National Road Trip - Merrillville, IN

Our day started out very nicely from a warm cozy apartment, courtesy of Janice Buist. We have both known Janice since sometime in 1998. We've kept in touch over the years and were very lucky to have had the fortune of crashing on her futon and air mattress while the rest of the world worked.

As you may have seen from the 'Shout Out' post, Eric and I spent a little time at Tom and Ed's Autobody then back to Janice's to fix a speaker in Eric's door.


Janice got home from work and after hanging out a bit and catching up, we headed out for dinner. Our first stop was Red Lobster, but after realizing how costly it was, we left and went to Red Robin.

There we spent the next hour and a half, or so, continuing to catch up. We had a great time. Thank you Janice! It was very nice to see you and hang out for a bit.

Now we're back on the road. The plan is to drive straight through to Boise. Google maps says it'll take "about a day".

Should be fun.

National Road Trip - Shout Out

This is a special road trip shout out to Tom and Ed's Autobody shop.


We took Eric's little matchbox car to Tom and Ed's to see if they could help us not blind every Semi Truck we pass, this preventing the National Truck Driving Association putting a hit out on us.

And, they did. They knew exactly what needed to be done and didn't charge. They were some pretty stand up guys and knew their stuff.

www.tomandedsautobody.com

National Road Trip - First Leg

Boston, MA to Merrillville, IN.


Not a bad first leg. That is if I don't mention the blizzards (yes, plural), Eric's headlights that were installed wrong so they blinded every trucker we passed causing some of them to swerve at us, and 16 hours in a car catching up on my Hip Hop/R&B/Rap/Dance/Electronica music (sarcasm). Really though, it wasn't too bad.

The coolest/scariest thing was the snow being pushed at ridiculous speeds. Normally, from my experience, when you drive in snow, the snow tends to fall as if it's coming right at you. There is something both frightening and majestic about snow that blows sideways while driving 70mph at midnight.

Here's a list of states and times we entered them (EST):
05:51pm - New York
11:45pm - Pennsylvania
12:50am - Ohio
04:36am - Indiana

We switched driving a few times and after 14.5 hours, we pulled into Janice's house at 6:15pm CST. We were greeted by a almost-ready-for-work Janice and two pre-made beds.

Then as then as the sun started to make it's way over the horizon, it was time for bed.

Now, real quick, I have one thing I need to point out. At dinner, Eric spilled his soda, forcing this old lady to clean it up. Now, I only bring this up because he's been telling his friends that I'm the one who did it. Tsk tsk tsk...




...Hi Liz. :)

National Road Trip

And away we go!

Princess Elizabeth

I miss Liz. Yep. I do.

:D

TV/Movie Thoughts - Monsters vs. Aliens

Friday, before my flight to Boston, Princess Elizabeth and I went on a "Date Night" to go see Monsters vs Aliens in 3D. Now, my only experiences with 3D movies were a 3D ride at some amusement park and The Nightmare Before Christmas when the re-released it in 3D. The 3D ride made me want to hurl and TNBC3D was lame. Maybe 4 minutes of the whole movie appeared 3D.

Let me be very clear. Monsters vs Aliens in 3D was the most incredible 3D experience since being able to see real life in 3D. It was great. I mean really, great. I actually giggled through the first 20 minutes or so. I was definately not worried about looking manly in front of my sweets (I'm talking about Liz, not the large coke and twizzlers). There were times when Liz and I actually jumped because of the 3Dness of the picture. We liked.

Now about the movie itself. I thouroughly enjoyed this as well. The mood stayed pretty light with plenty of hillarity. We laughed out loud through the majority of the movie. The President and "Bob" were definately highlights for me. I also enjoy trying to pick out the voices. I knew who the main actors were, but not who they played. So it was a nice little game I got to play. I did alright.

So all in all, I definately recommend fishing out the extra bucks to see this movie in 3D.

