Jason Hayes

2009: A Year To Read (I NEED YOUR HELP)

As you know, 2008 was a year for me to write.  Between Lost and Found (releases February 1), Blemished (releases March 1), numerous articles, and various other projects, I've spent plenty of time in front of the computer this year.  I am grateful for the opportunities that God has provided and I certainly recognize that He is blessing me much more than I deserve.  I truly enjoy writing and consider it an important discipline in the ministry that God has called me to.  However, I must confess that I don't always enjoy the process of writing as much as I do the purpose behind writing.  The purpose is obvious - to convey a message that I'm passionate about.  The process, on the other hand, doesn't always bring such warm, fuzzy feelings to mind. 

When I used to dream of writing, I thought about myself in a quiet cabin in the woods weeping over my computer as the outpouring of God's message worked through my fingers.  And while I've been fortunate to have some really cool "God moments" while writing, the entire process doesn't always feel so inspiring.  For some reason, my aspirations never included deadlines, word counts, marketing campaigns, and galley edits.  But, those are important facets in the process and I am really appreciative of the amazing team of folks that have helped me wade through these "new waters."  I couldn't have done it without them. 

And while writing has given me so much joy this year, I must also admit that it caused me something I'm not proud of.  Quite simply, I DIDN'T READ ENOUGH IN 2008.  I love books and I love to read, but it is something that takes commitment for me.  I don't naturally default back to a book for leisure like some do.  Instead, I read to be challenged and inspired.  Unfortunately, this year I spent more time talking than I did listening.  Don't get me wrong, I do believe that God desires for me to do both.  But, this year I lost balance.  Thus, I am hereby proclaiming 2009 as "A Year To Read."  Who knows if God will bring more writing opportunities in the year ahead. I'm not in control of that.  But, one thing I can control is my dedication to learning from others and sharpening my mind by reading. 

So, I'd like your help.  I want you to help me make a list of books to read this year.  Nothing is off limits for suggestion.  I'm open to leadership books, fiction books, non-fiction books, history books, autobiographies, theology books, or anything else.  If it fits somewhere between Spurgeon and the Harry Potter series, then it is up for consideration.  But, here's the point - I can't read what I don't know about.  So, get started!  I need your help!  Don't worry about the possibility of me having already read it.  Maybe I have and maybe I haven't.  Give me your "Must Read" books below.  Thanks in advance!

4 Stockings

As you may know, we lost a baby this year.  With the hopes of having another baby right around the corner, we purchased a 4th stocking last year for Christmas.  Although we'll never share an earthly Christmas with our precious child, we rejoice in how God has sustained us this year.  And although Carrie and I never discussed it, I'm grateful that she went ahead and hung the 4th stocking this year.  We recognize that baby as a life - a life that we look forward to meeting in Heaven one day and one that certainly deserves a stocking. 

Jingle Bells: The Threads Remix

The Fine Line

I was recently asked by Kary Oberbrunner to take a peek into his new book, The Fine Line: Re-envisioning the Gap between Christ and Culture.  I've enjoyed it thus far and committed to help spread the word.  Here is his description of the book, "You hold in your hands a brand new paradigm for an age-old dilemma - how to be in the world, but not of it."

Let's be honest, we all have questions on what this really looks like, but it's something we need to grapple with more often.  Well, check out Kary's book as he is your tour guide through this tension and into life on the The Fine Line. 

To learn more about the book, click the link above.  It released December 5th.

  

26.2 - Let's Do This

I'm heading out to Memphis to run the St. Jude Marathon on Saturday morning.  Although I've done several half marathons, this will be my first full.  I caught the endurance race bug this year as I also entered into the world of triathlons, too.  It's been a great year that has already included the accomplishment of some physical goals I set out for myself.  Hopefully, I'll end it out strong and also knock this one off the list. I've trained well and I feel prepared, but I also know that a HUGE challenge lies head.  I'm nervous, scared, and fired up all at the same time. 

But, let me be clear.  This race is not about me.  This race is about something much grander than the accomplishment  of any one individual.  Instead, it is about raising money, support, and awareness for St. Jude Children's Hospital.  Thank God for such an amazing organization that is doing so much to help precious little children and their families. 

Alright, enough talking.  Let's do this!

The Bedrock

As the body of Christ, we affirm the Bible as the bedrock of our faith and the plumb line for our interaction with this world. Many people are looking for truth. However, most of them don’t know where to find it or what it looks like when they see it. We must never lose sight of what we can offer this generation—the truth that is found in the Word of God. This is where abstract principles like content and depth intersect with a concrete non-negotiable.

We live among a generation of people, especially younger adults, who are desperately searching for something that lasts. They are looking for something that transcends.  And quite simply, this world has nothing to offer them. But God does. And, in turn, so do we. We have Truth.

Scripture tells us, “The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Pet. 1:24). Our God and His Word are never-changing and yet, constantly relevant. This should have massive implications upon our approach to ministry. Otherwise, how do we ever maintain relevance in this day and age?