“So much as it rests with you, be at peace with all people”

As many of you regular readers know, this Bible verse is one that I’m constantly trying to practice. Not because I’m super godly, but because I’m known for stirring pots. I’m doing my best to reconcile every broken relationship I’ve ever created- doing my part to extend a true confession and apology to those I’ve wronged. It’s been an incredible journey.

Well on Sunday, I got to gratefully bear witness to God’s grace, forgiveness, and overwhelming love!

Two friends of Michelle’s haven’t talked in about 6 months. They were friends for years, then some relational breakdown occurred, and they parted ways. Well the first girl and her boyfriend drove 7 hours to come have dinner with Michelle and I, in celebration of my wife’s birthday (amazing friend eh?!). When the second girl found out, she texted and asked if she could come. How could I say no and pass up seeing what God might do?!

Well, it was awkward for about 8 seconds. Then both realized that the other cared more about the PERSON and less about the SITUATION…by the end of the night we pretty much had to pry them apart because they were all over each other!

When they left, Michelle and I prayed, so gratefully, that Jesus needs stops drawing people closer to Himself and each other. We got to see Him in action in our living room this weekend. There’s no better way to live.

Jay

My homeslice Aaron has a killer new post on money: Let’s Talk About Your Cash

Michelle puts up her last post before Christmas too: Snowflakes, Turkey, and a 40-year-old Man

In case you missed it yesterday, here’s a new post for parents from Karen: Row, Row, Row Your Boat…But Not in Circles Please.

Also, if you didn’t yet read my post from yesterday, please do…it’s my maddest in months! I’m Declaring War.

After note…

This will be my last post until Monday December 28th. Gonna take a much-needed break from blogging so that I can come back and crush it. But I won’t stop hustling, I promise!

God-willing, here’s what I’ll be up to:

23rd… It’s my best friend’s birthday! That’s right, my wonderful wife Michelle turns 24 years old! I’ve got a nice planned…and I’m personally really excited to a.) see Invictus, b.) watch her jump up and down when she opens her gift, and c.) eat at Tucker’s!

24th… My wife is getting interviewed at Lincoln Road Chapel at both their Christmas Eve services. She’s gonna be talking about this powerful blog post about Serving over 50 prostituted women. Then we’ll be heading back to my parents house to open stockings and watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Because it is!

25th Christmas Day… sleep in, open presents, talk alot.

26th… We’re going to a wedding! Never been to a Greek Orthodox one before, but I’m excited for the culture shock!

27th… I will be hustling hard to help put together an all-dudes event called Journey, hosted by the right awesome James Kelly. About 20 of us have been dreaming and praying and planning and are SO excited for this event to unfold and watch God completely surprise us!

28th… Journey begins. If you’re a DUDE (male-species only), message me asap and I’ll send you the details that I have so far!

I’m also hoping to find time in this ‘break’ to…

-Finish the first draft of an ebook I’m working on…my 1-Year Anniversary Gift to all you wonderful and amazingly committed readers!

-Preparing a strong finish for the SexRev’s first year. And planning a huge re-development and some MAJOR changes for February/Year Two. I think you’re REALLY gonna like what’s about to happen up in these parts!

-Work on budgeting and time planning for the next few steps on the path to pursuing my dream of being part of planting a radical community and writing books of significance.

-Finish reading The Hobbit for the (literal) 8th time. Then watching the old-school cartoon and getting freakin-out excited for the movie coming out…in 2 years. I’m such a loser.

-Inbox Zero: Catch up on 25 Facebook messages, 46 Gmails, and 83 Hotmails. Good thing I canceled voicemail already!

If you could pray about all this stuff for me, that would be soooo appreciated!

Start thinking about a New Year’s resolution. We’re so lazy and pathetic that we’ve write off New Year’s as cliche and somehow think it’s valiant and applause-worthy to resolve to do nothing. Not this year. I’d love you to make one, and share it with your friends, then make it happen.

Drive safe this holiday season. I want all of you back in the New Year!

Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks for reading, truly. You have all my love.

Jay