last year, the children lost their mother, and he lost his spouse. On Friday I received the e mail that contained the news that Larry didn’t make it through the night. My appreciation and awareness that “you never know the time,” became evident. I did not know him that well, but from what I saw, this man reflected Christ and His many attributes. He loved on students and so desperately desired to see them come to a saving knowledge through Christ Jesus, he did just about whatever it took. A couple of months ago, I watched this man play broomball with young people on the ice. More than a few months ago, I watched this father of two, dress up as a lady to get the kids interested and cause a roar of laughter! He will be greatly missed by family, friends and many many students. Please continue to pray for the family and kids.

On Friday, April 11th, Kari, her mother, sister and I attended the home opener for the Round Rock Express. It was delightful to be back at the ballpark for another season of baseball. It was either some great pitching or some bad hitting from both teams, but the ninth inning was worth the wait. New Orleans scored their first run in the top of the ninth. The Express held them to the one run, but the pressure was now on to at least score one run. With two out and two men on, the Express delivered with a base-hit scoring the tying run. Now even, the scoreboard guaranteed extra innings, but the Express weren’t done. Two outs, base loaded, no pressure…the New Orleans pitcher throws four balls and walks the winning run home. It was a great ending to Home Opener 2008for the Round Rock Express.


It’s a boy! Kari and I are the proud parents of a new toy poodle. Canton Parks Hellums joined the family on Sunday, April 6th. He is about 7 weeks old and a fluffy black puppy. He and Carter are getting along fine now. It is neat to watch Carter take care of the little one, I just wish he would potty train him for us.

As mentioned in a previous blog, Kari and I are moving. We are moving about 10 miles from where are now to Austin. We have never lived in Austin and are both excited about our new place. We have taken a few items over and it already feels like home. Kari spent one afternoon hanging up all the pictures, we just need the important things...like the couch! Saturday is the "big move" day and hopefully we will be out of the place in Pflugerville and settled.

I hope that each of you is doing well and may God Bless you. Check you soon...

Dude!

Play Cards?

Some friends of mine are hosting a little game...check it out.

Why We Pray

First film by Crown Films and Phoenix Films. Enjoy!

Kaleo Lodge: Peace

News from Crown Films

Crown Films is delivering new and exciting films to the world wide web in 2008; as seen below…The first quarter of 2008 was spent working out deals and setting up production schedules.

With an April 1, 2008 release of a new commercial shot for Kaleo Lodge; Crown Films is ready to get 2008 underway. Kaleo Lodge is a retreat ran by my sister and brother in law in NE Texas. I was blessed to have opportunity to get some great footage and will be able to put together more than one commercial; so what was released today, is the first in a few that will be released in the coming month. Also this month, a film for Kari’s school put together by her and my sister in law will be released after I polish it up a bit. It was received with great appreciation by Kari and Katie’s fellow classmates and her professor was excited to watch the film.

Crown Films is proud to announce two new associations…With this new relationships, Crown Films hopes to bring you more exciting films for 2008, hopefully keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Crown Films is currently working in conjunction with Phoenix Films on a few productions. These guys are doing spur of the moment brainstorming and quick shots to create some excellent and entertaining films. There most recent film is a political comedy and worth the time.

The company would also like to announce its new association with Well Entertainment. Well Entertainment is a newly founded film company that is an arm of a local church in South Austin called The Well. Currently in pre-production are a series of short Pulp Films. These films are due out in the middle of the second quarter.

Keep watching, and we love to hear from you, so drop us a line.

Kaleo Lodge: An Overview

2008 Baseball Season Kickoff

Its spring time; the leather smell is fresh, grass clippings scattered on the turf and red dirt manicured with rake and drag. Although, my excitement wasn’t great enough to get me out of bed to watch the Red Sox face off against the A’s in Japan, I am ready for opening day. On March 31, 2008 the Astros will begin there march to October. With a complete “cleaning of house” this off season, only 5 players remain from the 2005 National League Championship Team. Some notable additions that peek my curiosity:

Miguel Tejada – I have enjoyed watching this guy play since he began making a name for himself in Oakland. He is exciting to watch and hopefully will bring that MVP caliber play he is known for to the Astros. I was a bit surprised to find his name in the Mitchell Report, but these allegations will not hinder my support for this new addition.

