hey, hey...(and a short story)

Yours truly, Jason here. I'm doing pretty good. I'm fairly certain I'm saying this to myself but thats OK- Thank you for everyone who is praying for Kate, myself... and baby Noel. Please don't stop... maybe take some time off and start again?

"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience, the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their husbands, that he word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine, showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say against you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to the His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable for men."

Titus 2-3: 1-8

be blessed,

Jason

God is faithful

Spent the day with old friends at the zoo yesterday. Good times. They have 3 kids and it was really interesting to see how their personalities were manifested in their kids. I was amazed really. There are so many possibilities that our minds can't really grasp it. So, I'm excited to see how God has specifically crafted our son.

We were on time to chapel this morning for the first time in... (well, my memory isn't that good). The messages have been super good (uncompromising and powerful) which is what I've needed to hear. Something that sticked out this morning was the phrase "we often try try to work harder when the truth is we just need to submit more."

Anyway, tomorrow, Kate and I are off to the mountains to spend a few days together.

Until next time,

be blessed.

Jason

Cambelbak number...?

sigh, depends on who you ask- I say 4, Kate says 7 (there is no way its 7).

So, we are having a son. Pretty awesome. For the few people who read this, please pray for continued healthy development.

Looks like getting ready for my deployment is sort of winding down... although there is the dreadful duty of packing- ugh. Kate? I'm hoping for a relaxed day tomorrow and Friday so Kate and I can head for the hills for a few days before I go. An old friend from Tucson and his family might be coming to stay the weekend with us which would be awesome.

Got my teeth cleaned today... also went to the optometrist and got another pair of glasses- perhaps I won't intentionally lose them as fast as the last pair.

Homemade pizza tonight.

In summary, things are going as well as they can. Since I'm basically set to the deploy, I can see God's faithfulness in the process. I presume it will be the same way towards the end of the deployment. Thats what I'll hold on to, anyway.

Be blessed,

Jason

Baby Noel pictures

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063250&id=215904107&ref=share

(Kate's facebook)

cruise pictures

Hi everyone...

Cruise pictures are available on my facebook. We had a very good time.

www.facebook.com/jason.b.noel

Be blessed,

Jason

Kate and I went down the Rhine a few weeks ago... spent the night, took a ferry for the most scenic part and it was a good time. On the way, we ran into a country wide, week long motorcycle rally which is a story in itself. They had the road blocked off... so, we detoured and ended up right in the middle of the rally (read: the only car in a mass of Harley's). After a nice little delay, lots of evil looks, and Germans who absolutely wouldn't get out of the way (we were absolutely not supposed to be there) we got to our destination and had a really good time.

If you're reading this, please pray for my Grandma. She is in the hospital and things are looking better but things can change so unexpectedly.

Our cruise starts on FRI.

Be blessed,

Jason

Friday date night...

got to see Anathallo last night in Nuremberg 

Have a blessed weekend,

Jason

we lose something far greater in ourselves...

"When you start to close the door on anybody, the doors close on everybody"

Howard Behar

quote

"As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Nelson Mandela

pictures for last two trips, other random things...

Man.

Lots of stuff going on/happening... but I feel good about where we are.  I will be a parent soon but I feel relatively anxious free, calm, and a subtle excitement that I presume will become a crescendo as the pregnancy progresses.

I say all of this tongue and cheek because it’s one of the awesome things about being here... but one of the things I would like to illustrate in this post is that the Germans are strange.  I mean, you should see some of the running and biking gear these cats wear- SCARY to put it nicely.  That is the strange thing though- its strangely accepted with little awareness that it is so frightening.  Its cool that there is that kind of freedom here (but it is a little rough on the eyes sometimes).

The following pictures are from Regensburg (pop. 131,000, situated along the Danube, 1.20 hr SE by car) and Weissenburg (pop. 13,000, 35 min. SE by car).  

entrance to the Alstadt (city center) of Weissenburg

Matthew 16:24, written in Latin?... "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me"

random statue

Regensburg- David and Golith motif on restaurant wall

picture is worth a million words...

