Sports

My nephew Josh loves sports. We constantly watch ESPN for highlights for instance. My perspective is way different because I'm analyzing the field for those who are not given a lot of attention. It doesn't matter whether it's pro or college ball you'll find someone on the sideline with a Gatorade bottle to squirt refreshment down their parched throats. This is being a servant. Others may get the attention, but your job is to keep people hydrated. Think of all the unglamarous jobs out there. Office managers, gas station attendants, janitors, etc. What would happen if all those people decided they didn't want to do their jobs anymore? They may not be C.E.O.'s, politicians, or lawyers but they have profound influence over society. Jesus taught us that we shouldn't lord over others, but lead by serving. Society seems to teach us that in order to be successful you must be ruthless and not give two cents about the guy underneath you. Think about the Dr. Suess book "Yertle the Turtle" for instance. Yertle kept getting higher and higher on the backs of other turtles, but mac, the turtle on the bottom, is taking all the weight on his shoulders. Finally, mac has enough, and the entire "business" collapses. It was just one person who had enough power to change things up. In my own life, I'm rethinking my career choices with the understanding that meaning is not derived from a position or title, but from the mindset that whatever I'm doing is all for Jesus anyway. I used to think that I had to make an accomplishment as large as Mt. Everest to make it in life. The way I think these days is drastically different. My life has meaning because of Christ and success can be just doing well in an average job with a modest income. Success is following Jesus and leading others to do the same.

Nursing

I'm considering going back to school in the spring, and applying towards a bachelor's in nursing. I seem to have a great compassion for people, and this profession would give me tools to actually put action to my zeal. Although, I may be up to the task, it's not going to be easy. So far, I've found more jobs for R.N.'s (registered nurses) than I have C.N.A.'s, but, I may have a couple of leads on some work where my brother lives. If not, there's always volunteering.

I don't think God always spells out everything for us. Some things we just have to choose by faith. I don't know if it's a Biblical principle to cast your bread on the waters, but that's what I'm doing.

So far, I like what I read about most hospitals, or clinics. There are doctors who come and give lectures on a variety of topics. I guess I'm a nerd for wanting to know more about new things, huh?

That message the pentecostal preacher gave has still stuck with me. The snake on the poles that caused the people to recover. We'll see what happens.

Life is short. Might as well waste it on Jesus.

Blue

Last Sunday, as I was staring out of a greyhound bus on the way to my brother's house in Orlando, I looked up into the sky. Every time I see the clouds and the clear blue backdrop, my heart longs for Jesus to come back soon. I took a drink of the bottled water I purchased back in Tampa. It occurred to me that someone else may also want Jesus to "break open the sky" and be without any water somewhere else in the world. I enjoyed the trip and listened to different tunes that I connect with emotionally. There are lines from different songs that stand out to me.

"Everything I know is wrong. Everything has fallen apart. And that's the hardest part."-Hardest Part by Coldplay

"Did I get lost while I was gone? I traveled space for much too long. But there's a planet I have found, and you are far away for now."-Space Travel by Yellowcard

"All we know for sure, is all that we are fighting for. Baby don't forget. You haven't lost it all yet."-Syndicate by The Fray

Maybe these lyrical phrases are strange to others, but they are special to me. "Hardest Part" is when I finally decided to hang up my music career. "Space Travel" is coming back to reality after dating someone and being really grateful that they're miles away. "Syndicate" re-affirms that there are some things worth struggling for, and also the fact that I will never lose Jesus, even if I lose everything else.

New normal

It's the phrase I read in a book called "Heaven is real". It's also a philosophy I've learned to adopt since recent events have changed my life forever. There are things that happen like a bombshell, and our lives are completely different. It's very difficult at first, but eventually we get used to the change that we're going through.

My nephew Josh has just been diagnosed last week with leukemia type A.L.L. and looks like he has a 90% chance of recovery. There's a website here for latest news and an opportunity to give donations. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshfalleur

I am actually with my brother's family and will stay as long as I am needed. Jesus is real, and He is a living hope. We trust firmly in His provision, and His faithfulness. This doesn't take away from the emotional impact of things, so we're honest to God with our feelings though.

There's lots more to say, but it's going to have to wait for another time. I really wish more people read this blog. As far as I know, the only person reading is my brother Andy.

Take care,
Jesse