DeStratis.com

New Podcast

2010-08-23T19:00:00.001-04:00

I recently started a new podcast at http://thirtymag.com called the Weekly 30 Podcast with my friend Christian Collard. The Weekly 30 Podcast uses different personalities, point of views, and humor to review our favorite items in the Weekly 30 list. The panel takes 30 minutes to engage and discuss the week that was. The panel includes Christian Collard along with 2-3 other special guests. In order to cover a wide range of topics and view points we are always looking for new people to join in on the discussion. Special guests can bring with them their own content or simply just add their thoughts to our own list. It only takes about an hour of your time, so let me know if you interested in joining us on the panel. Its the perfect opportunity to share the great things you are working on, promoting, or just need to bring to attention. You can even just join us for the fun of it. Click here to listen to our first episode.

Dr. Kelly

2010-08-19T21:40:00.003-04:00

My Sister in law Kelly was recently interviewed on the dangers of tobacco use. Kelly looks like a pro on TV... check it out.

Wonderful World

2010-05-11T14:45:00.003-04:00

Its safe to say that our boys enjoy listening to music... and singing along. In this video, Mitchell handles the vocals and the guitar while Landon works the percussions. They're still working on tightening things up, but I figure this is pretty good for a 2 and half year old and 1 year old.

Number 100 (Our Return to South Carolina)

2010-04-01T07:00:00.006-04:00

I've had 99 posts on my blog for a long time... and was really looking for a good reason to publish my 100th post. That day is today. Today we move back to Irmo, SC

I've been talking about it on twitter and facebook for the last few weeks, so it probably not a surprise to those who are reading this. It's been almost 3 years since we lived in our house in Irmo, but after many heartaches trying to rent and sell the house we decided to reconsider our approach. Ever since we moved to Massachusetts in 2007 we've lived in several apartments and family members house's (my grandfather's house, Charlie and Nancy's house, a duplex we rented, and my Dad's Condo).

We are totally thankful for everyone in our family who has helped us in our attempt to move to the central Massachusetts area. Our first choice would have been for the house to sell and then with a little savings put away, we could then look for a house in the Worcester area. That didn't happen. And with the understanding that the real estate market wasn't favorable for us to sell, we realized that the best house we could buy for our family is the house that we already owned.

My Dad and my in-laws, Charlie and Nancy have provided a place for us to live for a majority of our time in MA... and unanimously offered to let us stay here as long as it takes. We couldn't be more thankful for their generosity. Also, my company IKON, has been very understanding. They hired me in 2005 in South Carolina, even though I still lived in Holden, MA. In 2007 the transfered me to the Boston area and now they are transferring me back to the Carolinas. Without that kind of flexibility this move would not be possible.

As you can see, we are conflicted about this move. On one hand, its an admission that our original plan to move back to Massachusetts didn't work and we will not be able to live close to our family. On the other hand, we can finally take advantage of a house that has spent the last 3 years either vacant or occupied by tenants who thought paying us rent was optional. Erin and the boys will be able to take advantage of our yard (though I have a lot of work to do on that) and a park that is within walking distance. We'll also jump back into our strong group of friends, many of whom also have small children. Plus, its hard to ignore the improved weather scenario (we never go skiing or really take full advantage of the New England weather). So, in the end we are excited and optimistic for this move back to our home in South Carolina.

So, for those of you in the New England area, we will miss you. We'll be back for vacations and holidays, so hopefully we'll see you then. And to our friends in South Carolina, we are looking forward to see you on a regular basis. To everyone, we truly appreciate your support. We couldn't be more thankful.

- Jason, Erin, Mitchell, Landon & Remydog

Can't You Hear Me Knocking - TBR

2010-01-28T18:00:00.001-05:00

This might be the most fun the guys have had with a cover song... Don't miss this version of Can't You Hear Me Knocking by the Rolling Stones. We see some things in this song that are new for the band, like Victor on the bass guitar, Giuliano on rhythm guitar, Mike laying down the vocal harmonies and Matt picking up the Saxophone half way through the song.

Leave Your Lites On

2010-01-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night The Black Raspberries reached way back to song from 2008 (a long time ago in high school years) and played Leave Your Lites On with a new bass player, Victor. The guys added some lighting for this performance at the Gas Light Cafe, which really helped with the video quality. The Gas Light continues to invite the guys back... so you'll have another chance to see them soon, as well as up coming shows at The Lucky Dog and other venues in the Worcester area.

Kaeley on Fox 25 Boston

2010-01-22T10:02:00.001-05:00

Kaeley on Fox 25 Boston talking about her experience in Haiti.

