It’s just a beautiful day in the neighborhood…

It appears that Maximus Onesimus decided he wanted a little outdoor picnic.

I love this time of the year.

Community
We have been a part of a community group for a few years now, but in February we were able to start our own. We started in our small one bedroom apartment with about five people and quickly out grew our space. We now meet at the home of three single guys who very graciously host about 20-25 people every Thursday evening. I could say more, but it deserves its own post…

Mars Hill Church
Stephanie and I continue to serve at Mars Hill Church Downtown Bellevue. You can usually find us in the Mars Hill Kids area. In April we were honored to be installed as deacons. Summer had us making a couple trips down south to help plant Mars Hill Portland. They officially launch January 15th. In October the Bellevue church relocated to the John Danz Theater in Downtown Bellevue. Things have exploded and I am continually humbled to be part of God’s amazing work at MH BEL.

Homecomings
My Grandma Pat Kasowski and Grandma Shirley Schoenberger both went to see Jesus this year. It was a tearful and joyful reminder that life is short and only one thing matters. I am eternally grateful for their legacy. They both loved Jesus and it showed. I am glad that I will see them again. The party is going to be awesome.

Maximus Onesimus
Our furry friend was evicted from our apartment complex (under false accusations I might add). We took a road trip to Boise and he stayed behind with my family. He has a nice backyard, a couch cushion to sit on and a lot of attention, so he seems to be doing quite well.

Marriage
Steph and I celebrated two years of marriage on October 10th. We were able to head down to SoCal and enjoyed some great family time, sunshine, beach and In-N-Out Burgers. We are continually grateful that God brought us together. We have been reading Real Marriage in preparation for the upcoming sermon series at Mars Hill and we can’t put a higher recommendation on the book.

Looking ahead
We are both really excited to see what is in store for twenty-twelve – I am sure it is going to be awesome. For now, you can head over to the About page and find links to our Twitter and Facebook profiles as we are pretty good at wasting time posting over there. Happy New Year!

A minor note: I had some technical difficulties that lost the first awesome draft of this post. This was my quick rewrite this morning on the bus. Excuse the grammatical abomination.

A couple of my cousins are starting a new photo project called The 313 Project. I have decided to join in the fun. Basically it is posting a photo a day minus Sunday. I will be taking Saturdays off instead as I want to post exciting photos of what God is doing on Sundays at Mars Hill Church Downtown Bellevue.

Here is the first photo. Guess where Steph and I went for breakfast. I had a free meal since I joined “the pancake revolution”. I am sure they will spam me with pancakes now. Oh well…

- Brandon

• Intel Core i3 – 3.2 GHz
• 1TB Hard Drive – UPDATED (I thought it was only 500GB)
• Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive
• Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse
• OS X – Lion 10.7
• 4 GB RAM (2 – 2GB – 1333 MHz DDR3 SO-DIMM) 2 free slots
• 21.5 inch LED-backlit widescreen display (1920 by 1080 pixels)
• ATI Radeon HD 5670 512 MB Graphics
• Built-in iSight Camera
• Built-in AirPort (WiFI) 802.11a/b/g/n
• Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• 4 – USB ports
• 1 – FireWire 800 port
• 1 – 1000BASE-T Ethernet port
• 1 – Mini DisplayPort
• 3.5mm Audio In/Out
• Built-in 17 watt speakers

Psalm 6

1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger

or discipline me in your wrath.

2 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint;

O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

Lord, I thank you that you do show great mercy and patience with me.  I ask that you would continue to be gracious to me, as your Holy Spirit continues his sanctifying work in me.

3 My soul is in anguish.

How long, O Lord, how long?

4 Turn, O Lord, and deliver me;

save me because of your unfailing love.

Lord, thank you that you love me enough to empower me to overcome sin in my life.  Thank you for all that you have delivered me from, and I pray that you would continue to let me have victory and walk in freedom.

5 No one remembers you when he is dead.

Who praises you from the grave?

6 I am worn out from groaning;

all night long I flood my bed with weeping

and drench my couch with tears.

Lord, I’ve had nights like this one described.  I thank you that you faithfully brought me through those, and pray that I can remember that you are with me in the future when hard times come.

7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;

they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil,

for the Lord has heard my weeping.

9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;

the Lord accepts my prayer.

Lord, thank you that you hear my prayers, and that I’m able to be in relationship with you.  Being able to commune with you is an evidence of your mercy, and I pray that I would come to fully appreciate that.

10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;

they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

Everyday
On my bus ride into Seattle I usually read whatever book I am currently reading – usually on my Kindle. Once in Seattle at about 6:40am I spend about 15 min reading the Bible. I have been in Proverbs and Job lately, but am going to get back on a regular reading plan soon. This one from Downtown Cornerstone looks great.

