You never understand a person, until you hear their story.

So I have a friend named Petie.   Well actually, Its something really Korean but no one can pronounce it, so we use his middle name, Pete.   I'm just getting to know him.  And through him I have found yet another inspiration in life.

       Pete and I work together at the Pizza place, he's the assistant manager, which basically means he runs the day to day in the store usually doing about 50 hours a week.  He's the kind of guy that everyone likes, he always has a smile, which is very rare at a job like this, he works harder then anyone else in the store, and is always trying to help the drivers and insiders in whatever their tasks are that they must complete before they get to go home.  Well him and I were closing together and cleaning up, we got to talking and he let me in a little more about his story.  You see not only does he work 50 hours a week at the Pizza place, but he also works at another well known restaurant 30 hours a week.   To me, it didn't add up.  He should be able to live perfectly fine with just the Pizza salary... So I asked him.

     He told me a little bit more of his story.   When he was just out of High school in Detroit, he got into drugs.  Now we all know Detroit is a hard city, and its very common to be on something there.   His older brother, however, went to college.   He got a degree in law at the University of Michigan, then his MBA at Denver University.  Pete eventually saw the light and realized he had to move away in order to get clean, which he did.  He came to Colorado, sought after help, and sobered up quickly.  His brother, now graduated 3 years ago, has not been able to find a job.

     This is where their stories line up.  Pete, being the loving guy that he is, is paying off his brothers student loans.  Every month he sends money back to his family so that they can pay off student loans.   This brings me 2 trains of thought.   1st)  How unexcited and nervous I am to go into debet with student loans for Denver Seminary, and 2nd) Love Does.

I've been reading this book slowly, and here is a prime example.  He didn't complain about his situation, he doesn't even tell anyone, he just does it.  He works hard to help his brother in any way that he can because, Love Does.  

    Love isn't just a feeling, its our actions that show it.  He Loves his brother with his whole heart, and therefore, he is willing to work his butt off in order to pay for HIS LOANS.  

   On top of this, Pete volunteers as a coach for a basketball team of kids at a local Korean church.  He says he does it so that he can help the kids break out of the stereo type and not run down the same path he did.


So heres to you Pete.   Thank you for all you do.


Jeremy
jcrob33@gmail.com



Random: snowboarding last week at copper. 

And Mary Responded, "I am the Lord's servant..."

And Mary Responded, "I am the Lord's servant..."

Before this, Zachariah, who was a astound priest, was told something similar, but he did not believe the angel.   You see, faith, is for everyone, from the least to the greatest.

The same holds true today.  We so often think that is the guy up front that would be the most blessed, or find the most 'favor' with God.  But the truth is, God chooses who he wants to.  Now we can get theological and try to understand why he chooses who he does, maybe this choice is done before time ever began, or maybe its because of obedience and discipline in our lives as Christians, but regardless, God moves.  Its nothing that we can do, all Glory to God.  He is what moves, so we can learn a simple lesson once again, be faithful to God, as he is faithful to us.

Beyond that, there is so much more I take from Mary's very simple response.  You see, the angel came, told her what was going to happen, she didn't even second guess.  Just, jumped right in.  I am the Lord's Servant.  There's a few other times that have these little one liners that have touched me in the past and deal with the same thing as they are responses, even cries out to the Lord:
 1st Samuel 3:10 - Samuel replied; "Speak Lord, your servant is listening."
       This is something I say often, first humbling myself before my Lord.
Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah said; "Here am I, send me"
      Again, just ready and willing to follow God's call, no matter what it is.

But I think you can see the common theme in these all.  These are all examples of being a servant of Christ.  Jumping in fully to whatever God has for you, for wherever he has put you or asked you to do.

Well, I've started to see some of this happen in my own life.  I work as a delivery driver for a local pizza place, I've been doing this as a second gig since I turned 18... shoot, that's 6 years ago!   Anyway, I'm back there again, and I'm just trying to be myself planted in Christ.  Well, its already made a difference.  My manager, who hasn't gone to church since 2003, saw me at church 2 weeks ago... I didn't even invite her or say anything.  But what an answer to prayer!  You must realize, I work in a place where the employee's have rough lives.  Are usually high or drunk daily, who feel they have no hope or way out.  We have the opportunity to be Lights in this Dark world.  The darker of a place you go, the brighter your light can shine.  All Glory to God.


Chained to him,

Jeremy
jcrob33@gmail.com

I was plowing the other day. From 11pm to 4 am. 

And it was fricken cold!!!

Getting Christmas weird.  

Life moves quickly. Enjoy every moment.

Typical Colorado Sunset. 

Its been a while since I've been able to write things, which just means, I have more to write this time then last.

      I hate doing things half-assed (for lack of a better word).  If you are going to do something, lets do it to the highest possible quality.  I'd say this is especially true when it comes to Ministry.  This is Gods work in the most direct way.  That is why being in full-time ministry is so hard.  And yet so key.  So thank you to all of you who are in full-time ministry.  You'll never make much money, but you are changing lives for the Kingdom of God.  Keep it up, jump all in.  

