Defector

I am forcing myself to come up with words, in humble hopes of encouraging you in some small way…

My Life Time family called to tell the unbelievable news that  Steve Toms had died this morning.  As I jogged home after abruptly leaving work, I did not know if the water on my face was my tears, or this Seattle rain.  Lots of both. 

I am frustrated. I am pissed. I am sick at heart.  I am wishing I was back in MN right now, to grieve with you dear friends.  Steve had purpose, direction, and an energy none of us could match.  He harnessed his passions for the purpose of God's glory. He was a great man surrounded by great men.  And all this comes less than three weeks before he and Ashley's first anniversary.  We all know that Steve was the best of best; that is why this is just so damn hard to swallow.  Steve changed us all.  

This is often the nature of death- unexpected, inconvenient, sorrowful, shocking.  All our days are numbered.  Steve knew this, and had a hope in God that extended beyond this temporary life you and I are still experiencing.  By faith total surrender is the most necessary thing we could ever do.    

So I am also grateful. Grateful to have known him over the years.  Grateful for many conversations, often spiritual… even just last week.  Grateful for the man he was.  Grateful that there is real opportunity to come around and support Ashley and young Jameson.  I am grateful that he knew Jesus.   

As we are filled with sorrow, in this delicate moment, let there be hope.  In a place we don't yet know, Steve is now partying to the glory of God.  Soon the masses will gather as we celebrate the story, the life, and the impact of the one and only, Steve Toms. 

Rumour Has It

We recently sent out a FALL 2012 update... have you seen it yet?

If you would like to receive a copy, send your request to: joshandshelleyshelton@gmail.com

Guacho

September breezed on by.

Throughout it I was challenged spiritually, greatly encouraged by those doing like-minded work, and invested into personally.  All things that have been the essence of my time in Seattle, but September magnified them with a new focus. 

Today I ventured out on an early a.m. solo hike.  While living in the PacNorWest I wanted to be sure to get in quality summit-style hikes.  After a couple this summer, the one that I’d been eyeing was Mt. Si.  I read in a guidebook that it “should be experienced at least once by every hiker.”  So I made a good breakfast, gathered my pre-stuffed pack from the night before, and hit the highway to North Bend while still dark.

Something that has been prevalent in this past month, is my own need to grow before I can move further into future things.  Specific areas: strengthen personal disciplines, practice true repentance, and be in more intentional relationship with my bride.  It’s too easy to enter auto-pilot, and slowly fall into ruins.

On this hike, I was able to get real quiet, press pause long enough, and begin anew.  The true mountaintop experience that I needed.

Keep your ears open- the best IS yet to come…

-j

picture of a picture... high up in the clouds

Internal Cannon

This past weekend I had the joy and privilege of going to MN (and WI) to be in one of my best friends' wedding.  Eric and Scarlett- I had such a blast! Also had some much needed time with a small handful of loved ones. 

My first (and only planned time for the duration of our Seattle residency) time being back in MN definitely left me with an overall assurance that it is where we are supposed to be long-term.  True, my heart is divided amongst many cities, but the vision I received is for The Twin Cities.  I believe God is preparing us to head-up a unique non-profit with a special home in the heart of MN.

While seeing the Needle from above (in the plane), then riding the light-rail home from the airport (we are the third stop from SeaTac- a ten minute ride), I came across a helpful realization.  Returning home to Seattle I was ready and willing to get back to the grind- to know that I am here for only a time, and a specific purpose that impacts my future ministry.  Focused and ready to get at it!

Also, it's always very encouraging when this email rolls around:

"Dear Joshua,

On behalf of all the River Valley Church pastor's and staff, we want you to know that you were prayed for today. Each week at our staff meeting we pray for 20 individuals and/or families in our church and this week you were on our list. God bless you and we hope you have a great day!!

Sincerely,
River Valley Staff"

Got that this morning and made the day- a perfect start to being back!

-j

Mist Rising

My most favorite music has always stemmed from artists who blend musical styles (311, RHCP, DMB, Mraz, Beastie Boys, Project 86).  They all draw on various influences, and then make something entirely new by combining them into one, creating a hybrid style. 

I too, am a hybrid. 

Throughout my life, I’ve often had a hard time identifying with any one particular thing.  I live in the tension of being a part of multiple worlds.  It’s a major factor that makes me who I am.  I put extreme emphasis on belief, diversity, and being relatable and relaxed.        

I recently experienced an epiphany moment of massive encouragement.  I essentially realized that who I am is who God created me to be, and I have the freedom to pursue a dream that is personally suitable.  It presents a complete shift in thinking, and all is in heavy prayer.  With all that said, you can expect a nonprofit that images the hybrid concept.  

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1

-j

New Shalom (feat. Pro)

This week marked a whole year since the first Legacy Conference we attended.  It's been around for a handful of years, and is held at my alma matter in downtown Chicago.

This is what's up:
The Legacy exists to equip those that are serious about being disciples of Christ to make disciples for Christ. This is accomplished through biblical training (Legacy Conference and Legacy University) and networking opportunities of like minded urban leaders.

 It is essentially an urban-minded conference with workshops taught by hip-hop artists, featuring concerts at night by these same artists.  Also leading the workshops, sessions, and discussion panels are college professors, pastors, church planters, and poets.

For us,  theLegacy was one of the first action steps in pursuing urban ministry as a couple.  It was a good reminder that we are called to inner-city work, and that we wouldn't have to change who we are to do it...

Here's a video I put together shortly afterward, to share our experience:

Tell Your Heart Heads Up

On Saturday we had another opportunity to go down to Portland (PDX), and spend some more time with The Snider’s and BridgeTown, Inc. 

After four days with them back in March/April, Marshall (Snider) gave us an open invite to come back down.  He has been over-the-top in accommodating us.  It is so important to have people like him become a part of your picture; immediately willing to invest and open up their life to you, with no “real” return.  Through both trips down, I’ve been given a lot to think about, chew on, and learn.  They’ve been growing experiences. 

BTown Kids” is a branch of BridgeTown, Inc. that is most visible during the summer months, as every Saturday holds a multi-site event.  We received personal tours of all three BTown Kids sites.   While at each, we got to peek in on the differences and similarities, while learning the history and meeting the directors.  It was awesome seeing how the locations were so integrated within their particular communities.  At the last site we got to meet up with Lesley, Sam, and Noah (the rest of the Snider clan), it was fun seeing them again!

This time we left Seattle early and returned late the same day- after the carved out BTown time, we went downtown for Saturday Market (Angelina’s Gyros food-truck, we had on our first trip and vowed to visit again), the Portland Aerial Tram (cool views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens, and our rides ended up being *free*), and Deschutes.  No Voodoo doughnuts this time- too long of a line and that sun was blazin'!

Learn more about BridgeTown, Inc. HERE

Marshall, you inspire me to dream and have a vision for an organization that matters, and to invest in those who have little clue what they’re getting themselves into… it means so much.    

-j