WBZ on Mission E4

2010-01-19T20:36:00.003-05:00

Another video clip of the Mission E4 Team was on the air earlier tonight during the 6 o'clock news on WBZ Ch. 4. Specifically it covers Kaeley and Taran, both in Haiti during the earthquake. There is also a companion written piece at this link. Read more about Mission E4's Disaster Relief Plan.

Scott's Disaster Relief Plan

2010-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Mission E4 needs to raise $100,000 by February 1st for the people of Haiti. Scott Long is the founder of Mission E4, which serves in Haiti and had a short term mission team on the ground during the earthquake.

I've known Scott all of my life. He used to play Risk with my dad at our kitchen table until the sun came up. As a 10 year old kid, I would wake up and wonder how they could have stayed up all night long playing a board game. Fast forward to today and you can find me playing Settler of Catan until the wee hours of the morning with my friends, many of whom have been colleagues in ministry. 20 years later... I get it. I remember riding along in Scott's little Isuzu pick up truck... He was the cool 20 year old guy that bothered to spend time with the corny 10 year old kid.

I sat down at Starbucks with Scott last year. I wanted to know how he was doing personally. I wanted to get to know more about his growing organization, Mission E4. What I found, is a man and his family, who have given up on the American dream and turned their focus to God's calling here in the city of Worcester and around the world. Scott's organizational talents and leadership skills could be used to produce financial profits, but he realized that his call was different. He now leads an organization that serves here in Worcester and around the world in Albania, Kosova, Mozambique and Haiti.

Haiti is now in a struggle of survival and Mission E4 is in a unique position to get help directly to people who need it most. Mission E4 and Scott's family operate on a 'shoe string' budget. There are so many places to donate in the relief effort, most of them totally legit. However, if you've hesitated because you don't know enough about the organization, I urge you to consider donating to Scott's organization, Mission E4. Click Here to donate and to read more about their Disaster Relief Plan.

Kaeley from Mission E4 talking about Haiti

2010-01-18T22:25:00.003-05:00

Click Here for the full article from NECN.

E4 Team is Returning from Haiti

2010-01-16T21:36:00.003-05:00

Holden Chapel received word that the Mission E4 Team is on their way home:

Saturday - Good News! I received word today that the E4 team is boarding a missionary plane in Haiti and flying back to Florida today. They will be bused to Miami and will catch a flight back to Massachusetts tomorrow morning! Thank you for all your prayers and concerns. Keep praying for the many, many others who are missing, injured and dying in Haiti. Lord, have mercy.

Saturday PM - E4 team has returned to Miami!

Mission E4 Update from Haiti

2010-01-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

Click here to read an update from Scott Long: Haiti Team Updates

Mission Teams in Haiti

2010-01-13T20:52:00.003-05:00

I am so overwhelmed after seeing the images of devastation from the earthquake in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas in Haiti. I'm truly at a loss for words but I did want to pass on some information about local organizations already on the ground to aid in preexisting conditions in this poor country.

One organization based out of central Massachusetts is called "Mission E4" and led by a long time friend Scott Long. He and 36 others from this area are in Haiti and were there during the earthquake. They are all safe at this time. Please pray for the continued safety, provisions of food and shelter, and that God would use them to aid Haitians in need. I'll be sure to pass along any updates as I receive them via Twitter and here on the blog.

Another organization many in the area are also very familiar with is New Mission founded by The DeTellis family. Tim DeTellis has been able to assess some of the damage done there. Everyone is safe, however they have damage to numerous facilities including a now structurally compromised medical clinic. Follow their updates at their website and Twitter page.

Also, please continue to monitor the SoulFest Facebook page for more information on "Mission of Hope Haiti" with which the SoulFest is partnering for fund raising and relief efforts. Also follow along for update on several members of the SoulFest family including Roger that have trips planned to Haiti.

Rock & Roll - TBR

2010-01-06T13:25:00.003-05:00

The Black Raspberries recently played this Led Zeppelin tune at the Gas Light Cafe in Dudley, MA. I had the pleasure of using an Sony HD camera to shoot this video (thanks Kelly!). As you can see, the guys have been really working hard on their live performances and this has been one of their favorite songs to cover. Their new original material has been recorded and mastered and the CD will be out sometime this year! In the mean time, enjoy this version of Rock & Roll!

Festivus - Dec. 23rd

2009-12-23T08:45:00.000-05:00

With credit to Wikipedia here is the story of Festivus:

The Beginning -
Frank Costanza: Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.
Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll?
Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!