     It's obviously something I want to do one day, and I'm starting to see more and more just how hard ministry can be.  But man, I am so ready to jump into it.  Dedicate my everything to some ministry, sounds awesome.   I've gotten the chance to be a volunteer over the last few months, and I do love it.  I've been able to see, once again, how much dedication being a volunteer can take.  So even more so to the volunteers of ministry, weather its running a small group, helping with tech, being an usher, helping in sunday school classes or playing worship... Thank you all so much for volunteering and being committed. You are the real hero's in churches.  The background players.  The life changers. The followers of Christ.   Studs.    There is a song by the Christian rap artist: Lecare called Background.  The chorus is simple enough.   "I can play the background".   I got to see him live in Australia at a music fest.  He ended his set with that song on his knees in prayer.   He was a great example of how I want to live life.  I can play the background.  All Glory To God.

     

    I'm finding it very hard to wait on God over the last few weeks.  I dread getting the common questions of: "Hey so what are you doing now that you're back?"   When I first got here I welcomed this question thinking I had some direction, but I'm still waiting on my application for Denver Seminary.  Maybe that's not where I'm suppose to be?  And if that's true, that's fine, I'm just sick of waiting for an answer.   It comes back to control.  I hold on to the little control I still have left, hoping God won't take it away like I need him to.   If I gave up full control, well then, Hakuna Matata, I would be able to know that it's in God's hands and have peace.   So, here's to the last bit of what I'm holding onto, take it God.  "Lord, this is your day, what will you have me do?"

     Last week I went Snowboarding with my good bro Kane and new friend Max, amazing.  First time this season, and its just so awesome to be in the presence of the Lord while Shredding the Gnar.  We got back to his place just as K-Life was starting, which is a youth group type evening.  I got to play Cajon with one of my long time friends Scott Miller, who I use to play with a lot.  Anyway, not the point.  What I'm getting at, is I haven't seen worship or felt the presence of the Spirit so brightly since being back in the states.   There's something to be said for a basic, guitar, piano, beat, and voices.   We rocked a few songs in a small group of Jr. Highers, the Lord was there.  I left feeling so refreshed, so ready to take on the world.  

    I'm reading "Love Does" by Bob Goff.  I'm only a few chapters in, but its already one of my favorites.    Its just stories of how to Love.   There's one with this guy named Randy.   Basically, Bob is skipping town, going to live in Yosemite to climb and live in a tent.  Well he stops by Randy's house just to say by, Randy grabs a bag and says "I'll come with you."   That in itself is Fricken Crazy!   He didn't plan anything!  He was a grown man, with responsibilities, a house, job, life!  Well, eventually they come back because Bob couldn't find a job.  Randy invites him into his house for dinner... come to find out... Randy had JUST gotten married, only days before leaving with Bob.    Talk about giving up yourself to Love like Jesus Loved!

     So this touched me, and I threw on twitter "I hope one day I can Love someone like Randy loved @BobGoff"..... He responded.... Bob responded to me, only minutes later. "@JeremyR33 Guys like you who are thinking about loving people change everything for so many. I'm proud of you, Jeremy."

   So, this week, I will again learn patience.  God is sure giving me enough opportunities to. 

Chained to him,

Jeremy

jcrob33@gmail.com

This girl is becoming very important to me. 

Aaahhhh thanksgiving! 

Melchizedek, Cadence, and Numbness

    Where do I start.

     Melchizedek, he's kind of one of those characters in the bible that is hard to understand.  He kind of shows up in Genesis 14 and then is gone, never to appear again.  So, for those of you who don't know him, I'm going to give you a super quick break down, for those of you who do, please correct me where I'm wrong so that I may better understand.

     First, lets talk about this guy named Abraham.  He was God's chosen one.  He was in charge of all of God's people and chosen to do that.  From him came the 12 tribes that made up the Israelite nation.  Anyway, one day he went a fought "Kedorlaomer and his allies" (Genesis 14:17) the king of Sodom and won.  He took everything from him that had value. Then while walking home he ran into Melchizedek.  Melchizedek blessed Abram, Abram gave him a tenth of all his goods that he recovered, and they went on their own ways.  Melchizedek was a Priest AND a King.  This was unheard of and not possible in the world at the time.  He was the only one to be a King and a Priest at the same time.  The important part to remember here, is this is what Jesus is.  A King and Priest.  The only other time we hear about this Mel guy is in Hebrews 7. Now I could go into great detail about the crazy prophecy that happens here, but I want to say something else.  From the beginning of time, in Genesis, there was a plan for Jesus.  Understanding the old testament is key to understanding the importance of Christ.  The one who came to be King and Priest overall.  "He lives forever to intercede with God on our (their)behalf" Hebrews 7:25.

    I do wonder why Melchizedek even existed or is in the bible?  The best way for me to understand is to think God was just showing off.  Certainly Abram didn't understand the significance of the guy who he just ran into, and clearly Jews missed this understanding need for Jesus.  God was just showing a glimpse of his plan.All Glory to God.

Cadence.

    The word means:

"a :  a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language

 b :  the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity" (dictionary.com)

But I'm more into the Song.  Its by Anberlin, a christian rock group.  It's a song that I've known forever and never thought much about it, come to find out it is now a life goal.  Well, the song I mean.  You see the chorus of the song says this "The close I come to you, the closer I am to finding God."  This is actually amazing and beautiful.  When choosing a partner for life, make this your goal.  If our one purpose in life is to bring Glory to God, above all else, then, well, your partner should somehow compliment this.  Now, my dear friends, don't read too much into what I'm saying here, but I am thinking and praying a lot about this potential girl that I'm getting closer and closer to.  Already I can say, this line in the lyric rings true in our relationship.  Constantly her faith in Christ amazes me.  That's all I'm going to say about that.