National Road Trip

This trip started off kinda rough. I had a midnight Jet Blue flight. Normally, I love Jet Blue. In fact, I don't mind paying a little bit more for a straight flight with them. Some how on this trip, I was lucky enough to get a middle seat. It wasn't so bad. I had plenty of leg room and 30 some channels on direct TV to keep me entertained. Unfortunately it was midnight and all the good channels switched to infomercials.

***RANDOM MUSING***

Speaking of which, what happen to the good ole infomercials? Where at the end you were looking for your credit card to pay 8 easy installments of 49.99, because if you paid then, you got two for the price of one. They made you believe you needed them. Like the food dehydrator that took 4 days to make anything. We all wanted some beef jerky!!


I even bought the little click lights so that I don't stub my toes in the middle of the night. Even though I never get up in the middle of the night. But after I had those, if I wanted to, I could.


And that was the beauty of infomercials. Now all you can think about is how cheesy the acting is. They should leave the cheesy acting to the audience. Granted the Sham-Wow infomercial is pretty sweet.



But I digress. There was nothing to watch and for some reason, I could not get comfortable to save my life. All of that to say, the flight, aside from the cashews, was not very enjoyable. Holding on to the tail end of a cold didn't help much either.

I got in to Boston a little after 7 and upon arriving to Eric's there was still quite a bit of packing and cleaning to do.


Here, Eric is sorting through the rats nest of cables that made up the infrastructure to his super lair. But after some good effort and a few naps, by Sunday morning-ish (noon) we were all packed and ready to go.

Now I sit here waiting for Eric to say his last few goodbyes and we'll be hitting the road. The plan is to drive straight through to Chicago, IL and be there by 10am. I hear there's a storm going on there right now, so that should be fun.

Prayer Requests

Hello. Tonight I am flying to Boston, MA so that I can drive back to Washington with my friend Eric who is finally ready to move home. Please pray that the time we spend alone for so long would be beneficial.

Also pray that time will be well spent as we visit with a few friends along the way that we haven't seen in a long time.

As always, thank you.

WWJD

What was Jesse doing Tuesday the twenty fourth of March?

He was lying in bed all day trying to pretend that he wasn't sick...

Short Story - The Room

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked'. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed'. The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read', 'Lies I Have Told', 'Comfort I have Given', 'Jokes I Have Laughed at'. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers'. Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents'. I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts', I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them! In an insane frenzy, I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With'. The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with concern in His eyes. But this was a look that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was, 'No, no!' As I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but in the next instant, it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.'



for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
- Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death,but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 6:23b


That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
- Romans 10:9

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Romans 5:1

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 8:38-39

WWJD

What Was Jesse Doing?

After I returned from the Dare 2 Share weekend, I helped Ryan and Sarah move a couch. It was actually pretty fun. I probably wouldn't have bothered blogging about this, but the last picture of Sarah holding the couch piece is pretty priceless.

Random Musings

Is there salad for non-veggie lover's?

Is there a type of salad that veggie lover's hate?

I mean, salad is salad, right?

Prayer Request

My dad, Michael Duckett, is going in for extensive knee surgery today at 3:30. Please pray for steady doctor hands and a speedy recovery.

Thanks.

***UPDATE***

Dad's surgery went well. It ended up being pushed back a few hours, but still successful. He is hanging out at home right now relaxing and healing. Austin has been home for spring break and has been taking good care of him. Of course, Gina and Tyson have been helping too.

Thanks for your prayers.

Music

Josh Wilson
Trying To Fit The Ocean In A Cup

The other day I was listening to the radio and I heard the song, "Savior, Please". As I listened, I found myself completely connecting with the words. Then as I thought about it, this song is about everyone.

I try to be so tough

But I'm just not strong enough

I can't do this alone,

God I need You to hold on to me

I try to be good enough

But I'm nothing without Your love

Savior, please keep saving me

So, I went out on a limb and purchased the entire album from iTunes.