The Festivus Pole -

Cosmo Kramer: Is there a tree?
Frank Costanza: No, instead, there's a pole. It requires no decoration. I find tinsel distracting.
Frank Costanza: It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio.
Mr. Kruger: I find your belief system fascinating.

Airing of Grievances -
Frank Costanza: And at the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year!
Frank Costanza: I got a lot of problems with you people! And now, you're gonna hear about it. You, Kruger. My son tells me your company STINKS!
George Costanza: Oh, God.

Feats of Strength -

Jerry Seinfeld: And wasn't there a Feats of Strength that always ended up with you crying?
George Costanza: I can't take it anymore! I'm going to work! Are you happy now?!
Frank Costanza: I've brought one of the cassette tapes.
Frank Costanza (on a tape recorder): Read that poem.
George Costanza (on a tape recorder): I can't read it, I need my glasses.
Frank Costanza (on a tape recorder): You don't need glasses! You're just weak, weak!
Estelle Costanza (on a tape recorder): Leave him alone!
Frank Costanza (on a tape recorder): All right, George. It's time for the Festivus Feats of Strength!
George Costanza: No! No! Turn it off! No feats of strength! I hate Festivus!
Frank Costanza: We had some good times.

Festivus Miracles -

Miracle #1;

Sleazy Guy: "Hello again, Miss Benes."
Elaine Benes: "What are you doing here?"
Sleazy Guy: "Damndest thing. Me and Charlie were calling to ask you out, and, uh, we got this bagel place."
Cosmo Kramer: "I told them I was just about to see you. It's a Festivus Miracle!"

Miracle #2;

Gwen: "Jerry!"
Jerry Seinfeld: "Gwen! How did you know I was here?"
Gwen: "Kramer told me!"
Cosmo Kramer: "Another Festivus Miracle!"
Jerry Seinfeld: (gives Kramer a murderous glare)

Youth miniStarZ

2009-12-15T16:40:00.002-05:00

Thanks to @revkevgcc for posting this.. This one goes out to my friends, Oakley, Steve, Barry, Ben, and a bunch of other Youth miniStarZ out there.

Coincidence on My Way to New Jersey

2009-12-12T21:10:00.012-05:00

Coincidence was all around me on Friday, December 11th, 2009. I woke up totally excited about how the day was going to unfold. My enthusiasm was due to the fact that I was about to hit the road and drive to my brother's house in New Jersey. Chris turned 30 that day... and I figure that was only going to happen once. Surprising him at his front door seemed like the right thing to do. As a father of 2 young boys, I don't get to do leave for a night very often, but in this case, Erin really encouraged me to make the trip.

I also felt like there was something more significant than the trip. There was something about this nearly spontaneous decision to take on the open road that was inspiring me. It might have been the left over joy I felt from the hugs I got from Erin and the boys before I left or that I sense life change in the near future. But mostly, I was excited to see the next scene of my life story take place... a chance to see a band that my brother and I haven't seen together since 1997. Switchfoot was playing at the TLA in Philadelphia and we had tickets... only Chris didn't know that I had one as well.

Switchfoot always inspires me. Their music is the poetry of hope that I need to hear when I feel like my heart is in a rut. Just list the titles of their songs and I start to feel inspired: "Meant to Live", "This is Your Life", "Dare You To Move", "Awakening" and so many more. On the drive down to see my brother, I promised myself that I would sing the words of these songs until my voice was sore. It felt like the thing the 1997 version of myself would do.

I was excited about one other thing on this trip. I haven't been doing much reading over the past several months and this trip was going to include 10 hours of drive time. So, I signed up for Audible, the audio book service that allows you to download a book and listen to it on an MP3 player or phone. I decided to listen to: "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller. The poignant question posed at the beginning of the book is this: "Why would you want a Volvo or anything of perceived value if you wouldn't be interested in watching a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo?" To put it another way, the elements that make up a story for a great movie are the same elements that make up a great life.

I was seriously challenged by this premise. I mean, I've always known that real value in life is generated by the relationships we cultivate and not the things we accumulate. But I never thought of putting life in the context of a good story. I love a flawed character, vibrant scenes, the challenge of the antagonist and so many of the other components of a great story. I just never thought of those elements of story being important to my life.

And in that moment, somewhere on I-84 in Connecticut, I realized the coincidences all around me. The book, the band, the trip, and my relationship with my brother. I was about to play out a major scene in the story of my life... the kind of musical montage that sums up my relationship with my brother. Just picture us walking on South St. in downtown Philadelphia, eating a Cheese Steak and having a drink all while the sounds of Switchfoot played in our heads... "This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?"