Numbness, well this is certainly a deep topic and on a more depressing note then my other two random thoughts of the week.

It's too easy to be numb to the world around us, to check out, to ignore life, to cruise and not care.  Not caring and numbness often go together.  But isn't this just the truth?  So many times we drop into a numbness or not caring.  I've just come to notice it more in my own life over these last few months while being home.  It's easy to be numb and jump through the hoops.  Well, I've come to find for myself a few things that kick me out of this mood.   1) working out.  I know it seems simple, but it really can be that simple at times.  Being active does a lot for the body and the body does a lot for the brain and the brain the soul.  So try it.  2) reading my bible.  Obvious, but truth.  3) eating healthy 4) making a list 

Sitting in the presence of God is the real trick, shut off the TV or computer, put down your phone or iPad, try to just feel.  See what that is like.  Sometimes it hurts, I get anxious and want to do something.  Might I suggest playing some soft music in the background?  This Will Destroy You, or Explosions In The Sky are a couple good bands to start with.  Trust me, it will help you focus and break down walls in your brain.  

jcrob33@gmail.com

Random Thoughts, I got Lots.

     I've had the chance to sit back for an afternoon, and it was amazing.  I forgot just how beautiful Colorado is, and for some reasons its when I'm driving alone that I see this beauty, and from this beauty, I see Christ.  Anyway, I got to watch Freedom Writers, have you ever seen this movie?  If not, seriously consider it because it was SSOOOOO good.  Especially if you work with students in any way, shape, or form, this was inspirational to say the least.  It made me take a look at my own life though, you know, there's this teacher who gives up anything and everything for this one class of kids.  She worked 3 jobs just to pay for books and extra activities outside of the classroom.  She no longer cared about the "job" that she had, but instead cared about the kids that she had the privilege of speaking into to their lives.  Now, the one thing that is quite sad is she went through a divorce through this process, but there is still a lot of lessons to be taken away from this lady.
     You see, I'm kind of in the same spot right now.  I mean, I very well could start applying to churches else where, but I just absolutely love the students I already have.  No longer is it about my job, but about these students.  And if it takes me working full time at Pizza Hut, so be it.  If I can help, I'm in.  That being said,  there is motivation for me to move on and find some kind of "career" in order to prepare myself in the next wave of life.

    To be honest, I'm nervous about seminary.  I'm sick of waiting to see if I'm even going to get in.  What will happen if I don't? That would blow apart what I thought the plan was.  And maybe that's the key word... "I".  I don't want to follow my plan, but God's.  So, if I don't get in, so be it, God has another plan.

    This morning I was listening to John Piper about Calvinism.  I, like most people my age, hated the idea of Calvinsim and the reformed theology of T.U.L.I.P.    But then you come to study it yourself, or see it in the bible, or read Romans again, and you start to realize, its not that crazy.  At the very core, the biggest problem I now have with true Arminianists (that is, freewill), is that we like it because we get to play God.  We get control.   I'm sorry, but I know, I do not have control, God does.   #simplebreakdown

    Something that I've been reminded of this week... D.T.S.   Die To Self.  Now the ironic part of it is, DTS is what I did in Aussie.  Discipleship training school, and it wasn't until a random student, from a different YWAM base said this to me while we were talking on a lawn at a church about volleyball.  That came to define my time there.  Constantly, I will Die To Self.  Who am I to be important?  Who am I to have rights? Who am I to be the center of attention? Who am I to think I deserve anything?  I will... Die To Self.  All Glory to God.

Again, these are just random thoughts.



Chained to Him,

Jeremy





P.S.  This is a portion of E-mails my grandma and I send.... I just thought they were too good, I had to share.  I took out some parts:

Hey Jer,  I just finished reading through your last blogs – your folks were here last night before taking Uncle Mark to the airport, and they told me that you were continuing to blog.  Good for you – I can see you are still growing, and also putting your past experiences together to realize what an influence your family, home and church have been in your life.  Not everybody realizes or even values the inheritance God has given them, and how it lays the basis for what they want to do  in their  life in the future.

I’m thankful that I’ve had a little part in your life, and you in mine.  Of all my eighteen grandchildren, you are the one I’ve spent the most time with, in some of the most critical decisions of your life.  That’s a privilege.  I hope we’ll be able to continue in some way, even now that your life is changing direction – seminary, a serious woman relationship and work.  Let’s try to carve out a little space once in a while for Grandma time.  I can’t believe how busy my life is.  

I’m praying about seminary and (girl).  My two such important decisions all at once.  But I think you’re ready for them!  Love you, Grandma Lutz

My blog: lorrylutz.com

Jeremy Robinson <jcrob33@gmail.com>	1:13 PM (0 minutes ago)
to Lorry

Hi grandma.

  You know, here's something I've never really told anyone, and I its a little sad to say.  But when our dearest Grandpa passed away to hang out with Jesus, I remember sitting in the Chapel and God was speaking to me and I realized a few things.  First, that if I could ever be half the man he was, I would consider myself a man of God like Elijah the prophet is said to be in the old testament.  Second, I regretted not spending time with him. It's something that he said to Nathan or Mark when asked "do you have any regrets?"  Grandpa replied with, 'not really, but I would have spent more time with my family, and less under the hood of a car.'  I've always taken that to heart since then, its one of the reasons I value our relationship so much and constantly and pushing to make time for us to get together.  