I was impressed. The mood of the album is light, relaxed, and enjoyable. When I hear it, it's as though the sun is trying to peak through the clouds. And while the sound is fun, the lyrics continue to make you think. For example, the song "3 Minute Song" says;

I've got a hundred metaphors

And if I had a million more

I could never ever seem to sum this up Besides,

how can some melody

Communicate eternity

It's like trying to fit the ocean in a cup

Other tracks speak about turning around and back to God, stop faking the funk and letting God love us, and not letting money control us.

This is a good, wholesome, God loving album.

I like.

1. The Saints 5:16
2. Savior, Please 4:11
3. 3 Minute Song 3:00
4. Turn Around 2:57

5. Let Me Love You 3:20
6. Something's Got To Change 5:41
7. Tell Me 3:30
8. Pull Me Through 2:53
9. Oak Avenue 4:56
10. Dear Money 3:28
11. Beautiful Like This 5:17

D2S - Sunday

Sunday morning allowed us a little bit of extra time to sleep in. But just a little bit. I ended up sleeping in the sanctuary because I could not get comfortable on the hard floor with a chorus of noises going on in the sleeping area designated for the men. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the sanctuary floor was slanted, so I slept with my head below my feet and woke up with the force of heart attack, thinking I couldn't breathe. Turns out...I was just all stuffed up. That was nice.

We all gathered for one last briefing and wrap-up before we hit the road. We stopped for breakfast at McDonald's and Brittnea Barns was the only one who fit the requirements for the McDonald's Play Area thing. Lucky...


Before we made the final trip home, we stopped at the South Center Mall in Tukwila to do some Small Group time. So, Zach, Josh, and myself commandeered the kiddy play area to ask some deep questions and really reflect on the things that we had learned over the weekend. This was a great time for us as we shared and prayed with one another. I'm proud of the decisions that these boys...er...young men, are making in their lives.

D2S - Saturday Afternoon

Half way through our day of learning about the armor of God, we were released to spend some time around the Seattle Center sharing Jesus with the people of the park. Obviously in a non threatening way. We split up into groups of three and set out to speak to people as we were led by the Spirit. I was in a team with Rachel Marsh and Kari MacLurg. We approached a few different people and got into some good conversations, but spent the majority of the time walking around and praying for the city and it's people.

We all met up back at the fountain and played for a while before we decided what to do for lunch. This might have been my favorite time of the weekend.

Josh slipped trying to escape the water.

I couldn't convince anyone to run up and lick the fountain...so I did it. :D

Lunch was pretty much insane. There were thousands of highschoolers and their leaders in the Key Arena area who were all looking for lunch. The hot spot was, of course, Dick's. I don't even think I could estimate how many people were crammed in there. The next choice was a different burger joint down the street. Unfortunately they were experiencing the same effect. So, a group of us went to a Thai restaurant called 'Phuket'. There was no one else in there and it might have been the best Thai food I've ever had. I had the Pinneapple Curry Something with chicken.

And a large coke to wash it all down with!

Right before we were dismissed for lunch, we were all encouraged to call a friend and try to set up a time that we could talk to them about the things were were learning and to share Jesus with them. Not to beat them over the head with Him, but just to share who He is and what He's done in our lives. Here, Josh is talking to one of his friends.

D2S - Saturday

Saturday was a big, long, fun day and it started off WAAAAY too early. Not to mention that my sleeping mat was about paper thin. That made the morning a little bit sweeter just for the fact that I wasn't lying on cement anymore.

D2S, day two kicked off pretty much the same way as day one. Fee opened up with some more singing and really got us pumped up to do some laerning/equipping.

There is none more beautiful

There is none more wonderful

Glorious One

Glorious One

Light of the world

You outshine the sun

HOW GREAT THOU ART

Ephesians 6:10-20 - The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The speakers broke down this passage, piece by piece (no pun intended).

Protect your head - The Helmet of Salvation - v. 17

Satan's greatest tool in his arsenal, is the power of suggestion. "I've sinned too much to be forgiven.", "God doesn't really love me, I'm too dirty.", "If I sin, I'll get kicked out of heaven.", or "God's just waiting for me to mess up so He can judge me."