Ode To Joy

2009-12-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

Chrome OS

2009-11-19T14:52:00.003-05:00

What if Rob Bell was going to produce a Google video for the new Chrome OS? It might sound something like this. Even if you don't agree with the Rob Bell comparison, I really like what Google is saying in this video.... why not simplify!

Calculator (The story of my trip to Burlington, MA)

2009-11-11T20:22:00.005-05:00

As some of you heard on twitter today, I went to Burlington, MA for a training event at work. It was a pretty good event with plenty of food and the promise of a prize for those who could answers questions at the end. Like any other perpetually broke person, I was excited for the chance to get something for free. That included a free lunch, which also made it a poor choice for me to go to the Chick-fil-A at the Burlington Mall... so I didn't go (refer to the tweet).

Anyway... back to the point. I was anxious to answer a question at the end of the training so that I could reap the benefits of paying attention all day long. The first question was impossible, so I didn't raise my hand. The second question was a little more realistic and my hand rapidly flung up in the air as if I had channeled the 4th grade version of myself. I confidently... and correctly answered the question and was rewarded the 1st prize.

It was a calculator.

I tried not to look outwardly disappointed but I'm sure a smirk flashed across my face. After we were dismissed, I put it with my things and headed for home.

When I got home, Mitchell greeted me with his usual enthusiasm. It's a joy that can't be explained until your 2 year old runs up to you, hugs your leg and yells, "My daddy's home!" I started to look for a place to put my things down; Mitchell followed me to the couch, with Landon looking on from his spot on the floor. Mitchell asked what has now become a very common question, "... This is...?" (interpretation: What is this?) I showed Mitchell and Landon my new calculator. The wonder and amazement was over the top. "A Calculator!.... WOW!" In an effort to keep things equal, I actually handed it to Landon first. He didn't say anything, but he did grab onto it with his unusually strong, 9 month old hands as if to say, "I love this calculator!"

The calculator was free. The reaction was priceless. These are the invaluable moments available in parenthood no matter how broke you think you are.

(Plus... the calculator situation reminded me of this SNL skit from last year. Check it out!)

Don't Call It Marriage

2009-11-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

One of my closest friends, Jay Caton posted to an earlier blog dealing with Homosexual Unions. We respect each others opinions and since its rare that we come down on different sides of the issues, I figured I would share it on this blog (with his permission). His rebuttal and yours are welcome!

Jay Caton:
I'm deeply saddened that Maine voters have overturned their same-sex marriage laws. It’s a blow to all our rights, gay or straight.

This is not a religious issue. They will not "teach" our children how to be gay. In fact, in what class are they teaching them, to be straight?

They will not “overrun” our system and cause problems in our society. It works in Mass, it works, in 4 other states and in numerous other country’s. It can work across the US too.

No one is saying that individuals need to "accept" same sex relationships or "lifestyles". There are those who still are very vocal about their dislike for interracial marriage. Just this week a justice of the piece in Texas resigned his post because he did not want to perform such wedding ceremonies. He did not need to resign; he could have just chosen not to do those weddings. That’s fine. But he can’t tell interracial couple they can not wed at all.

And no one should be able to tell a same sex couple they can’t either.

My response:
I haven't read much about the decision in Maine, but I did read that it marks the 31st time that the electorate has voted down a measure for gay marriage in the US. Whether one agrees with the decision or not, I believe that a referendum style vote is the most clear way to deal with this issue. It is not small minded to defend a principle such as the definition of marriage as one man/one woman (who also meet other important criteria such as not being related). People have just as much right to vote for a more open interpretation of marriage if they wanted to... its just that the majority hasn't... 31 straight times in a row including states more likely be vote blue like California and now Maine.

The real mistake is the tactic to use the word marriage to describe a homosexual relationship. That word marriage is what actually does make this a religious issue for many people. Marriage is deeply ceremonial and religious in nature.

Government has endorsed this method and then applied rights associated with marriage. Government has laws that deal with marriage or religious institutions and those laws are meant to protect citizens from religious fraud.

The key for successful gay-rights is to look to the government to apply rights associated with marriage, but under different terminology and conditions. Just like there are rights applied to a 'common marriage' couple, there can be... and should be... rights applied to a homosexual couple. They should be concerned with new rhetoric to support government recognition of an entirely new category of relationship that qualifies for tax credits, health care benefits, beneficiary rights and so on.

Just don't call it marriage.

Happy Birthay Erin (Mommy) - We love you!

2009-10-19T07:00:00.003-04:00

Erin - On your birthday, I wanted to take a moment to publicly brag about the amazing mother and wife that you are! Mitchell, Landon and I are blessed every day by the little things and the big things that you do.