So yes, is my answer, lets go (Get some Coffee).... When? 

There is something Ironic about being home..

   I can't quite put a finger on it.  Maybe its the people I run into.  I have a few different responses when running into old friends, or people that I know.  There's a typical, "Hey, have you left yet?" from those who support me through most things in life, but we might only see each other a few times a year.  A more common, "How was your trip! Tell me the best and worst part?!"  To which I have a common answer of, 'it was hard, but I wouldn't change it for the world.' Most the students I have simply: (squeek!) then "Are you coming back to Liquid?" and I say, "I'm here now aren't I?"   and every once in a while I'll get a "So, how long are you back for?" For this I was confused and not expecting.  I wasn't sure what to say the first time, so I told a long way around story "Yeah... uuhh... I'm not sure, just trying to follow God's call!"  Its very possible that I didn't make myself clear when i left, that I would only be leaving for 8 months, but its also possible, that some of these people understand me and know my call.  You see, while I was in YWAM a few things were confirmed by God and a few new things showed up.  One of the things that was confirmed was that I have a heart of students and the next generation, more specifically for those in America.  And that might be because I understand them and can connect with them, but I think its more because I see the potential a student here has.  One kid, growing up with all the possibilities here, can change lives, easily.  They just have to get the heart for it.     Let me explain.  My last blog I wrote about a student I've had for years named Joey.  I'll never know or understand what ultimately did it, but he has that heart.  He wants everyone around him to understand Jesus and get the Love of Jesus.   That, is what gives me energy.
      The new things that were brought on while in YWAM, well, there were many.  But I can remember one morning during worship, I lost it.   In YWAM they call it the electric fence.  God hits you so hard and in such a real way that you can't do anything else but sit in his glory.  God very obviously asked me if I would give up everything for him.  My passport, my home, my friends, my white picket fence.  I said yes.  And this was huge.  I didn't realize it then, but I was saying yes to missions.  Now, I'm not saying that i'm leaving tomorrow, but I am saying, at some point, I want to be out 'there' whatever that means.  
     So here, the answer to the question everyone has been asking, and I've been asking myself... What's Next?
     Well, I'm applying to Denver Seminary to go after my MDiv.  I'm not going to lie, it will be REALLY hard.  But I'm excited.  I want proper training of the bible to know God, so that I can more effectively teach it.   During this time, I would love to be working with a youth group.  Currently its just on a volunteer status, but the truth is, I don't want to look for another youth group that will hire me, my heart is here, in this place that I'm currently sitting.  For some reason, God has given me a heart for Cherry Hills, the staff, the students, the building, the area.  I mean, I came to the coffee shop by myself just to write this blog, because I know God is alive here, and there's a small chance I'll run into some students that I know and Love.  It only means that I have to work back at Pizza Hut at the same time to pay the bills, can't complain.   Who know's where I'll be in 5 years.  But I'm open to anything.
    I should mention, there's a girl... Nothing to serious yet, but, I'd say she has big potential.



Chained to Him,

Jeremy

Colorado reception of this beautiful couple. 

Dressing up for Wednesday nights. 

The story continues...

Since that moment, I've been trying my hardest to seek after Christ in everything I say and do.  Sure, there have been times when I’m closer to Christ or further away, “walking” with him or fighting against him.  This is all apart of the daily struggle and battle to walk with Christ, and is essential for Christians to recognize in order to see and understand the difference between being close to Christ and running from him.

Soon after that evening in California, my parents moved us out to Highlands Ranch, Colorado.  My mom got a job at Cherry Hills Community Church (CHCC) as the Children's Ministry Director once again, while my dad found a job in Castle Rock with International Network of Children's Ministries. I was at the end of 5th grade and went to the middle school at the church.  I quickly got connected into the Youth group there and met my leader Clayton Howes.  The years to follow, Clayton played a significant role in my life.  He was always there for me, even when I was dealing with silly drama such as girl problems, or having real deep questions like “How do we know God is real?”

Jumping into high school was a transition that challenged me.  I had gone to a Christian school my whole life, and now I would be attending Mountain Vista High School.  I would go to christian camps every summer and experience the ‘camp high’ getting very close to Christ, but this would soon fall with the pressures and temptations that public school brings along.  I pretty much cruised through high school always attending church at my parents request, but never really having a personal relationship with Christ.  Fast forward a couple years and that all changed one summer in San diego, California.

I was 19 years old and working for CHCC as an intern in their JR High program.  We took most of the students, 81, to a camp in California called Hume SD.  It took place at a christian college down there called Point Loma.  I found that I needed some time to be alone in the word and pray and journal before the kids got up for bible study, so one morning I got up just before the crack of dawn and made the hike down to the beach.  I remember yelling, a lot.  Out into the water.  No one was around and I was fighting God in a very real way, in my mind, it was almost like Jacob.  I knew he was there, but he refused to say anything to me.  An hour went by, and my alarm went off, I had to head back to wake up the students and get started.  So I left feeling upset and angry and alone.  But while hiking up, God became so real to me.  It’s hard to put into words what happened over the next 30 minutes, but I left a changed man, and all I really remember hearing was “I’ve been here the whole time.”  The presence of the Lord became so real to me that day, and has been since.