The helmet of salvation reminds us that we have been delivered from the penalty of sin yesterday, today, and tomorrow through the death, burial, and ressurection of Jesus Christ. Nothing you can do can outreach the grace of God.

Protect your core - The Belt of Truth - v. 14

Here they did a great skit about a girl who was messing around with a lie detector, was electrocuted, and then became a human lie detector who farted whenever she heard a lie. As crass as this sounds, it was hillarious.

If we believe that God loves us THIS (outstretched arms) much, then when we make a mistake (or a poo poo in our pants) we wouldn't be ashamed to go to our daddy to help clean us up and make it better (as we would if we were a baby). But when we deny that love or refuse to belive that He loves us that much, we continue to walk in our own filth, pretending that it doesn't matter.

Why live and tell the truth?

- because we serve a God of truth - John 14:6

- because He gave us a book of truth - John 17:17

- because He calls us to live lives of truth - Ephesians 4:25

Protect your heart - The Breastplate of Righteousness - v. 14

Our right standing standing with God is because of what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Satan will try to use people, places, and things to stop you from living out this righteousness.

> PEOPLE - bad company corrupts good character - 1 Corinthians 15:30

> PLACES - I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice - Proverbs 8:20

> THINGS - ...let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God - 2 Corinthians 7:1

Protect your soul - Shield of Faith - v. 16

God's promises give us something to hide behind.

How to hide behind the promises of God when Satan attacks:

1. IDENTIFY the area in which Satan attacks you the most (self image, doubts, anger, lust, etc.)

2. SEARCH the bible for one verse that deals with this area of struggle

3. MEMORIZE this promise word for word and think about it often

As we wrapped up our indoor session, I came away with this illustration:

Jesus is a warrior gentleman. He stands at the door and knocks. He patiently waits for you to invite Him in. He doesn't bang on the door or scream at you from the other side. He doesn't beg. But as soon as you call on His name, you better believe He comes in with full force and fights off those that attack you or wish you harm. He is a warrior. He is our savior. If only we ask Him.

D2S - Friday Night

It didn't take us too long to find seats. And still, amazingly enough, we had quite a bit of time to hang out and goof around together until it started.

Josh S (He has an eye patch. Can you see it?), Abby, Mollye, and Josh V.

Zach, Emerson, Katie, Sarah, Elizabeth, Sam-WOW, Zane, Bunker, Brittnea, Travis, Shy, Justin

Pastor Tim

Then the lights lowered and the screens came alive showing clips from all sorts of movies that you would see in most "Top 10 Movies of Awesomeness" list. Things from Iron Man, Hulk (the new one), Transformers, Cars (Lightening McQueen), Back to the Future, and quite a few more that I can't remember. What I do remember, was sitting there with this huge child-like grin trying not to forget to breathe. It was impressive. The theme for this D2S was "Invincible" and in looking through the pamphlet/booklet that was handed out, we were going to be discussing the "Armor of God".


We started off the night with a great time of singing with a band called "Fee". The last song we sang before we dove into the material was "Here I Am To Worship", and it really set the mood and remind us why we were all there.

"Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that You're my God"

Shortly after this set, Zach Thatcher had some issues with a common exclamation heard all the time. The expression was "H, E, double hockey sticks Yeah!!" He didn't like that. So he has changed it to "Heaven Yeah!!" When you think about it, its much more exciting. I mean, it's heaven after all. What about that isn't exciting? So from now on, the proper expression is "Heaven Yeah!!"

The majority of the evening was designed to get everyone pumped up and excited about sharing Jesus. There were lots of different speakers, little mini skits, and short movie clips.

We had a short intermission and then came back to see the stage set up for some type of drama. It is a bedroom with a bed, mirror, and a huge white door in the back. I took notes during the drama and I'm going to copy them down as I did in my journal. Hopefully it flows the same as if you were experiencing this first hand.

