tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654419227005466352024-03-19T05:56:17.054-07:00NewRhythmProjectJ.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-45685473327862029392011-04-27T08:19:00.000-07:002011-04-27T08:19:00.194-07:00I HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING MY BLOG UPDATES<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks again for subscribing to my free blog updates. I wanted to make sure that you knew that I have moved </span><a href="http://www.jasonyost.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to a different carrier and we could continue our interactions together. I would also like to ask you a favor or two.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have found my blog posts valuable, would you take a moment to subscribe to my new site? You can do this easily by clicking on subscribe tab on the right column directly underneath my profile picture (on the new site). After you subscribe, the posts will automatically be sent to your inbox so you can view them at your convenience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Would you also consider sharing my posts with others that you think may benefit? I have made this really easy to do by placing share options at the end of each post. You can click on any one of them and immediately share with others through facebook, twitter, and email.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, I would welcome any input you may have about my blog. You can simply comment on this message if you'd like to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warm regards,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jason</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jasonyost.org/">www.jasonyost.org</a> (click here to view my new blog)</span></div><!--EndFragment-->J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-88848322118378169032011-02-23T12:07:00.000-08:002011-02-23T12:08:36.968-08:00Nica 2011We had such a great time in Nicaragua. I could not have hand picked a better team. We are already making plans for our next trip. It was amazing to watch everyone contribute their energy through the skills and talents that each person had. We started working on the second floor of the Coffeehouse Project. They hope to complete the rest by the end of the year. We got to spend some time at the school this year as well. We are dreaming about future projects that can benefit the students and bring self sustainability to the school. The opportunities are endless. I'll post more information and ideas real soon. Thanks for all of your support in bringing a new rhythm to Nicaragua!<br />
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</div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-62835286888247200212011-02-11T13:35:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:35:39.427-08:00Nicaragua 2011We are heading out on Monday morning to Managua, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nicaragua</span> with a group of 12. We are so excited to head back this year to continue the efforts to construct La Puerta Cafe, a coffeehouse project to bring economic empowerment and social equality to the Deaf Community in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nicaragua</span>. We will also be teaming with missionaries Matt & Eva Barlow to work with the students at Christian School for the Deaf. The school was established by the missionaries over fifteen years ago. They just has their first graduating class last year and their numbers are up to over one hundred students. It has been amazing to be a part of the story that God is writing through that couple in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nicaragua</span>. We are honored to have this opportunity and cannot wait serve.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yeADELmNNnOW6HfChM8atZXsRpR55ap_MIlROZnuNTu87LkttawP0Fm6SqgJ4ayipBe0Se9uXqk3hhpHNkGxNMwU6_WlWZ6yrmk4Mtzi0iLLF5-NtdwcHe6jVhIUi58tkWgmK2uuh84/s1600/flag_nicaragua_map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yeADELmNNnOW6HfChM8atZXsRpR55ap_MIlROZnuNTu87LkttawP0Fm6SqgJ4ayipBe0Se9uXqk3hhpHNkGxNMwU6_WlWZ6yrmk4Mtzi0iLLF5-NtdwcHe6jVhIUi58tkWgmK2uuh84/s400/flag_nicaragua_map.gif" width="400" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-9187248823886868212011-02-10T11:39:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:40:00.358-08:00Decisions Points [cont.]<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Show me a successful individual or company and I will show you an individual or company who knows what their values are. Think about it. We have a lot of entrepreneurs here. So much time and energy is spent in defining and creating missions statements and core values during the beginning stages of an organization Why? Because it’s easy to make decisions when you know what you value and every decision you make is based off of those values. So you spend most of the time upfront defining those values so the rest of the journey is easy. How much more important is this with your own individual lives and families? It’s worth the time to identify and define your values. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you ever read through the record of Joseph and Potipher's wife? It is a great example to this context. Listen to Joseph's response after he is tempted on numerous occasions, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Come to bed with me!” </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house (Gen 39).