Regensburg, looking up the Danube

One of the things the Germans get right is ice cream!!!  Hazelnut is my favorite.

big church in Regensburg

weirdness, exhibit A- what the hell is this?

  

be blessed,

Jason

no railroads required...

For another monopoly victory.  I had to grind it out a little but no sweat...A bit more work to do this evening and then the weekend is free.  

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:12-16

be blessed,

Jason

hey guys...

nothing too much going on... being blessed, basically.  Last week was a beautiful blend of God's grace and intense struggling.  

-God explicitly revealed the extent to which he has plans for me personally through an article about Josh Hamilton.  

-I am admitting to myself (perhaps for the first time) that I do have a problem with food... binge eating isn't overly glamerous but knowledge is power and I am really hopeful that giving denial the kiss of death will be helpful in overcoming this stupidness.

-God has provided in other ways too- successes at work,  in our dealings with each other (one of the most powerful of the week, actually), clarification on future plans...

I'm full.  I want to go shout from the mountain tops.  I'm optimistic.  I'm encouraged.  I'm (gasp!) learning how to surrender?  Most of all, I'm overwhelmed with God's love.

Thank you Father... I acknowledge that these things have come from you and I honor you.

God willing, we'll be doing some traveling the next few weeks.

Hope everyone has a good week,

Jason

anniversary weekend

Basically awesome.  Kate and I enjoyed hanging out.  Concert was more awesome than not.  The "modest" hunting grounds of Nyphenberg Palace was relaxing which = de-facto awesomeness... weather was perfect.

Kate and I on the train towards Munich.

Adam from Taking Back Sunday

Lead singer and Tim from Underoath

more Underoath...

view looking out from Nyphenberg Palace.

...and the view looking back.

a bit (*a lot) distorted, but Emery performing "Walls"

we just visited the castle in Lichtenau earlier... pictures (and a historical video?) on Kate's blog here.

be blessed,

Jason

basking in the goodness...

Have you guys heard Kim Walker's "How He Loves Us?"  Man, amazing song- 

He is our portion, we are his prize

Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes

If grace is just a notion, we are sinking...

Heaven meets earth with a sloppy wet kiss

and My heart turns violently in my chest

I don't have time to maintain these regrets

when I think about the wayyyyyy

He loves us.. oh, how He loves us... oh how, He loves us...

I've heard it a thousand times- keep your focus on Jesus (which is followed by the standard story of Peter walking on the water).  Wow, is humanity horrible at this or what?... you see this lack of focus in the lives of Christians too and lives are negatively impacted.  I've always intellectually accepted "focusing on Jesus" but on a certain level, I dismissed the notion in my heart as "church speak."  Just like the lyrics say, though... I don't have time to maintain regrets (or a whole litany of other problems and addictions) when I think about the way He loves us.  It is truly overwhelming yet perfectly satisfying.  Pursue it.

"...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." 

Matthew 22:37

Otherwise, 1 year anniversary this weekend- we are going to Munich.

I've been insanely excited about Texas Rangers baseball for some reason (MLB just started, ladies).  I had grown weary of baseball in recent years but it has a newfound excitement.  GO RANGERS!!!!

be blessed,

Jason

mm-mmm-ugh-mm (clearing my throat)

ROCKY TOP, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE... HOME SWEET HOME TO ME... GOOD OLE ROCKY TOP... ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE....

ROCKY TOP TENN-EEE-SSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (you provided victory, Kate is history)   EEEEE.... YEE-HAW!

Monopoly and country music last night-

Be blessed,

Jason

this is basically monumental...

So, I finally turn 28 this weekend... its pretty exciting considering I've spent a good portion of the last year thinking I was already 28.  So readership of 4, what were you doing at age 28?  It's really strange you know... time races by and yet the time from this birthday to the last seems to have gone by quite slow.

In lesser news, it looks like Kate and I will be taking our first cruise before I deploy in late June-early July.

love,

Jason

We survived!

skiing... our first time- more on that in a moment.

