Branded With Love

Sometimes a creative spark hits and- this is the result.
God made His people creative and imaginative.
What was the last thing you dreamed/created?

Jason *over and out

Things have been crazy for the Bedell Family over the last two weeks.
Roxy Grace Bedell was born on July 9, 2010 at 1:37am.
You can catch up with the family fun at: http://babybedell.tumblr.com
She is healthy, beautiful and even has her dad’s butt chin (sorry baby, it’s genetic).

Then Monday, Carrie had complications and heavy pains from her epidural. The doctors told us whoever did the epidural apparently went in too far, puncturing the spinal fluid area and it began to leak (happens 1% of the time). Because of this leak, she had unreal headaches and the spinal pressure from the brain to the bottom of the spine is not level. The body tried to help level out on it’s own, causing her to feel tremendous pain while upright or simply sitting.

They performed a “Blood Patch” which apparently is identical to the epidural procedure, but they pumped some of her blood in to plug the leak of fluid. I have no clue how this works, but they said it’s 95+% effective. Well, it worked. But, it left her unable to do much of anything for a week. Leaving Mr. Mom to take care of the girls (man, that sounds weird to say… or type… uh, nevermind) and also take care of Carrie.

Through all of this, God has been faithful.
We’ve had meals brought to us every night (Thank you Pollards, Millers, Oran/Wood, Allens, Austins, Rosteks, Merciers, Lukesons, & Laniers). People stopped by the hospital, sent messages on Facebook/Twitter, have come by the house- seriously, we have the best church family in the world. Hands down.

I jumped back into the routine of blogging only to have BabyGate ’10 stop our family in it’s tracks. We’re back to normal though (chaos is pretty normal to us by now) and will be available for meetings, counseling, hanging out, more free dinners, shopping trips (on your dime, j/k. well… sort of). Thanks again, to our family/friends, everyone at Forefront, and our ministry friends all over who have been in prayer for our family. You guys are great!

Jason, Carrie, Chloe, and Roxy  *over and out*

Although they aren’t combined (which would be awesome), these videos are linked in some way. We’ve been in our series “Game Time” for the last three weeks and it has been great. People have really connected with the messages & theme. The “Cletus/Brawney Man Video” was done during the “Operation” week to poke fun at how we wish we could fix everything and when we cannot it drives us crazy.

Cletus & Brawny Man from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

The “Break Dance Battle Video” was done during the “Battleship” week. We sent our Student Pastor, James, out on the streets to battle people with his break dancing skills. It brought the house down. Enjoy.

Break Dance Battle – VA Beach Oceanfront from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

After church Sunday, Adrienne came up and asked to be baptized. Check it out…

Forefront Baptisms, 05-30-10 from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Well, this Sunday we have another guy who is getting baptized after service (possibly two more people with him, well not at the same time, but… well, nevermind). Also, this Wednesday night at one of our Gel Groups, 3 people are getting baptized. Make plans to be there Sunday, 12:01 p.m. after service. Directions cards will be available at the Hub Table before & after service. I want to see that backyard packed out.

God is moving people’s hearts.
It’s nothing special we’re doing.
He’s got it on lock down and we are simply following His lead.

Jason *over and out*

I had the opportunity to spend some time in our large group children’s worship on Sunday. They were incredible. I was so impressed with the team down there. The kids just blew me away with their excitement and love for God. Here are a few things I learned:

1. Kids Put Adults To Shame When It Comes To Worship. There’s a reason Jesus holds the innocence/passion of children so dear. They were singing at the top of their lungs. I loved it. Almost got hit with this kids dreads as he swung them around. It ruled.

2. Kids Aren’t Afraid To Let Go. As I watched them, they just enjoyed the moment- without any concern what anyone else thought. How many times do we think about doing something, only to immediately wonder what others will think? Yeah, I’m talking to you.

3. Kids Are Listening. Really Listening. When asked what kind of choices they make, they screamed “WISE CHOICES!!!” Now we might say as parents they don’t always do as they know, but they’re listening. I’ve talked to too many adults who ask what to do, and I think “Have you listened at all in the last 6-12 months as we’ve discussed God & Jesus and how to live?” Kids are listening. We could take note.

4. Kids Get Jesus And His Love. They all signed shirts for a bunch of leaders (including myself). The shirts had 80+ kids signatures and on the back it said, “A True Friend Has Your Back.” The adults & kids talked about how Jesus died for our sins and essentially had our back. The kids wanted to let us know they had our back and were praying for us and thanked God for what we do. It was so cool.

5. Kids Take Pride In Loving People. One kid after another came up after service to tell me two things: “Pastor Jason, I signed your shirt. I have your back.” and “Mr. Jason, I love what you do for my mom and dad. Thank you.” They were proud of themselves for loving others. I wonder what it would look like if every adult was just as amped on loving other people??? Hmmmm.

6. Kids Are Excited About The Volunteers In Children’s Ministry. If you want to thank someone for the change in your kid- thank God. If you want to thank who God is using to help lead your kid- thank a volunteer. Those kids LOVE the volunteers down there. They are amazing. They don’t get paid a cent. They simply love your kids and want to help them love Jesus. They are “Grade A” Amazing.

7. Kids Need Someone To Engage Them. While worshiping & teaching- they were great. But, it was due in large part to a group of loving volunteers to kept them engaged, focused, and on track. The thing is, they love it when adults show them attention. If you have kids, come home and drop what you’re doing. Take time to play, wrestle, laugh, join in their world. Engage them. You won’t regret it, I promise.