</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is amazing how Joseph is able to recite his values in the heat of the moment (pun intended). Put yourself in the story and tell me if this is not breeding ground for a fall. Joseph has gone from rags to riches. He just came off of a really bad situation with his family and he is emotional and physically drained. He is put as head of the household in Potipher’s palace. He can have anything he wants and he can make anybody do anything he wants. He has power, he has favor, and he has money at his disposal. And a fine, well dressed, well proportioned woman that probably smells really good shows interest in him and tempts him more times than one. What would you do? Listen if you don’t know or define your values, this is a hard choice for anybody. Look at the times in your life that you are most susceptible to fall. You either really tired, emotionally drained, coming off a successful high, or just caught off guard. </span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You have to know your values in order to withstand these situations.</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.</span></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
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</div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-66933926493306327012011-02-09T09:28:00.000-08:002011-02-09T09:29:07.916-08:00Decision Points [cont.]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Noah was faced with an enormous decision as a leader. Did you know that it took Noah about 100 yrs to build the Ark? Noah's Ark was three stories high </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Genesis 6:16)</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Its total deck area was equivalent to the area of about 20 standard college basketball courts or 36 lawn tennis courts. The world had to wait until AD 1884 before the Ark's size was exceeded, when the Italian liner </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eturia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> was built. On top of that, the world had not yet seen rain up to this point. So every single day Noah is out there laboring and hoping it wasn’t bad pizza. Can you imagine what the neighbors must have thought? Or perhaps what his wife and kids may have thought? I cannot imagine working on the same project for 100 yrs and only by faith believing that it will even be used. This was a hard job to accomplish for any leader. There was no immediate gratification, no promotions, no 401k, just 100 yrs of the same old thing. The big question is, how was he able to remain faithful to the call? Because Noah understood that </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">future outcomes can be influenced by our choices in the present</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Before the story ever began we knew that Noah was a righteous man and blameless before all the people </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Genesis 6:9)</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. He made a decision before the "moment" came. That decision was able to sustain him during the times that he wanted to throw it all away.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-8532534866190209682011-02-08T09:42:00.000-08:002011-02-09T09:18:30.470-08:00Decision Points<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our life can be summed up by the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decisions</span> we make. You cannot get away with making zero <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decisions</span>. That’s a problem because some people are very decisive when it comes to avoiding <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decisions</span>. You get that later I am sure. From the time you wake up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night you will have made thousands and thousands of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decisions</span>. Some of those are made quickly and more easily. However some <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decisions</span> are more serious and take time to evaluate. Since such is the case I wonder if it would be advantageous of us to be very aware, very purposeful and very careful when it comes to making the right <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decisions</span> that will inevitably direct our investments throughout our lives (and I don’t mean financial). Think about it! Don't just wing it!</span><br />