As the years passed, I found just how real God was in my daily life.  Constantly looking to him for comfort and needs.  This is where I got a little hung up.  It became about me, and making me feel good and having a someone always watch my back.  It was a beautiful time in my life because I did come very close to Christ, but I knew that was something more I didn’t quite understand.  Eventually I graduate from Metro State University and I knew that if there was ever going to be a time for me to get out and see the world, this was it.  I took the leap of faith and applied to Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Brisbane, Australia.

Now that I’ve had a little while to process my 7 month excursion with YWAM, I can truly say that I knew nothing about following Christ compared to what I do now.  In all honesty, I hope to be able to say this every couple of years as I constantly pursue Christ.  That being said, YWAM really did a great job of breaking me out of my box, and showing me the box that I had put Christ into.  I spent four months in Australia doing discipleship training and also learning practical ways of how to be effective on the missions field.  Then I went to Darjeeling India for two months where I got to use my newly acquired skills to Glorify God.  It was an amazing experience that I wouldn't change for the world.  Even while surfing in some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I always knew that my call was in Youth Ministry.

I have been blessed to have amazing leaders around me my whole life, Clayton being one of them.  I truly believe that this played a big role into why I have such a passion for students today.  I started as a volunteer in my JR High youth group when I was 18, from then on I was hooked.  Years passed and I became an Intern, then eventually part-time staff, all while I was in college.  There have been many amazing moments over the last few years that keep my drive going, but one of my favorites happened just 9 months ago, three days before leaving for Australia, with a student named Joey.

I first met Joey on a normal Sunday during church.  Him and I would mess around during the welcome and games time before service started and eventually he came on Wednesday nights to my small group.  He was new to the area, and was just getting involved in the community.  He was a smart kid, and had the ability to think outside of the ‘now’ where kids usually get stuck.  Years went by with him and I connecting at church and during camps, sometimes we even played worship together, but he was always kind of quiet.  The Sunday before I left I went to lunch with him and a couple other guys from the small group, and as I was dropping him off he looked at me very seriously and said something to the regard of:

“Thank you for always being there for me, you have changed my life and helped pushed me towards Christ.”  

I was speechless, we hugged and he got out of the car, and I remember tearing up.  I remember crying out to God and saying, ‘this is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give me.’  Most youth workers would agree, to be able to hear that you’re actually making a difference is amazing.  There had been a countless amount of battles for this ‘job’ I've had over the last 5 years and you never really know if its making a difference, but this said it all.  So thank you Joey, I’m excited to walk through life with you.

That lands me here, writing this essay on a beautiful cold, Colorado morning with a cup of coffee next to me and a candle on the other side.  I know that youth ministry is my call, God has made it very obvious to me throughout my life.  Weather that is as a full time youth pastor here in Colorado, or an missionary somewhere in Africa or India, I don’t quite know, but I want to take the steps to prepare myself for anything and everything and to Glorify God every step of the way. To me, seminary is just another step in this process, Thy Kingdom Come.

Jesus, come into my Heart

When I was eight years old I was living in Milpitas, California with my parents, and younger brother, Caleb, my older sister, Rachelle.  We had a small house in an older neighborhood with bars on the windows and a creek that we could play in just across the street. It was a typical evening in the Robinson house, everyone had just walked through the front door.  Mom and Dad had just left work at our church where my mother was the Children s Ministry Director and my dad was head accountant dealing with all the money.  My mom had picked us kids up from our grandparents house which is where we went every day after school because it was just across the street.  

My grandma would always tell me; “rich people have two homes, and this is your second home!”  It made me feel more at home, because I had always been a homebody, but we all knew that money was tight.  My mom was cooking dinner while my dad helped my brother with homework.  My sister and I were in the back of our house in her bedroom playing “hot wheel and barbies” a game we made up and quite enjoyed which just meant that I would play with my hot wheels while she played with her barbies.

Something was different that night, and I didn't realize it until years later. All of a sudden my mom came back into Rachelle’s room;

“Shell why don’t you go see if you can help your little brother with his Homework.”

For once in her life, my sister actually listened to my mother without saying a word went into the kitchen.  My mother knelt down by me, and by instinct, I handed her the purple car, the one that she would usually play with.  She denied it, and I could tell that she needed to talk to me about something.  

I can remember everything about that moment, and that’s how I know it was real.  From that moment forward, my life would never be the same.  I sat in the hallway right by the book shelf, looking at an orange hard copy of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham.  I remember my mom grabbing my hand and asking the typical important questions of; “Do you believe Jesus is the son of God and came to earth and died on the cross for your sins?”  I repeated after her, and in after a few minutes, I had Jesus in my heart, forever.

The Ultimate Act of Worhsip

     Worship is seen in so many different ways, from the classic guy with an acoustic guitar playing "How He Loves" to running in the middle of a rain storm and seeing God's beauty in his nature and power.  But there's one that we don't talk about much but until we're in the middle of it.   Marriage.
     I didn't even realize just how beautiful of a moment this is, not only in the lives of the two people getting married, but in the fact that when a Christian couple gets married, they're goal in life is to Glorify God.  Because of this, the actual ceremony is an amazing act of worship.   I got to be the best man at my best friends wedding this weekend, and its something i'll never forget.  I got the chance to pray for the couple on stage just after they finished their traditional vows, and I had a tear come to my eyes knowing that God was in that place and being glorified by the commitment they were making.   All Glory to God.
     On top of the amazing worship time that we had at that little church is Wooster, Ohio, it made me get a little excited about the possibility of me one day being up there with a God Fearing woman and a ring.  All in God's time though.
 
