Insert Title Here

Coming Soon in 2010: Hellums Baby Number Two

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:15:00 PST

FAQ:

How far along is she? We are not for certain as of yet; we will be going to the doctor sometime in the next couple of weeks. (I am sure I will post more details after that appointment.)

Were you planning this? No. Too many times Kari and I make plans, but God has a completely different plan. I said this a few times, "I am not sure if we would have planned Baby Number Two, so this works."

Was Kari taking birth control? Yes and as my boss likes to say, "That baby is going to come out with its fist clinched around a little pill."

Are you excited? I am very excited, but shocked. Who wouldn't want three more little "Landon" babies! :) It has been a wonderful first six months and I am looking forward to having another baby.

Is Kari sick again? Yes. She has already started throwing up and snacking all day long. I guess we should have realized something was up when she started snacking again at weird hours.

Do you have a name picked out? We do have a girl name picked out, but not a boy name. Upon birth we will announce the name of Baby Number Two.

Do you want a boy or a girl? Yes. We are praying for a healthy and strong baby. I think Kari would like a girl, but I want another boy.

If I missed anything, please feel free to ask. We would ask that you pray for Kari, Landon and I as we travel down another year of pregnancy.

Batterson's Primal Worth the Read

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:47:57 PST

Mark Batterson's latest book is an encouragement to myself and the church of one of Jesus' teaching, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..." (Luke 10:27). Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity is broken into four sections and Batterson focuses on the ways we can love God: our heart, soul, strength, and our minds. This happens to be one of my "cornerstone verses" that I often read and re-read.

Batterson uses easy to read applicable stories from his own life and others to help the reader understand his points. I would highly recommend anyone reading this book. The author never writes over your head and his books ooze with his own personal relationship with Christ; it is easy to allow God to change your heart after reading a Mark Batterson book.

Check out Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, you won't be disappointed.

God Bless.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

A Few Quick Points

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:57:43 PST

Landon had his first cold; 101 temp and all...he is getting better, still a little congested.

Today began Christmas break @ HLCCC; ready for a little rest and relaxation. Family Christmas' here we come!

We recently found out we will be moving from the north side of camp to what I call the east side of camp. We will be moving from our 1 bedroom duplex to a 3 bedroom house. It will be more space and crawling room for Landon.

Kari hurt her back some how and was in extreme pain last night; please keep her in your prayers and Landon too as he is fighting this cold (and we are loosing sleep).

I plan to write a Christmas blog...so stay tuned. God bless.

Hey Cupcake! Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:00:00 PST

We have driven by the new Hey Cupcake! stand in Oak Hill and finally dropped by to see what it was all about. I have heard several people say they were amazing cupcakes, so we had to check it out.

With one store front and four other location "on wheels" in and around Austin; business does not seem to be too bad. I think the idea is cleaver, especially in a town like Austin. If you haven't seen one of these stands, basically the menu consists of 7 cupcakes, drinks and other gift items (shirt, hat, gift card).

Kari ordered The Standard and Red Velvet. We tried both and to be honest weren't very impressed. The Standard left a funny after taste in my mouth, none that I desire in a cupcake. The price seems a little high as well. Coming in at $2.50, that will be the last $5.00 I will spent at Hey Cupcake!.

With a little quality improvement in the flavor of the cupcakes, this little business would be smokin', but until than, it is just and average, quirky desert joint in Austin.

Have a great day.

A Few New Photos by Rod

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:13:00 PST

Landon Laughs Some More

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:13:52 PST

It All Boils Down to Love

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:42:47 PST

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:28-31

Will and I have talked about the "most important" passage in all of scripture and the above is in my opinion one of those critical passages we need to grasp. In addition to making Jesus Christ our Lord, we need to love above all else. When we are loving God and our neighbors, as the passage states, how can anyone walk around NOT excited about life.