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</span></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-46036377523505987012011-02-02T09:14:00.000-08:002011-02-02T09:14:58.899-08:00Senate MeetingWe are heading to the Reception for International Adoption today. Please pray for favor and many great connections today as we continue to find different ways to impact the orphans of our world. Stay tuned for updates and information on how you can help. Enjoy your day!J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-25223591019074241922011-01-27T10:06:00.000-08:002011-01-27T10:08:27.011-08:00Relational ImpactThe past two weeks have been filled with many great meetings and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">relational connection</span>. Even more so than usual weeks. Before I let myself get bogged down from all the mental capacity being consumed up, I decided to take on a slightly different perspective. I started praying for each meeting of the day on my commute in to the office. I know this doesn't sound like a super spiritual concept but it allowed for my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">relational anticipation</span> to become re-energized. Instead of wondering if I could get through all of the meetings I was eagerly anticipating each one. Then comes the big revelation. John 5:17 reveals that the Father is always working, always. That puts a whole new weight on how we should view our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">relational interaction</span>. If you show up and the other person(s) shows up, you have no idea what the impact could be. Do not underestimate the potential of your meetings and/or connections with others throughout the day. Treat it like an honored guest and see what happens.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy0uEgJthLgg5j9dn8RlXO67V9EsIf5UQxKetxM3TVucTpmdZk4s6zoIYWYuJhb_nu7bbfe-J7_vMjOE6CpPsfIrZgvcKPX3rGdkwNaz9HfGBkl_eboMLSPSklttRtHND-ZVvhb3Qcxc/s1600/handshake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy0uEgJthLgg5j9dn8RlXO67V9EsIf5UQxKetxM3TVucTpmdZk4s6zoIYWYuJhb_nu7bbfe-J7_vMjOE6CpPsfIrZgvcKPX3rGdkwNaz9HfGBkl_eboMLSPSklttRtHND-ZVvhb3Qcxc/s400/handshake3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-75882276041827497352011-01-26T09:03:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:09:37.077-08:00Divine Providence<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We received a letter today from the US Senate offices inviting us to join them for the International Adoption Reception coming up in February. We are so grateful for this chance to serve, learn from, and partner with likeminded leaders with a heart for the world's orphans. One of the things that we have prayed often here at <a href="http://www.newrhythm.org/">newRhythm</a>, is that God would give us </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">opportunities</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to spread hope to as many orphaned and vulnerable children as possible. And that these </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">opportunities</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> would go beyond our resources and abilities to create them. This is called </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Divine Providence</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. We have seen so many influential partnerships and relationships created with people and organizations that we have no business even talking to at this point if you know what I mean. It is so humbling to be entrusted with something that is way bigger than us. It makes for some amazing </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">opportunities</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and beautiful stories of hope. The key is humility and character, these are non-negotiables. There is no better place than on the road marked with </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">divine providence</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. How does your life and/or organization reflect </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Divine Providence</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">? </span></span></div><div><br />
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</div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-6326857460192406832011-01-19T10:58:00.000-08:002011-01-19T14:17:56.099-08:00The BookshelfWhen I was younger I never liked to read. The bookshelf was something I stayed away from and was afraid of. Now, I embrace the bookshelf. In fact, its the centerpiece of the room. As I have progressed in years I have developed such a love for books. You have heard it before, reading is knowledge and knowledge is power. It is so true. I feel like I am gaining multiple degrees and vicariously gaining lots of life experiences through reading books. Just for personal preference I never read fiction, always non-fiction. Not sure exactly why. I would just rather give my time to factual and tangible information. Must be my personality type:) In case you care, here is what I am currently reading:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Beyond-Your-Capacity-Community/dp/1434764818/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295459716&sr=1-1">Parenting Beyond Your Capacity- Joiner/Nieuwhof</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adopted-Life-Priority-Adoption-Christian/dp/1581349114/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295459686&sr=1-1">Adopted for Life- Moore</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Measure-Man-Gene-Getz/dp/0830734953/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295459642&sr=1-3">The Measure of a Man- Getz</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-Adoption-Missional-through-Rediscovery/dp/1456459503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295459614&sr=1-1">Reclaiming