    Here's a funny story;  I ended up driving back from Ohio, even though I had a flight setup, with some friends that drove out there.  It was pretty awesome being on the road for 20 hours and just listening to Jesus Jams, talking about DTS, and hearing Mark Driscoll speaking through podcast.  But I just got off the phone with one of my friends, I'm flying back to Ohio tomorrow afternoon to pick up a friends car and drive it back to Colorado!  Life is an adventure!


Short and sweet this time.

Jeremy

Prayer. 

The happy couple.  Anna and Matt. 

"On the road again..."

"Rather than Love, than Money, than Fame, give me Truth"

     This quote is originally from Henry David Thoreau, an author and poet in the mid 1800's in America.  Most people have probably heard this quote from the popular movie "Into The Wild" which was originally a book in 1997.  The story is amazing.  A young guy just graduates from University and cannot adjust to society, so he goes alone on an ultimate adventure with no money or job or family to help him along the way.  The story continues where he heads to Alaska, living off the land, where he has the freedom to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants to.  Tragically it ends with him dying, the movie he dies by eating a poisoned plant, but what actually happened is still unknown.
    Have you ever felt like this though?  Wanting to get away from life and search for your own truth? Stop worrying about the little things that daily life bring? I don't know, to me it sounds amazing and that's really something I took away from YWAM, which was life changing to say the least.  The one advantage that I have, that we have, over the search for truth, is the Bible.  I know, that I know, that I know, the Bible is absolute truth.  So in the search for absolute truth, it all comes back to the Bible for me, but the search for truth will never end.
   
     Coming home after being away for 7 months has been a challenge, but what a beautiful challenge it has been.  All great pleasures in life come only after a challenge has been taken on.  And I love every second of it.  Going back to church and seeing the beautiful faces of the students that my heart cries out to, and they remember who I am.  All Glory to God, but its amazing to know that I played a big enough role in those kids lives that they remember who I am.  In the life of a teenager, that says a lot.  In 7 months, their whole perception of life has completely changed, probably more then once.  My only hope and prayer is that the kids who do remember who I am, remember what I stand for, Following Christ with Everything I have.
       I Love that God has used me, its amazing to be able to see the fruit of it.  Sunday after church I sat down with some guys that are now in High school but I've known them for a few years, and they want to start a Bible study.  They gave me a few reasons as to why they didn't join one at the church; sports, or "now its not fun", or "No one goes there anymore."  All pretty normal responses for that age, which is sad I think we can all agree, but at the end of the day, they are still seeking after Christ, and I know that's all that matters.  As I'm writing this I can't help but smile because I see the youth of America care about Jesus.  How beautiful is that.  If there is anything I can do to help Storm the gates of Hell and bring back a generation of lost souls, I will do it.  All Glory to God.
   
     People ask where I'm headed now?  Well, I think its clear to see where my passion lies.  I generally just type these without thinking about it before, which shows where my heart lies...  I didn't even talk about what has happened over the last week.  How my best friends picked me up from the Airport and when I saw them I couldn't help but laugh and yell in excitement, how California was with some of my YWAM friends and the amazing people and conversations I had while I was there, how I'm the best man in a wedding next week,  and the new pastor as my church is going to be so awesome. Life is amazing, but above all else, the thing that I love to see the most, is Christ Loving and God Fearing youth.  
     On that note, to give a direct answer, I would love to work at a church in a Youth group.  I would love to go to seminary for my Master's degree.  I think God will make these things happen in time, But for now, I have no idea when or where.



Thank you for following,

Jeremy


P.S.  After talking to some people face to face, I find out that the comments that they post just don't show and I don't see them.  I don't really know what that's about and I will try to fix it.  But!  If you want to contact or comment, E-mail might be best.

jcrob33@gmail.com

Liquid jr high. CHCC. 

Airport pickup. Me, Matt, and Ed. 

"Keep this book of the law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." -Joshua 1:8

My Perception of Vacation has been Skewed

       Most of you know, I'm currently in Hawaii!  Its beautiful here.  But I'm not having the 'vacation' most people would want to while being here.  You see God has been very clearly telling me that I should take advantage of the fact that I have a week alone without any real responsibilities.  Its really been awesome, I've been able to talk to a good amount of my fellow YWAM friends who wished they would have done something before going home.  Re-entry can be a difficult process and I am fortunate enough to be able to take it slow.  I've filled my week with some pretty simple things, local coffee shops, Phone calls to home, lots of time in the bible, Snorkeling, and visiting Pearl Harbor.  Its been awesome.  The good thing about being an introvert is that I can very easily enjoy myself doing just about anything.  That being said, I'm getting ready to go to dinner with some of my 'roommates' from the Hostel here.
      I've told a few people about how I'm reading through the bible currently, and I stumbled upon a beautiful story.  Its in 1st Kings 19.  This is where The Lord speaks to Elijah.  Elijah is kinda just chillin on a hill waiting for the Lord to speak and many things happen,  First there is a huge wind storm, but The Lord was not in the wind.  Then there was a Earthquake, and The Lord was not in the Earthquake.  Then there was a fire storm of some sort, but The Lord was not in the fire.  After the Fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper, and this was the Lord's voice.
          So many times we, I, look for the Lord in huge things and huge ways, he is there I'm sure, but the way that he speaks to us on a personal level is often in something as small as a Whisper.  We have to take the time to settle down, slow down, and listen.  Its not easy with so many distractions in life, but this is where we can hear that small whisper. This is what I'm going for, and what I will be pursuing more of over the next couple of weeks.  I'm really trying to hear from the Lord what my next move is going to be, currently though, I'm leaning toward Seminary and getting a masters degree.  That could be MDiv or Youth Ministry, I'm not sure and haven't gotten that far, but as far as what's next, as every day passes, I think more and more about Seminary.
   