A few weeks ago we went to the Nazi Documentation Center in Nuremberg.  Nuremberg played a significant role in the Nazi movement and the unfinished Congress Hall (meant to host the annual party gatherings) is the largest surviving example of Nazi architecture today.  It is part of a larger complex of structures, several of which were never completed due to funds being shifted to the war effort.  One of those was to be a 400,000 capacity sports stadium (intended to be the biggest in the world) which was never really started... they got as far as digging a foundation and today it serves as a lake surrounded by a park.  On the other side of a lake is Zeepelin Field, site of the Nazi's biggest rallies, including those filmed by Leni Riefenstahl in the propaganda classic Triumph of the Will.  You can go down to the same place in which Hitler gave speeches to the masses (250,000 people).  The museum, housed in a wing of the Congress Hall, focuses entirely on the National Socialists Party and Nuremberg's role in its ascent.  One thing that I remember two weeks later were internal memos from the Gestapo estimating that only 2 out of 1,000 people opposed Hitler.  Amazing. Overall, a fascinating day... good to get out of the house... and hang out with Kate.

So, skiing with the chapel this weekend in Garmisch.  Yea, harder than it looks.  Bunny hills all day... Here are some pictures.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shadow or turning..."    James 1:17

Be blessed,

Jason

New month, new post...

Its March already, huh?  Its good though- above all, March means that the end to cold weather is within sight... while the incessant grayness that fills the sky will continue, it gives me something to look forward to down the road.

So, what have Kate I been up to you ask?  We got a second car a few weeks ago- a maroon 94 Ford Escort- actually, I have left the lights on twice in a row, necessitating a jump both times after work.  Hmm, Kate accidentally cut her hair a few days ago- that was interesting. Otherwise, we really haven't done too much because of school... but that has been a huge blessing in itself.  God has really been showing me His faithfulness through work/school and I'm learning that stuff will be OK.  We'll probably go somewhere this weekend to get out of the house, though.

Otherwise, thought I would list some books I'm interested in (not in order of interest).

Slouching Toward Gomorrah:  Modern Liberalism & American decline by Robert H. Bork

Postwar by Tony Judt

In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis

Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky

Diary of Anne Frank

Economic Facts & Fallacies by Thomas Sowell

Lust for Life by Irving Stone 

Best of Europe 2009 by Rick Steeves

Europe through the Back Door  by Rick Steeves

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Have you read any interesting books lately you might recommend?  

What about music?  We have some ITunes cards and I'm always interested in something new.

Until next month,  

Jason

Math rules... what can I say?  Truly, wonderful, math is.  Yes.  

So, for anyone who reads this...

prayer for school and work would be cool.  I definitely could use it.

Kate is doing well at work... but she is still going through not knowing some questions and stuff. 

Kate and her Dad- at the end of the day, it just sucks when you aren't as close to people as you know you should be... you know it isn't what God intended for it be- but it is and most of the time you can't change it yourself (or you would... and you've probably already tried)

Grace and Justin- a young couple at church who just had twin boys.  Grace has had a seizure and a blood clot in her lungs- she is at a different hospital than the kids, etc...

Thanks... and may love live long.

Jason

Here are some pictures from our medieval dinner show about 3 weeks ago?  Basically, it consisted of too much food (12 courses) and this guy in the first picture playing these old instruments and doing these magic tricks.  We didn't know what to expect... The Germans aren't exactly known for theatre so I didn't have my sights set too high... but in the end, it probably wasn't too far off from what I would have imagined.  Formula for success went like this:

lots of food + lots of beer + music and magic tricks by the elf looking guy in the first picture = a good time.

It was fun... not something we probably would do again though.   

Entertainer for the evening

Uhh, like, I said... not known for theatre.  A picture show put to music, as memory serves

SSgt Rudd, one of my co-workers

el diablo?  This is my supervisor.  This picture alone made the trip worthwhile.

