One Punk Under God - Jay Bakker

I've been a HUGE fan of Jay Bakker ever since I had the privilege of hearing him speak at the Youth Specialties Conference a couple of years ago. That was the night that I witnessed, in person for myself, a bunch of religious people who would not hear the truth about Jesus and what he came to teach us. Jay told the truth about love, grace and acceptance, from the scriptures, and people actually stood up and booed him and yelled at him. (Now keep in mind, these were people in youth ministry from all over the country whose job it is to teach our children about love and Jesus).

Jay didn't back down, didn't get angry and just told the truth in love. I was AWESTRUCK and that moment marked my life. I believe a lot of people's lives were changed that night.

I also got the chance to meet him and spend a few minutes with him when he came to speak at Lifeline a couple of years ago, and to be honest, I've always wanted to take a road trip to visit his church that is held in a bar. Yes, that's right, a BAR - HOW COOL IS THAT?! Maybe someday I'll get to do that.

Jay had a 6 episode documentary done on him and his family on the Sundance Channel and it is AWESOME! If you have Comcast Digital Cable, you HAVE to see this. All you do is go to On Demand, TV Entertainment, Sundance Channel, and you can view all 6 episodes for free. It was so eye opening and I learned to love and appreciate Jay even more. For more info: click here:

http://www.sundancechannel.com/onepunk/

Jesus says that the spirit of God is like the wind,

so may the wind of God go with you wherever you go.

Whatever you do, may you realize that God is not

somewhere else, but right with you.

May the spirit be in everything that you do

and with everything that you do.

May you leave this place and change the world

with the meals that you eat and the people that you eat with.

In the name of Jesus, peace be with you!

From Mars Hill Bible Church 10/15/06 Service

My new business name and logo . . . drumroll please!

Here it is - the name of my new business and my new logo.

Let me know what you think!

(Ignore the weird black dots, they're really not part of the logo)

Highlights of 2006

I went surfing at Pacific Beach in Cali

I went back to school and earned a Life Coaching certificate

I met some amazing friends at school

I got put in traction because my spine is messed up

I made it a priority to work on relationships with friends

Highlights of 2006

Shark fishing in Florida

Feeding a dolphin in the wild

A romantic get away to the Bahamas with my sweetie

Braces for Cody

Highlights of 2006

Lots of fun at Silver Lake

New Year's in a log cabin in Gatlinburg

Seeing "Wicked" with my Mom in Chicago

Taking a bus full of students and leaders to see Erwin McManus in Nashville

Highlights of 2006

I went to Sedona with my friend Beth Madigan

Cody learned to cook

The July 4th Fiesta parade

Teddy got a huge fish hook in his mouth

Highlights of 2006

Lots of sunsets on Lake Michigan

The Staley/Rajski family trip at Silver Lake

Cody became a teenager

The Rajski family trip to Silver Lake

Highlights of 2006

Kids in India thought I was a celebrity

I got to go to India with these amazing women

I got to wear a Sari for the first time

I got to play in the Indian Ocean with Sheela

Highlights of 2006

Admiring the faith and strength of Mono

Hanging out with Esther

Laughing with Aroma

Wow! What a Year!

Goodbye 2006 . . . Hello 2007

Reflectons of 2006

2006 . . .

Was the toughest and the best year of my life - all at the same time

My heart was truly broken in a million little pieces

I found out who my real friends are

I finally had the courage to “step out of the boat” and almost sank

I learned how to be still and “just breathe”

I took a risk and told someone I loved what I really thought and it hurt a lot

I finally started putting my demons from the past to rest

I got to go to India and make friends with some of the most beautiful and amazing women I’ve ever met

I questioned everything

I completely gave up on religion, but not God

I started believing things for myself, not because someone told me to

I decided to live my life without the “masks” that I wear

I decided to just be myself – no matter what anyone else thinks

I learned many times that God does answer prayer, just not the way you think he should

I learned a whole new career in 9 months

I found out that when I’m in my sweet spot, I love to study and learn and that I’m actually smart

I realized that I cannot live without true, authentic connection in my life, and I won’t settle for anything less

I had a new revelation – I don’t WANT to change the world – I WILL change the world!

Most of all I learned that God is real and that He sees me, loves me and knows what is best for me. He is much bigger than I ever dreamed – He truly is everywhere and in everything if you just look for Him. I learned that I can trust Him to take care of any situation, I just have to be patient because it doesn’t always get solved the way I think it should. God has proven to me time and time again that He has a plan for me and it is much bigger than I could have ever dreamed. I love how He has been with me every single step of the way – even when I wasn’t doing the “right thing” (whatever that is) - He was there holding me, loving me and healing me the entire time.

It may have been one of the toughest years of my life, but I wouldn’t trade any of it. What God showed me and what I’ve learned from all of this is priceless and I am truly a different person than I was a year ago.

All I can say for 2007 is WATCH OUT ‘cuz I’m back and I’m ready to go!