Kazuo Matsui – After coming from the 2007 National League Championship team, Matsui brings some of the winning “attitude” with him from Colorado. During the streak, this guy was a key player in keeping the Rockies in the game. Although, during the World Series his number sunk a bit, this guy is worth watching. Hopefully he will be healthy to start the season off.

I am not excited about the pitching staff. With Woody Williams on and off the injured reserve list, the only proven and reliable arm on the staff is Roy Oswalt. I enjoy watching Oswalt throw, but I guess the GM isn’t worried about arms this season, only bats. The rooster is bat heavy, hopefully making up for the lack of talent on the pitching staff.

All in all; it looks to be a great season of Major League Baseball. Play ball!

PS: I got Astros tickets for Valentines Day!

Excited News and Times in the Hellums Household

Besides being busy all that time, it seems, God decided to throw us a curveball. I try not to make plans, but if and when I do, God shakes them up. Most of you know, we are currently serving as seventh grade boys Sunday school teachers at FBC Pflugerville. We felt God calling us to that area almost a year ago and have been blessed mightily by the students, ministers and many members of the church. The easy and most comfortable thing to do would be stay and enjoy more of this wonderful fellowship, but God has called us somewhere else. After much prayer, Kari and I both feel God calling us to another church. On March 23, 2008, we will be moving to the Well in Austin; there I will serve as the Youth Minister and Media Guy.

Other news: In November of 2007, I took a job with Great American Supplemental Benefits as a Client Service Representative (Customer service). After being with the company four months, I received my first raise and promotion. I am now a Client Services Specialist II. Also, we love our current location, but to make things a little easier on the budget, we have found a considerable cheaper apartment and will be moving to Northwest Austin during April. This will not only save us money in the rent column, but also in the fuel consumption column. I have considered riding my bike to work, but feel I should probably get a little practice in before I do because I might find out that I am too outta shape to actually make it to work on time.

We pray that each of you is doing well. God Bless, and see you next time.

'Tis the Season for DNow's

Kari and I had the opportunity to serve at two different churches as group leaders in the month of February.

The second weekend in February we traveled to Crestview Baptist Church in "old" north Austin. A buddy of mine Keith, leads a crazy group of students. These kids mostly attend church on Wednesday nights. They are seeking God the best way they know how and call Xtreme Youth Connexion their home. We enjoyed a scavenger hunt Friday evening and some worship lead by Plaid Shorts. These guys took us before the throne of God in each service. Each session, the speaker Kyle, brought God's word down to the students level. In each session, he encouraged the students to fearlessly chase after God and seek to live righteously. On Saturday, we played Bigger and Better. This game begins with a paperclip and each groups goal is to get something bigger and better than that paperclip. At one point I thought I might have lost one of the boys, but he was found and emerged with a telescope.* We had an awesome time, but lost to the girls. God used this weekend to draw these students closer to him, and our prayer is that each of their encounters with God would so greatly impact their lives and that they would begin to see the Kingdom daily.


The third weekend was spent at our home church in Pflugerville. Normally, Kari and I hang out with the 7th grade boys, but this weekend was spent it with the Senior Boys and Girls. With custom senior shirt designed by Janett, we began the weekend rocking out to Billy Bob White and band. Billy Bob led us in a vibrant, spirit-filled time of worship each night. The speaker Toby bluntly called out the students to toss of their religion and strive after their relationship with Christ. Our group of seniors, who took time out of their busy schedules, desired to come closer to God in each session. Wonderful discussion was held about life, love and the future. These young people had a heart for one another and were very open to allow us to join and get to know them for the weekend. Saturday we played Bigger and Better again. Our group ended up with several items including: a couch, lawn chair set, and a note stated FBCPville Senior held ownership of two cars (although they do not run, we still got two cars). We were highly blessed by the time we spent with these young adults. Our prayer is these students will go on from High School to the University, Junior College or work force and boldly take their relationship with Christ where ever they go.

*This is an exaggeration. No students were harmed or lost during these events.

New Orleans Trip

We went to New Orleans over the weekend. You will find an assortment of pictures in the below album. Enjoy! Blog to come at a later date.