We've been together for 10 years now. Back then, I wasn't conscientiously thinking, "I want to marry her because she is going to be a phenomenal wife and mother", and yet I knew that you were the perfect woman for me and whatever children we may have. I couldn't put it into words then, but there was something about your ability to care for others that drew me to you. I couldn't resist.

And now 10 years later, I get to see how that potential to love as it is actually lived out every day. Every day you nurture and challenge us to be more caring ourselves. For the boys, they don't know any better. As far as they are concerned, Mommy and Daddy love them... period. For me, I know that they are loved by a woman who's capacity to care for her children far out ways my wildest expectations. I can't tell you how many times I come home from work to hear of the latest example of what you and the boys do for fun and learning and think to myself, "how does she think of so many great ideas?"

So... I wanted you (and everybody else) to know that I love you! I know the boys love you (Mitchell says it with words and Landon says it with his eyes) . They can't resist... and neither can I.

- Jason (Mitchell & Landon)

What I really think about Obama

2009-10-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

Ok... so as many times as I've tried to explain it, every time I mention President Obama, I get a ton of hits and comments from my fellow Republicans. I'm not liberal in anyway... yes maybe I've become a little more of a moderate, but at the core, I'm a strong proponent of the Republican party. Let me put it another way... when I saw this skit, I totally agreed with SNL! (which almost never happens)

Obama Auto-Tune

2009-10-04T21:43:00.001-04:00

Another reason why I voted for President Obama... musical skills!

Homosexual Unions

2009-09-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

This is a difficult topic. I recently responded to a friend's via email on this topic and this was a part of the response, now edited for this blog.

While I am personally opposed to homosexual marriage, if the state, through legislative means, rules in favor of a union for homosexual partners, what arguments do I have left other than religious? I believer it is completely appropriate for a religious body to not perform or support homosexual unions based on their interpretation of the scriptures. However, it is not appropriate for religious bodies to insist on state legislation based on a scriptural basis by which only they agree. In other words, all citizens have as a basis the common text of the constitution and law, however not all citizens consider the Bible as a common text. Therefore, any argument that we have against homosexual marriage, abortion, or any other ‘hot button’ issue that is based entirely on scripture will only be effective to those who consider the Bible as common text.

My point is that preaching that homosexual lifestyles go against Christ’s teachings is like preaching to the choir. I think most in the evangelical church would agree (though other liberal interpretations of Christ's teachings would not agree). So then, how does the evangelical church effectively reach a community with Christ's teachings when we often start by essentially saying, “If you’re gay or approve of homosexual unions, you have a distinctive disadvantage in getting to heaven” (… at least that’s how many people hear our opposition to homosexuality). I’d say that cuts us off from reaching about 40% of the community … maybe much more here in New England.

As a church in the modern world, I believe we need to focus on the universal truths in scripture, equip our congregations in a way that they can live it out in the real world, and educate them in such a way that they do not just ‘regurgitate’ scriptural references that will fall flat in a world that does not consider the Bible as common text.

Let me give you my favorite example. Abortion has long been opposed by religious organizations. Those who consider themselves to be Pro-Choice are most adamant that the government or a religious body not tell them what a mother can and cannot do with her body. If we resort to an argument stating that the Bible says 'killing a baby is wrong' and here is the scripture from Isaiah to prove our point, the argument then hits a wall. However, if we look at the universal truth of the matter that killing a baby is wrong and then attack the science behind the Row vs. Wade decision, we can begin to engage someone who does not acknowledge the Bible. I won’t spell out my entire abortion argument other than to say that our level of scientific understanding in 1972 when Row vs. Wade was handed down is easily debunked with modern science.

When it comes to homosexual unions, I have a more difficult time with the argument. I'm solid on the religious arguments, but in terms of matters of the state, I'm not sure there is a good reason to oppose unions. The one thing I know is that I don't approve of a court that creates common law in matters like this. Massachusetts is an example as our legislator did not pass a new law approving legal unions, but that the courts decided that the state constitution already provides for homosexual unions based on discrimination. That's not how our government was designed to work. However, if the state legislator does pass a law or an amendment to our constitution that provides for homosexual unions, then I have limited options for which to oppose it.

At that point I have a few options: 1) run for state representative and work toward repealing the law, 2) protest and take part in civil disobedience demonstrations, or 3) move back to South Carolina. I don't see that legislator changing this law anytime soon; plus I still have a house there that no one else seems to want... anybody.... anybody want it? It's nice... I promise!

What do you think?