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth." Psalm 100:1

First and foremost we should love God. I think if many of us lived this on a daily basis, our world would look a lot different. Jesus' love should be pouring out of us to God, praising Him for our lives, creation and all the many blessings He showers down upon us. Each day is a day granted by God and rightly so, we should shout for joy to the Lord. Colossians 3:17 states, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

What does this look like? I think if and when we are loving the Lord are God and our neighbors: someone is excited about life with a smile on their face and encouraging one another; lending a helping hand to those in need; someone who looks past: race, creeds and economic status, but sees another creation by God; talking and praise the Lord throughout the day. These are just a few ways I think the world would look if we allowed God's love to flow in and through us on a daily, minute by minute basis.

God love you. In Psalm 66:20, the writer gives praise to God, "...who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!" God's love is indesirably huge and amazing and yet, we are loved by God. ("We love because he first loved us," 1 John 4:19.)

Be encouraged today to let love in, as the Goo Goo Dolls song goes, it all boils down to God's love. God loves you. Spread and share His love today with someone you know; a friend, neighbor, a stranger or anyone I might not have mentioned; just take the many opportunities God has ordained for you and love on someone.

God Bless.

Landon Eats His Toes

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:30:00 PDT

Landon's great-Mama (pronounced Maw maw) was putting his toes in his mouth for the first time and laughing so hard about it. Kari filmed this in Bastrop earlier this afternoon and uploaded it. Enjoy.

Landon has a Giggling Fit

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:01:00 PDT

I am pretty sure this was filmed @ 7:20pm, but I could not figure out how to change the time...I really did try. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this little clip.

He sure is a happy little baby.

God Bless.

Memories to Share

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:30:00 PDT

Recent family moments that will be hard to forget:

Feeding Landon at 4am. He closes his eyes to fall asleep, but giggles and than smiles. It was such a precious moment.

The first time he giggled. We went over to my Mama's house (pronounced Maw maw) and my mother (Landon's Big Momma) was showing him a new toy. He threw himself back in my mom's arms and started giggling, to the point he choked himself up.

Running to H.E.B. with just my wife. My Mama insisted she take care of him. Kari and I strolled around H.E.B. getting a few items, but rushed back to see our son. It is one of the first and few times we have left him alone.

Sleeping away from Mom & Dad. Landon currently shares a room with us. We went to visit Grammy, Kari's mom, and we put him down in his baby bed in a completely different room. He slept almost 9 hours each night over the weekend. Kari thinks my snoring is keeping him up, but we can't prove it yet (I don't think I snore).

There are so many more, but these are just a few that I thought I would share. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. God Bless.

Quoteable Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:00:00 PDT

Ira: "I took you some work."

Mr. Clyde: "What did you bring me?"

Ira: "A piano bench."

Mr. Clyde: "A can of beer?"

Mr. Clyde is one of our resident volunteers who is 86. He is a cabinet builder and does amazing work. He is a little hard of hearing, hence the hilarious reply...I thought I would share.

God Bless.

Rainbow Over Highland Lakes Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:44:45 PDT

Insert Title Here...Time for a Title Change?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:21:10 PDT

When I started my blog, Insert Title Here, on Sunday, August 14, 2005, I wasn't sure what my blog was going to be about, but it has become a writing exercise, an outlet for some of my theological thoughts, sharing family news and some political rants. I am uncertain if Insert Title Here still fits my blog, so I need your help.

I am going to start a poll, but also want your comments. Should the title of my blog remain Insert Title Here, or should I explore a new title? I am not even sure if I could come up with a new title, but I think I will open the discussion.

Positive: Insert Title Here works because I have a different title for each blog, so you could insert that "new" title each time.

Negative: When people ask me about my blog, Insert Title Here and they ask me how to get to it, I have to respond, "www.jhellums.blogspot.com" instead of www.inserttitlehere.blogspot.com because someone already has it, but never post.

Drop me a comment and maybe a vote on my poll. Thanks for reading, if it is Insert Title Here, or if it isn't!

God Bless.

Psalm 125:1-2

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:00:01 PDT

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.