- Parents are talking to daughter about being grounded for something

- They give her medicine for something

- They leave and she starts hearing scary voices

- She gets a call

- Its a friend of hers trying to convince her to come out

- Dad comes in and looks creepy and just says that he's listening

- She continues on the phone, this time shes talking to a boy

- He asks her to come out anyways and experience life

- Boy is calling her Lauren but parents call her Lauroo-Kama

- Shes getting mad at the boy for calling her Lauren

- Boy is actually at youth group

- She hears voices and knocking on the door

- She does NOT like that door

- She freaks out and starts seeing seeing a video that is replaying the boy sharing with her about Jesus

- He shares the whole gospel

- She watches herself walk away

- She begs herself to stay and hear more about Jesus

- More voices and knocking on the door

- She starts screaming

- Parents come in to calm her

- They give her a pill

- Mom pulls out a razor blade

- They know she's a cutter

- Parents say there's nothing wrong with that and that it's common for someone to cut with her "problems"

- Parents tell her that she should just finish the job and kill herself

- She jumps up, "WHO ARE YOU!?"

- Parent's voices change, sound demon-like

- Demon parents start attacking her and yelling lies to her, "You're not loved! You're not loved!!"

- She realizes who they really are

- They tell her she can either live with the demons forever making her life hell, or she can kill herself

- They're yelling in more demonized voices "You're worthless!!"

- Now there's knocking on the door again

- She almost goes through with the suicide

- She yells, "JESUS SAVE ME!!!"

- Door in the back bust wide open

- Jesus runs to her and just holds her

- Demons are gone

- She sees that her scars are gone and Jesus has them

- They walk away together

- Her eyes are completely fixed on Him

It became apparent that everything that was happening in this drama, was taking place in her head and that she was trapped in this room. She was believing that the demons we voices that actually cared about her and wanted the best for her. She was led to believe that the door and voices were evil. She was being led to believe that she was trapped and the only way out was to kill herself. But there is a way out.

Romans 10:13

...for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

This led into discussing how some of our friends could be trapped in this room. If our friends die without knowing Jesus, by "opening the door", they will spend eternity without Him.

I think this rang true for a lot of our high schoolers. That their friends need to have the opportunity to respond. They deserve to, at least, know that Jesus is knocking on their door. Of course, it's their choice to answer or not, but we need to at least point them towards the door and let them know it's there. Even for some of our kids who thought they could just keep going, "faking the funk" came to realize that simply saying a prayer and lifting your hand during an alter call doesn't make you right with God. Trust and faith in Jesus does.

John 6:47
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

The kids were then asked to think of one friend who they should share Jesus with.

At the end of the evening, I had the pleasure of assuming the role of youth leader for our youth group. All youth leaders were asked to stand and pray over our group. It was and honor and privilege to pray over our kids. They are an amazing group of kids and I am proud to be in service with them.

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns in heaven above

With wisdom, power, and love

Our God is an awesome God

D2S - Getting There

This weekend, high schoolers from OSBC attended an event called Dare 2 Share (D2S). The plan was to pack a few thousand high school students, from all over the western part of the country...and Canada, into the Key Arena in Seattle and spend the weekend challenging and equipping them to share Jesus with their friends. These are some of the pictures that I took as we traveled to Seattle and made our way to the Key Arena.

Once we got to Seattle, we ate lunch in the Seattle Center House. Pizza. Nothing quite like 15 Large pizzas for 31 high school students. Needless to say, we had a "few" peices left over but, because of their experience with feeding the homeless for World Vision's "30 Hour Famine", the kids were all pumped up to give the pizza away to those who might need it. It was very encouraging to see them want to give.

Both Zachs are standing in the grass...a little hard to see though.

Elaine and Sami (later to be re-named Zane and Sam-WOW)

Rachel and Shy

Josh, Zach, Ben, and Jeanine

Sarah and the wind

As the doors opened, thousands of high schoolers and their leaders filtered our way inside.