Missional Monday
There are a lot of people in Seattle. This in my morning to spend talk to one (or more) of them. Those who know me know that I am not exactly an outgoing social butterfly, so this day can be a challenge. It has however turned out to be something I look forward to on Mondays. So far the people I have talked to have been the first person that asks me for money. Very interesting conversations to be had about needs, wants, and Jesus.

Tune-up Tuesday
This is my time to look at the days and weeks ahead and do a little planning. This is time to make sure my calendar is up to date. I can also quickly go over our budget and goals and see how we are doing. Also a good day to schedule meetings for the week ahead with my peeps.

Worship Wednesday
This is time to stop and praise God for who he is and what he has done for me. This is something I have always struggled with in the past. Well, not even struggled with – just straight up neglected. For the first time in a long time I have actually been praying for others and seeing God at work through it. It is amazing. I usually spend this time at the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park. It is a great place to walk around and enjoy God’s creativity in creation itself and through others creations. I will have to find a good alternative once the rain returns…

Theology Thursday
This day is my day to read and study. I am currently reading Erasing Hell, by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. I also like to go over my notes from Sunday’s sermon and pray in preparation for community group on Thursday evenings.

Follow-up Friday
Friday mornings are set aside for following up and reaching out to the peeps in my life. If you are awaiting an email from me you may see it Friday morning. This is an area I am trying to grow in. Basically you will see me in the coffee shop typing out something or getting social on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc…

My days are not completely set in stone. I am not afraid to mix it up here and there (a good morning snuggle session with my wifey is always nice), but this is a helpful template for me. It reminds me of all of the areas I need to grow in and keeps me from getting too comfortable and lazy in areas that I tend to favor. Like my great grandpa used to say, “everything in moderation.”

Note: I am still trying to figure out the exercise part. That will be another post I guess… Until then I have baseball.

Planning
Today Stephanie and I were able to take some time to do a little life planning. I posted this on twitter and got back a “What is life planning?” comment. I thought it could be helpful to put together a quick post of what a “life planning” time looks like for us.

Where are we now
This should be a pretty easy one. We try to at least know what our lives currently look like. It is helpful to do a quick fly-by and make sure we are both on the same page. I am always surprised by the little current events that seem to slip through the communication gaps (like the mens family kayaking trip or current work events).

What is God calling us to
This is a good one to hit first because it will greatly (or should greatly) dictate the Where do we want to be questions that come next.

Where do we want to be
In light of what God is calling us to next, we align that calling with where we would like to be in the next six months to a year.

- Where are we going to live
— Stay where we are?
— Move locally?
— Move to a different community/state/country?
- What does our health look like?
- What does our family look like?
— Kid(s)?
—- Birth one?
—- Adopt one? 
—- Both? 
—- Foster care?
— Pet(s)?
- What does work look like? 
— Stay or Go? 
— Promotions? 
- What do our finances look like? 
— What debts do we have? 
— What are we saving for? 
— Who are we giving to? 
- What does ministry look like? 
— Are we serving where God wants us to serve? 
— Are there areas we should be serving that we are not? 
— Are there areas we should not be serving where we are? 
— What would transitioning out of current ministries look like? 
— Who are we dicipling? 
— Who should we be dicipling? 
— Who do we need to follow up with? 
- Vacations? 
— How many? 
— Time off? 
— Schedule? 
— Local or distant? 
- Schooling? 
— How did this one get back on the list…

Pray
Pray over the discussion and the plans. Know that they are not chiseled in rock. Pray not that your plans would be fulfilled but that God’s would be.

Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 

Do it again
Where you think you will be in six months and where you find yourself in six months will be different. Regroup and plan again. You and your spouse are called to be one. It helps if you are both heading the same direction.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5

Tell somebody
Do you have some close friends to be accountable with? It may be helpful to discus your plan with them. Ask them for input. 

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22

NOTE: This should prefferably not be your parents unless you live at home AND they are still supporting you. In that case they should know you have a plan to grow up. 

I rejoice at the verse which states: ”But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house.”  What amazing words those are!  It is a wonderful promise, while at the same time being an excellent reminder that I am not worthy to be in the presence of God aside from his great mercy!  When I take the time to reflect on it, I am continually blown away by how much God loves me, and how gracious he is to forgive me of my sins!

My prayers are in italics.

Psalm 5

For the director of music.  For Flutes.  A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord,

consider my sighing.

Lord God, I thank you that you listen to my prayers.  I thank you that you can decipher my heart and emotion, and know exactly what I need, even when I’m not sure what to pray for.

2 Listen to my cry for help,

my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

I thank you that I can call to you for help, and that you are powerful enough to make a difference in my life, and answer prayers.

3 In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.

Lord, I ask that you help me to be more regular about pouring out my heart to you.  Lord, help me make this a regular habit in my life, that it may be something I do every morning, and that I see fruit from that regular communion with you.