Must See Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:47:10 PDT

Random Thoughts...(That Will Do)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:21:40 PDT

Cash for Clunkers...almost 750,000 new vehicles were sold, so now 750,000 Americans are further in debt; thanks Cash for Clunkers (I know this maybe a little late, but that's why the title is Random Thoughts).

A couple of days off sure does heal the old body.

The Dallas Cowboys didn't look half bad; Romo did better in the second half, but I guess this is only Week 1. How 'bout them Cowboys!

Sadly, the Astros will not be making the post-season, go figure. Who shall I root for...I thought Texas had a chance, but it doesn't look like that will happen either. Go Colorado!

The Men Who Stare at Goats is on my "to see in the theater" list.

I am reading Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson on a recommendation by my boss; I can't put it down.

The Miles dedication went off well. Dennis Swanberg is a funny guy and does an amazing Billy Graham impression. A highlight (paraphrased):

Dennis' mother - "I just paid $2.37 for gas. Did you hear that son, I paid $2.37 for gas today. How much do you pay Dennis?"

Dennis' reply - "I don't know, Momma. We just pull up to the pump and fill up weather its $2.37 or $4.47; we still need gas."

Dennis' mother - "You don't know how much you pay?"

Dennis' reply - "No Momma, I don't."

Dennis' mother - "Well, that why you don't have nothing, you don't even know how much gas is."

I am sure that went off better when Swanberg told it, but I had to share (maybe if you read it out loud and talk like an old lady for his mothers parts it will be funny).

Ok. Randomness is coming to a close. The back story on the video of The Ira & Jeremy Show next time, stay tuned. Have a great evening.

The Ira & Jeremy Show

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:15:00 PDT

Back to Work

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:45:00 PDT

After a refreshing five days off, a birthday celebration and Landon's two month milestone, I am back to work. Saturday, September 12th is the dedication ceremony of Miles Auditorium at Highland Lakes Camp. Our featured guest and comedian will be Dennis Swanberg. It should be a pretty neat dedication ceremony (Kari and I met in the old Miles Auditorium). I believe God is going use this new auditorium to touch thousands of lives; young and old and I look forward to God using me at Highland Lakes Camp.

Landon continues to grow. I am not sure exactly when this growing is happening, maybe it happens while I am at work or while he sleeps, but I cannot be for certain. It seems like I get to see him so much and I would be able to see the "growing" happen right before my eyes, but I guess it doesn't work that way; he just keeps getting bigger! He is now smiling and laughing at just about anyone. I was lucky enough to capture one of these moments on film Monday morning (on my new video camera, thanks Mom); it is such a precious moment. At some point I hope to share a few of these videos with you (like Landon Makes Faces).

My birthday celebration was amazing. The Lord has blessed me with such an amazing wife. She went all out to make it one of the best birthday celebrations. She made arrangements to have my mom there, a few gifts and wonderful food. We ate homemade chicken and dumplings, chocolate cheese cake with cherries on top (yummy!) and rice crispy treats. She knows how to take care of her husband and treat him like a king. I love you, Kari.

That's about all the time I have. Back to the family. God Bless...until next time.

Ring the Bell Promo

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:04:28 PDT

"Ring the Bell" is a fundraising campaign by Highland Lakes Camp aimed at raising money for Miles Auditorium. After the fire in Nov. 2006, the camp had a vision to build a new building and office complex in place of Miles Auditorium. Currently the auditorium and office is complete, but we are asking for your gifts and support to help pay for the new building. To donate check out www.highlandlakescamp.org or call 1-888-222-3482

Baby Landon Getting Bigger

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:25:00 PDT

Landon weights about 12 pounds and is about 23 inches long (according to Mama's measuring tape). This coming Friday he will be two months old and getting his first shot.

Some things I have been enjoying:

Late night feeding times. About 3 or 4am he has his first morning snack and he and I get to hang out. The best part is, after his belly is full he falls right back to sleep.

Baby noises are precious. It is hard to describe for a blog, but baby noises are amazing.