New Orleans Trip

Enough is Enough

Confession
For those of you who don't know, I am a recovering church basher. Let me explain. I have spent my late teen years and early twenties pointing out everything that was wrong with the church, instead of being the church. From music to leadership, I have had some rude actions, under the breath grumblings and down right hateful comments towards the American church. Honestly, I feel some of my opinions about our brand of theology in America is watered down, but that is not what I am referring to.*

Problem
I am talking about my specific disdain for individual churches. This is not spiritually healthy. God doesn't want me bad mouthing the church, his bride, anymore than I should be talking bad about my neighbor (see Revelations 19:7 and Luke 10:27). If I am tearing down the bride of Christ, I am actively dishonoring God, spitting and throwing dirt at the Almighty. The church, a community of believer who gather to hash out God's word, love one another and win others to Christ, should be honored. The church should be a bunch of sinners who come together for correction, encouragement and praise for the Creator. And yet, through my pessimistic lenses and haughty attitude, I see only the negative from the bride of Christ and dishonor God.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19).

Enough is Enough
I am not only calling out myself, but those who have similar attitudes. We need to be disciples of Christ, not outsiders who claim to live a different and better brand of Christianity than what the church is offering now. The American church is in dire need of leaders: men and women of faith who will stand up for scripture, defend the bride of Christ, and become assets of the church. The church has plenty of enemies, but where do you and I stand? If you were in my sinking boat, than you are currently an enemy. Are you an enemy of God? Enough is Enough, "...because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelations 3:16)." I don't want to be lukewarm any longer and I encourage each of you to do the same. We need to build a better and stronger community of believer, instead of punching holes in the walls allowing Satan to spin nasty webs. Where do you stand, lukewarm enemy of the church or on fire for God?

May God Bless and touch each of you this week.

*I do believe with sound doctrine, faithfulness, positive and corrective encouragement through strong leadership, action and prayer can help change the American church; the negativity from professing believers must stop.

Oh My Blog Where Have You Gone?

For those of you who still stop by, I extend my deepest apologizes. Not that I expect each of you to read my blog daily, but I know my mom reads...Sorry for not posting soon, Mom (or anyone else who might be offended by my lack of posting). I have been reading a few other blogs and think to myself, "I used to blog." It has been too long, so without further delay...

Kari and I have been having a blast. I am working full time doing customer service and Kari is working overtime at Texas State (she's taking 18 hours). I lack about 10 hours before I can get my diploma.

Our first Christmas was amazing. Check out some of the pics below to see our Christmas tree. We enjoyed Christmas with all sides of our families and remained mostly in Central Texas. Christmas Day was spent in Milano, College Station and Bastrop. We enjoyed Christmas with my mother the Sunday before the 25th. New Year's was spent at Watterson Hall in Watterson, TX with my brothers and sister in law. We enjoyed some country music by Rockne's own Logan Tucker. On New Year's day, we slept the morning away and had a great meal that included some great black eyed peas. Later that afternoon, we watched a couple of movies and played the origianl Super Mario Bros. on Nintendo.

Please be in prayer for Kari and I, as God moves in our lives daily. Kari's grandfather is in the hospital, please pray for him, his wife and family. I have battled a few health issues over the past few months; some prayer would be great. Kari continues to have back pain, please keep her in your prayers as she receives treatment.

I will be on here more often...so check back or just set up an RSS Feed, it does all the work for you. Have a blessed day and week.

Thanksgiving come and gone...

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Hellums' First Christmas Tree

Sitting in our apartment, smelling the apple cider on the stove and looking at our beautiful Christmas tree, I think time has finally slowndown enough for me to be thankful. I am blessed to have a relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. He guides me and keeps me safe throughout the day. I am thankful for my wonderful wife, who knows how to make a Christmas tree look BEAUTIFUL. No really, there are tons of other things she does: prays with me, encourages me, cook, clean, smile, ...Oh...you get the point, basically, she is amazing for me. I am thankful for my family: Mom and Pop and Donna, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and lots of wonderful cousins, and of course my in-laws. I have a great group of friends who I am thankful for as well. Time has been speeding past these past few days and I pray that everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and didn't eat too much. Christmas time is around the corner, so I have attached a few of our first Christmas tree pictures, I hope you enjoy cause we sure had a blast putting it together. May God Bless each of you. Until next time...Adios.

One more Re:Mix Video

Another Re:Mix Video

RE:Mix Video