8. Kids Are A Vital Part Of God’s Church (RIGHT NOW). I’ve heard some people equate children’s ministries across the country to “day care.” I would disagree. Especially with the format our team provides for Forefront. They plan specifically to your child’s age to help them understand basic biblical concepts and ideas. They work pain staking hours to make it happen. Because your kids are important. It’s not a day care, they are vital and we love and teach like the world depends on it.

9. Kids Need To Know Their Parents Love Jesus. As a kid, my parents were involved in the church. Teaching. Leading. Building Maintenance. Whatever They Needed. Now I didn’t always listen in church, like going, or believe what I was learning as a kid. But, I watched as my parents loved Jesus. Now, they didn’t always get it right, but they modeled it. I attribute that as a major factor for me being a Christian now. Parents, show your kids you love Jesus.

10. Kids Need A Team Effort. The church is great. We’re teaching your kids about God, Jesus, love, joy, and redemption. But, we are with them for one hour a week. You have them for the other 167 hours during the week. The church doesn’t have near the influence parents do. It’s a team effort. The church is here to help, but we cannot be the only influence. If we are…

“God, please be with this rising generation. May we teach them and lead them to love and follow you. Push us to be better leaders, adults, examples, and followers of Jesus.”
Amen.

Jason *over and out*

Easter Sunday.
Forefront Church.
10 am @ Ocean Lakes High School.
http://www.forefront.org
Bring a friend. A cousin. A dog named Larry.
2 People getting baptized after service.
Maybe God is moving you to make a life change?
See you there.
Email me if you’ve got questions…

I try to get face time with every person that comes to Forefront Church.
I enjoy learning from them.
Hearing their story.
It’s always such a cool experience.

Recently, I had been talking with a few different couples who disclosed that they had met online. Their stories were very cool. I was glad that they had found someone (I’m actually performing a wedding for one next month). But, it got me thinking, “How big is the online dating scene?” If I had never met my beautiful wife, as much as I love technology- I’m not sure online dating would be the avenue for me. I’m just an old fashioned kind of guy. I use a computer all day, I wouldn’t want to use it again to find someone.

But, let’s face it- finding a true, deep, and meaningful relationship is tough.
Especially when it comes to meeting someone who shares your same love for God.
So, I did a little research and came across this graph that breaks it down to show just how big the online dating industry is.
It Blew My Mind.
I had no idea that many people used the internet to find companionship.
To me, this speaks to the fact that a lot of people out there are lonely.
They want someone to share life with.
The best foundation for sharing life, (in my opinion) is to first give your life away.
To allow God to lead us.
When we submit to Him, we are in a much better place to enter in to a strong, healthy relationship.
Check out the graph to see how big the industry really is…

We are on the ground with about 3-4 hours sleep.
But, we’ve never felt better.
Today we begin with 4 other teams to help with the final push for Verve Church.

Please pray for…
the people
the staff of Verve
all their volunteers
the people who are battling whether or not to attend on Sunday

It’s a great opportunity to serve others.
What are you doing for others today?
Let’s spread the love people!

Jason *over and out*

• The band yesterday really brought me to a different place during worship. It was killer.
• This series @forefrontchurch has emotionally drained me (but in a good way).
• I have a love/hate relationship with decisions & people issues. I hate that hurtful things happen in people’s lives, but LOVE being a part of helping them towards Jesus.
• Is it just me… or are Mike Myers, Dane Cook, Wayne Gretzky the only good things to come from Canada?
• I enjoyed the Olympics (even if they were in Canada, ha).
• So Leno is really coming back to the 11:30 slot. Bummer. I’m for Team COCO.
• Started week two of my fitness training. Two words: Butt Kickin’
• My wife did an amazing job in week two of this series answering questions from the stage. She is such an incredible woman.
• Carrie’s car died today. Wouldn’t start. Not one bit. It’s a year old. Ugh.
• The volunteers at Forefront amaze me. You guys kill it every week. We still have a couple places we could use people (road signs and nursery. Interested?)
• Loved the video of Mike & Leslie Seaman. God is working in people’s lives.
• Have you seen this commercial from the Super Bowl? Man, I want to adopt that kid.
• Marriage Seminar, Element Class, and CCB Training Events happening in March. It’s going to be sah-weet.
• American Idol? So far, not so good. But LOST… awwww yeah! Love it.
• Excited to hear about the women’s retreat this weekend. Praying God moves in your lives ladies. He’s already got a plan for you. It’s going to be great.
• Speaking of trips, heading out to Las Vegas w/ a team for the Verve Launch. Cannot wait to see old friends and help them get moving.
• Starting a new series this Sunday called “Inked.” We’re filming at Fuzion Ink with Dave Lukeson on Tuesday. Love hanging with that guy.
• If you’re not already, follow the blog here, Forefront on Facebook, Forefront on Twitter, and if you’re feeling the need for laughter, take a daily dose of this guy’s blog. It’s the best.

Jason *over and out*

Chloe’s moving on to bigger and better things.
She has learned diapers are a bummer and the “potty” is where it’s at.
Going out to by the toilet adapters for her today.
Let’s get this “potty” started!
So proud of our little girl. What’s a proud moment for you as a parent?
Let’s talk it out.

Jason *over and out*