Kate and I

LONG LIVE LOVE,

Jason

my heart is full

A few months ago, the chapel announced a new couples Bible Study... I immediately felt God pushing us to go (and ask Kate, immediate anything isn't exactly common).  The study started last week and sadly, I was scheming how I could lie to Kate about not going.  Sadly, I was thinking about how I could sound shocked about forgetting... perfectly aware that I was choosing selfishness over God.  Silly humans, when will we learn?  So, tonight I went, representing Kate and I... and it was amazing.  The study was God's you know?  It was honoring to Him, I think- studying to become more Christ-like in this wonderful institution called marriage.  My heart is full (which may give way to anxiousness considering the homework mounting)... and I suspect Kate's will be as well when we go together next week.  It's an awesome feeling when you feel your heart overflowing with God's goodness.  I think when we try to take the goodness and hold on to it, it becomes overwhelming... funny how when we appropriate it by simply thanking the One who gives it in the first place, it becomes manageable, it becomes something that flows through us.

I found out today that I will start supervising someone on Monday.  This means writing a decoration... an EPR (enlisted performance report).  I'm taking a business management class.  I used "manageable" in the last paragraph.  AHHH, its coming... yep, its coming.  It'll be good though.  I'm mostly excited.

So, inauguration... did you guys watch it?  I missed the speech but I'll catch it online soon.  Thoughts?  Wow, being president.  Man, republican/democrat aside, it really takes a special person to do that job.  Can you imagine the focus you must possess?  I can barely focus long enough to write a coherent blog much less focus all day, every day at such a high level.  Well, we should be praying for our new leadership definitely.  There is a lot of stuff out there to deal with.  God be with us.

peace,

Jason

new year, new post, new opportunities

I had the worse day of my 8 month old marriage a few days ago on New Years (consequently, I may have made it Kate's worse day as well).  It was a pretty special mood, let me tell you.  Kate was upstairs, I was down in the living room... we hadn't talked for about 5 hours.  I really wanted to switch but I was so hateful, I couldn't bear the thought of a smile, of conversation, of anything of the sort.  I was actually reciting in my mind the most heartless & loveless way to ask if we could swap floors every few hours... when at last, Kate comes down- "WHATS WRONG???"  "Nothing," I reply.  (Of course it's nothing, right?  GOSH!)

That morning, after having taken a shower, I sat at my desk wallowing in my selfishness.  I glanced over, picked up a small book and this is what I read:

Each Day...

It's quite.  It's early.  My coffee is hot.  The sky is still black.  The world is still asleep.  The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive.  It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun.  The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day.  The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race.  The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.  

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands.  It is now that I must make a choice.  Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose.  And so I choose.

I choose LOVE...

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.  I choose love.  Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose JOY...

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.  I will refused the temptation to be cynical... the tool of the lazy thinker.  I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.  I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose PEACE...

I will live forgiven.  I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose PATIENCE....

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.  Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so.  Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.  Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose KINDNESS...

I will be kind to the poor, for they are along; kind to the rich, for they are afraid; and kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose GOODNESS...

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.  I will be overlooked before I will boast.  I will confess before I will accuse.  I choose goodness.

I choose FAITHFULNESS...

Today I will keep my priorities.  My debtors will not regret their trust.  My associates will not question my word.  My wife will not question my love.  And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose GENTLENESS...

Nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.  If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.  If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose SELF-CONTROL...

I am a spiritual being... after this body is dead, my spirit will soar.  I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.  I choose self-control.  I will be drunk only for joy.  I will be impassioned only be my faith.  I will be influenced only by my faith.  I will be influenced only by God.  I will be taught only by Christ.  I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  To these I commit my day.  If I succeed, I will give thanks.  If I fail, I will seek his grace.  And then, when the day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest

Max Lucado

When God Whispers Your Name

May you be much less successful than I was in ignoring this on New Years.  Kate and I have have written down some of our goals for this year... hopefully, you have made time to do the same.  Here's to the hardships and opportunities of 2009!

Be blessed,

jason