4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;

with you the wicked cannot dwell.

Lord, I thank you that the sin and evil in the world breaks your heart, that you are not indifferent.  Thank you for caring enough about the evil in the world that you died for all sin.

Also, I praise you that you are so good that you cannot be with evil.  Thank you that you are more powerful, and are set apart because you are holy.

5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;

you hate all who do wrong.

Lord, help me to not fall in this category!  Help me to be humble, and to love righteousness.

6 You destroy those who tell lies;

bloodthirsty and deceitful men

the Lord abhors.

Lord, help me to tell the truth in all circumstances.  Help me to not excuse lies or justify them.  Help me to see loving you and your truth as more important than protecting myself or making myself look good by bending the truth.

7 But I, by your great mercy,

will come into your house;

in reverence will I bow down

toward your holy temple.

Lord, thank you for this great gift that you let me into your house, and allow me to commune with you, though I am a sinner.  Your grace truly is amazing, especially when I remember the contrast of how holy you are and how sinful I am.  Help me to not take my relationship with you for granted, but to treat you with honor and reverence.  Help me remember that it is a privilege, and by grace alone, that I am allowed to be part of your family.

8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righeousness

because of my enemies-

make straight your way before me.

Lord God, help me to be growing in righteousness, and to stay on the path that you would have for me.

9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;

their heart is filled with destruction.

Their throat is an open grave;

with their tongue they speak deceit.

10 Declare them guilty, O God!

Let their intrigues be their downfall.

Banish them for their many sins,

for they have rebelled against you.

Lord, help me to be trustworthy in all that I say.  Please keep me from rebelling against you or becoming sinful and proud.  In my heart of hearts I want to live my life for you.  Help me glorify you in all that I do.  I thank you that you sent Jesus to die for my sins, so that I am no longer condemned, but am set free from sin, even though I am totally undeserving.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Lord, thank you for giving us the option to take refuge in you! Thank you that you promise to protect us and take care of us, if we seek you.  Thank you that my sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, so that I am able to be in relationship with you, and exchange my sin for his righteousness.  Your extreme mercy to sinners like me is great reason to rejoice!

12 For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;

you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Lord, I thank you for how you’ve bless me with totally undeserved grace!

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HP LaserJet Printer

• HP LaserJet 1020
• Not Mac supported, but you can make it work. Google “Mac HP 1020”
• Save $ on ink with a laser printer. Works great. Best printer I have ever owned.
• See Full Specs

Canon AIO Printer

• Canon MP620
• Print, Scan, Copy
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• See Full Specs

Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. Thanks!

Here is the next installment of my project of praying through the psalms in one year.  My goal in this is to become a better worshiper of God and to let my heart cry out to and glorify Him through my prayers.

So here goes… my prayers are in italics

Psalm 4:

From the director of music.  With stringed instruments.  A psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call to you, oh my righteous God.

Give me relief from my distress;

be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Lord, I pray that you would help me to discern the answers that you do give.  I pray that I can know with certainty what your answer is, and be at peace about it.

2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Selah

Lord, I pray that you would help me not to believe lies or seek after false gods.  Help me to be more enthusiastic about serving and glorifying you than about worshiping and protecting my idols.

3 Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;

the Lord will hear when I call to him.

Lord, thank you for saving me by your grace, and allowing me to have a relationship with you. I am so thankful that I can talk to you, and that you are involved in my life!

4 In your anger do not sin;

when you are on your beds,

search your hearts and be silent.

Selah

Lord, help me to be patient and self-controlled, so that I do not sin, even if I may feel justified.  I pray that you would guide me into more frequent time of reflection to search my heart and refocus on you.

5 Offer sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

Lord, I pray that you would give me a heart that wants to serve and sacrifice to you, and that I would do so joyfully, and without fear; but in faith that you take care of all of my needs.

6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.

Lord, I thank you that I have the privilege of knowing who you are, and can know that you provide good things.  Thank you for the ways your light has been shining in my life!

7 You have filled my heart with greater joy

than when their grain and new wine abound.

Lord, I thank you that you alone are the greatest source of joy!  As wonderful as blessing and prosperity are, you are still greater than all the good things in this world.

8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O Lord,

make me dwell in safety.

Lord, thank you for the protection and peace you have provided in my life.  Thank you that I can rest, and be at peace, knowing you are in control of all things, and are a good and trustworthy God.

O – oh…Death whereʼs your sting?
O – oh…how you have tasted defeat!

Oh the bloodshed, The the last breath
Resurrection, Salvation

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen!
And my soul knows sweet salvation

Thereʼs a song that is sung by the saints that have come and have gone from under the sun
Those that are present before your throne
Sing endlessly the glory of God

This choir only gets better with time. I look forward to joining it someday.