       So!  I leave for California tomorrow at 5AM.  I'll be with my bro Ronnie there, he's from YWAM. Then officially coming to Colorado September 5th, about 1AM I believe.  I'll be pretty busy for a little while though, I'm jumping right into a wedding that I'll be the best man for on the 21st.  With that comes some responsibilities that I haven't been able to attend to.  I would absolutely love to meet with every single one of you who have followed me on my journey.  Thank you for keeping up and caring.  I will continue with this blog... well, maybe forever!


Chained to him,
Jeremy



USS Arizona. 

Snorkeled with some sea turtles here. Habana Bay 

If you're going to read your bible in hawaii, why not do it in the most beautiful location? 

When Life speeds up, I slow down

     A lot has happened in the last two weeks.  Well first off, you should know that I'm sitting in a corner store in the middle of Sydney.  That should give you some perspective as to where I have been.   I graduated DTS and that was a beautiful moment.  But with that high time of fun and memories made, came the sad fact that we, as a group, had to part ways.  Saying bye isn't easy, and there is no easy way of doing it.  Some of my closer friends cried the second I gave them a hug, where some were more simple with a "I'll see you soon, bro" and a high five.  I will admit (for the first time) I cried a few times over those last days together.  Its crazy that we can get so close in a short period, but then break off going to different parts of the world.  Some friends will lose contact, some will talk to on a shallow level, but I can only hope most of them will stay close as the years go bye.  They have all earned a special place in my heart.

    That being said! I got to spend a week with a great group of people camping in a van!  We just sat on the beach all day and camped in the woods.  We rented this van from a site called WickedCampers for $10 a day.  Super cheap!  But, As you might be able to see in pictures, I had to sensor some of the words on the van, they like to paint their vans in weird ways.  But sitting around a fire playing worship and talking Jesus is something that I constantly look forward to in life, and we did it for 5 days!  I came to answer one of the questions I asked before, one that my school leader asked us before DTS ended... what is my response to "How was your Holiday/Vacation?"        
         Most of the students said they would be slightly offended by this, but why?  To be perfectly honest, the past 6 months was a bit of a Holiday.  Yes, it was hard and I had to work hard and go to school and do homework.  But that's just it, it was a specific Holiday to seek after Jesus.  Much like when people take trips to go do something like, climb a mountain, or surf in Haiti, or skydive in New Zealand.  Those things take work and months of training and preparation.    I had a specific purpose on this trip, to find true, deep, and lasting intimacy with Jesus Christ, and to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ in everything I say and do, no matter if its awkward or hard.  It took work and preparation in ways I didn't think it would, but it was the most amazing Holiday anyone could ever have.  Its a joy that is lasting and not temporary like riding a roller coaster.    And now I have to go back to daily life and daily struggles and daily temptations... Bring it on!
      So simply put, when people ask "How was your vacation?" I'll say, it was life changing.  The only things worth living for take work. Amen.

    Now to Sydney, Beautiful.  Feels a lot like Denver.  Sunny and everyone is really nice.  I will say a few small comments.  First, thank the good Lord that the drinking age in the U.S. is 21.  Here its 18 and staying in a hostel, I had the opportunity to see what 18 year old do with just that little bit of freedom.  It was awesome talking to them and I got to ask quite a few why they were here or what they were doing, come to find out they are all searching for something, weather its adventure, or pleasure, or running from parents, or just 'trying to have fun.' We know the truth is, that gap will never be satisfied unless they meet the Creator.  I only hope I was a small light in a dark world.  If you ever get to backpack through the world, just know how much of a light you can be to other travelers.

I sat here for about an hour today and read through 2nd Samuel. In chapter 14 there is a girl who is convincing King David to being his son back. Verse 14 then talks about how precious life is: 

"All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to being us back when we have been separated from him."

God is constantly calling us back to him. Live life to the fullest, constantly perusing Christ as he is searching for you. 

Where do I even start?

          So many times I sit back and think about being here, currently Brisbane, Australia. About being in this community and place with these people at this time in my life with these leaders and struggling with these issues (whatever they may be that day).  I tend to be more on the side that its all God's doing and timing, that where I am in life didn't just happen by chance, but like God is in full control of my everything, so he set up my every action before I was ever around.  And its amazing to know that he has my back in everything I do, this is something that we, as Christ followers, have to do constantly.  Remind ourselves that no matter what happens or where we are, God has us in his hands.

     I've been back on the YWAM base for a week now, and its been amazing.  It has been a lot more relaxed of a week then I've had over the past 6 months, mostly just finishing odds and ends in paper work and homework and meetings with the school leader.  This gives us a good amount of free time, which I tend to be intentional with my free time knowing that most of the friends I've made here, I may never see again.  We knew it from the beginning, but its weird to come down to that point.  I mean, I've shared life altering moments with these people, I've talked with them for countless hours sharing the most deep and intimate thoughts to each other.  I know that this is a process, but it does make me sad.  I hope for the best for my friends here.  I hope that one day we can do some kind of ministry together or run into each other once again.