Changing a diaper is tricky. You have to be very careful when opening a little boys diaper; I am happy to report he has only shot me twice (Whew!).

Dressing someone else (Landon) is hard. Maybe it is because I am trying to be careful with him, but I move to slow when it comes to putting clothes on him.

When Landon smiles he melts his daddy's heart.

I hope everyone is doing well. God Bless and keep it tuned to Insert Title Here.

Photoshoot w/ Cordsen Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:15:00 PDT

These are just a few of the many pictures that were taken by our friends Rod and Dana. Check out www.cordsenphotography.com for his work. He does some great stuff. More to come.

"Pop the Chutes"

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:30:00 PDT

At the end of the day my boss will usually say, "Pop the Chutes." That is how I feel as Saturday approaches. Saturday officially marks the end of summer for Highland Lakes Camp; which means summer staff goes home, PR slows down and Retreat Season begins. The transition has already begun: Milam dorm has been converted back into a meeting space, bunk beds were pulled from the hotel and extra tables were moved from the dining hall. These are just a few of the retreat season changes being made.

Kari, Landon and I have been blessed by volunteers Rod and Dana Cordsen with baby and family photos. Rod is a professional photographer and has been volunteering for the PR staff for the last two weeks. It has been a pleasure getting to know him and his wife through work, fellowship and a photoshoot. They own a company called Story Studios and have a guarantee that I have never seen before, check out his websites Story Studios and Cordsen Photography.

Landon continues to amaze me everyday. He is starting to make new sounds and he is beginning to follow objects with his eyes and head. I watched as he scooted to the position that he found most comfortable before he fell asleep; so he maybe a little picky. He enjoys music, but most of all he loves being with his mommy. Kari's presence alone calms him.

I hope and pray each of you is doing well. Take care and tune in next time for more from Insert Title Here.

One Month and One Day (Plus some)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:00:00 PDT

I might have said it before, but Kari and I are having a blast. I do confess, Kari is sleeping less than I am, but we are finding a good balance. Last night, we went to bed at midnight and he slept till 4:55am. After about a 20 to 30 minute snack, he went back to sleep until 7:15am. We are praying he repeats this routine tonight.

He continues to get bigger and bigger. I am amazed daily at how quickly he is growing, even though I heard "they grow up fast."

We are coming to the close of Summer 2009: Children's Camp and Pre-Teen Three are all that is left on the calendar. I am continuing to enjoy my job/ministry here at Highland Lakes Camp. Each day brings something new and God is do amazing things here. Please keep us in your prayers as we wrap up the summer.

God Bless.

Landon Makes Faces

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:59:19 PDT

Reflections on Fatherhood: Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Hellums) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:32:32 PDT

"The newness of fatherhood continues to strike me with wonder and amazement."

Little girls dream about their wedding, how many kids they will have and what house they will live in. Boys think about dirt, tearing things up and food. I don't recall every imagining what it would be like to be a father; I don't believe I could have imagined it correctly anyway.

Sitting up at four in the morning, just Landon and I, in the living room hanging out is priceless. As I watch his facial expressions, listen to his sounds, I wonder, "what is he thinking?" I have resolved that when he is dreaming he is seeing colors and shapes, similar to fireworks, but I am just guessing. I enjoy watching his faces so much I have caught myself just filming his face; crying and whining and all.

Landon is getting so much bigger and so quickly. People always say, "they grow up fast." They aren't kidding. He is now 20 inches long and weights 7 lbs and 10 ounces. We went to the doctor and he seems to be doing great. The doctor said he has a strong neck and he is doing well.

Kari went to see Mama yesterday. I got a phone call and Kari said he rolled over. Are you kidding me? I am not sure how old kids are supposed to be when they roll over, but if he is rolling over already I guess that means we will have to keep a closer watch on him so he doesn't roll off things. (wonderful!)

I hope that everyone is doing well. Keep it tuned to Insert Title Here. God Bless.