     How can I even sum up the last 6 months? How am I going to answer the questions when I get home?  "How was Australia?" "What was the best part?" "What was the hardest part?" "What's next?" I think I'll come up with some easy answer, the one most people are looking for, the 5 second answer that I can give in passing conversation.  Honestly, these questions are not simple answers, and they will really only come out in time.  While sitting at coffee, or over dinner, or smoking a tabacco pipe, or whatever it might be. 

     As I sit here in this wonderful little coffee shop just down from the base called the Taverner, I'm realizing just how much I love this place.  I'm really going to miss it.  Its a wonderful life here, and sure there has been some hardships, but I really do love it here in Australia as well as YWAM.  From the beginning I figured that once I got to the last week, I would be at a point where I couldn't wait till I got home, that's why I originally booked my flight for the day after.  I'm a home body, and many days went by where I just thought about being home, and wanted to be there more then anything else.  Coming down to it though, I don't want to leave.  I love it here.  It's at the moment of when things come to an end that you realize just how wonderful they are.  I think that's what I'm going to go through this week, I'm going to miss the annoying people in the morning who want to talk when I just woke up, I'm going to miss the people at midnight who beg me to stay awake and hang out with them, I'm going to miss having to push myself in every new direction.  

I don't even know how to end this blog, It's going to take me some time to process.  More soon.

J

Dish crew.  Some of my best evenings were spent here. 

Men of DTS 

Beautiful Brisbane. I've posted this a few times, but it gets better and better every time I see it. 

Times like these never last, but I tipped over the hourglass

        My last week in India and entry back into Brisbane.

        We went down the mountain into a town called Siliguri.  We stayed at a bible college where they have a 2 year bachelor degree.  Its funny because we thought we'd go there to teach things on the bible, that's kind of what they implied.  Come to it, we did open airs for the first couple of days.  Which means, we would go into a common area, like a market place or a park, start to play music, dance around, then preach the gospel.  We weren't able to do this before as it can really cause a commotion and be a legal problem for us, we ended up doing 5 in 2 days.  Anyway, I loved it.  How cool that all these people come to just hear what we have to say.  I was elected by the team to give the gospel, which made me nervous, this is probably the first time any of these people have heard the good news of Jesus, and might be the last... no pressure.  The Lord guided my words and we saw some amazing seed's come, people raising their hands wanting to accept Jesus as Lord. God is Good.
     The rest of the time in Siliguri was amazing, we got to hang out with the students, play volleyball, and play worship on the rooftop, heck I even sat in on a theology class, they were talking about cults and I spoke a little bit on Mormonism, as its not so popular in India they didn't know much about it.  We taught the students about children's ministry and showed them how to do a skit that we do everywhere we go.  They took care of us, hanging on our every need and want,  they just wanted to show us love, and boy did they ever!  Thank you Bible college, you guys were awesome and we'll truly miss you.
 
     After this, we traveled.  11 hour train ride to Kolkutta, stayed there for a night, then 4 hour plane to Singapore and another 8 hour plane to Brisbane, Australia, which is where I write this now.
   Its quite an experience coming back into this side of the world.  It actually reminded me of going to India.  You know, we thought we were prepared, we read books and talked to people who had been there, looked at pictures and even watched movies, but going there is a whole different story.  Living life there is to truly jump into the culture, its something you can try to prepare for as much as you want, but until you've done it, you'll never understand.  Probably like parenting!   Well coming back to Australia is the same kind of idea.  Its really quite hard to put back into words.  The common view is that is easy to see just how much we waste here, and that is true, but I'm seeing just how nice it is here.  There isn't trash everywhere, I can drink the water safely, there's toilets with TP, and it feels like theres so much room everywhere.   I truly loved India, and loved the people, I'll miss it, but I am glad to be back in Australia.  Coming back to friends here that I had become so close to in 4 months time, then leave each other for 2 months.  It makes me think further about coming back to Colorado, where home is, where I'll see friends I've known for years as well as Family.  What a beautiful moment that will be.
        India as a whole, what can I say?  I've only had a little time to think it over and talk to the other teams to swap stories, but I've already come to realize that India was where God wanted me to be.  I think I got to see the most change, and from that, we ourselves changed a lot, we had to in order to adopt the culture and in order to do effective ministry.  Already I get asked, 'well what was the hardest part' and I don't have a simple answer for what seems like a simple question.  It was just a different culture, a different way of life, honestly life is harder there.   Throw any middle class westerner there for over 2 weeks and its going to be a struggle.  Just as I was leaving though, I felt adjusted, and not adjusted as in its what I prefer, but as in I didn't realize the difference anymore or miss the American way of life.  Maybe that what makes coming back to Australia so difficult.  I'm starting to see what I missed, which was hard to see because I loved the Indian people and will always have friends there.  I will end with this statement that has been said many times before;  I am so blessed to have been born and raised in America.  And it takes leaving to realize just how much of a blessing that is.

More to come soon.

Chained to him,
J





I <3 Darj

Oh drum set, how I've missed you. 

Open air. Gospel. 

#VolleyballLife

Street outside the college. Cows everywhere!