Adoption- Cruver</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Christian-Family-Parents-Nurtured/dp/0800731026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295459584&sr=8-1">The Shaping of a Christian Family- Elliot</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Switch-Change-Things-When-Hard/dp/0385528752/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295459740&sr=1-1">Switch- Heath</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GbAV8m13eBc-fY6n88LwMkYWvdprItVRK2GjRZjkNi1epTjGtYtQrpKROWweXkToP0EIVSNPD3gwF8Id3XLDCKrilOt2Coj-P3xAnUn3PwXU5ZyJ_2LgLDz4YbEzo-Q66eRBl4VRM5E/s1600/unique-modern-tree-bookshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GbAV8m13eBc-fY6n88LwMkYWvdprItVRK2GjRZjkNi1epTjGtYtQrpKROWweXkToP0EIVSNPD3gwF8Id3XLDCKrilOt2Coj-P3xAnUn3PwXU5ZyJ_2LgLDz4YbEzo-Q66eRBl4VRM5E/s400/unique-modern-tree-bookshelves.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-78007543283477278712011-01-14T08:43:00.000-08:002011-01-14T08:47:13.350-08:00One Small StepTis the season to evaluate and innovate. Most of us are gathering up all the hats we wear (that was metaphoric) and making appropriate evaluations and changes as we look forward to a wonderful and more efficient new year. The key here is to focus on small steps or changes that will lead you towards a giant leap. Think about it this way, its your direction, not your intention that will lead you to your destination. Even the smallest or seemingly the most insignificant change can lead to your greatest decision and accomplishment. For what its worth, one of my life goals is to publish a book. Honestly I do not even know where to begin. I need to do some research to get up to speed in the writing and publishing communities. So, this week I have connected with Thomas Nelson Publishing Company to get the ball rolling. Looks like there are some very affordable and promising opportunities available. That's my one small step towards a giant leap. Remember this: if you don't stock the toilet paper it's not just going to appear. You just have to do it! And the result is fabulous! What are some of your dreams or goals this year? What one small step can you take today to help you make that giant leap?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwKy2gMnL8oAd8B_jjmLraXZg3ffTFINgU-O-D3tZHV_cSDHQ_ZpiccXvSCaJDZswrKPobsiLDwDg5BZWHP75gk05rDcMIHZZo7TTOogNas-lO0gLEhmi4j8fIunDHZxgjL6H7z-f9hA/s1600/TP_slide_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwKy2gMnL8oAd8B_jjmLraXZg3ffTFINgU-O-D3tZHV_cSDHQ_ZpiccXvSCaJDZswrKPobsiLDwDg5BZWHP75gk05rDcMIHZZo7TTOogNas-lO0gLEhmi4j8fIunDHZxgjL6H7z-f9hA/s400/TP_slide_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-43967975841884301242011-01-13T06:42:00.000-08:002011-01-13T06:42:22.921-08:00Response > ReactionYesterday marked the one year point since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Over the past year we have heard so many amazing stories of people leaving behind their comforts to serve a country in need. Even right now we are walking with a family through the process of adopting two boys from Haiti. The tragedy has been horrendous, we can all agree. But in the midst of the tragedy God has been writing so many beautiful stories. These stories are written out of the muck and mire. They are written out of the uncomfortable, terrifying, and insecure places we find ourselves when we respond to a need. In the moment it may seem like a nightmare but in the end it's a story that we wouldn't change for anything. Those are the stories that are worth being told. They are the stories that we want our children and grandchildren to hear. Your response to a need in always greater than your reaction. Our reactions prick our emotions and rarely end up with thoughtful and sustaining production. However, a response invokes a giving of oneself. In order to respond we have to be "all in". Our time, energy, and resources are available when we respond to something. So, as you are walking along analyzing the needs around you (i.e.- Haiti, Human Trafficking, Orphans, AIDS, Homeless, Education, etc) make sure that you don't leave each issue with a mere reaction. It's worth your response.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmIQKDuUDPv9Q2y-LvpVkXA2o5DKmoP9epPmDUv4Ah_-sNK8Jp2u-g0p1iOpnsPqoj2BHLMvO6ghVrjHqZdunmEludnItvvesSFzzJNLbbF9LtinK82WSPXAfsjCwxjw8-bJFmD740YY/s1600/haiti-earthquake-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmIQKDuUDPv9Q2y-LvpVkXA2o5DKmoP9epPmDUv4Ah_-sNK8Jp2u-g0p1iOpnsPqoj2BHLMvO6ghVrjHqZdunmEludnItvvesSFzzJNLbbF9LtinK82WSPXAfsjCwxjw8-bJFmD740YY/s400/haiti-earthquake-pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-29293736708754044062011-01-11T08:50:00.000-08:002011-01-11T08:50:59.658-08:00Adoption WeekSeems like this week is adoption week by default. I got two emails yesterday alone for families who wanted to sign up for a <a href="http://www.newrhythm.org/">New Rhythm Consul</a>t to talk about the possibilities of adoption. We are also connecting with two New Rhythm families at the end of the week to celebrate their Haiti adoption process. This stuff is amazing! We are so humbled to be a part of the amazing stories that God is writing in families. I am inspired everyday when I have the chance to listen and serve these wonderful people. If you have been thinking about how you can care for orphaned and vulnerable children and you are interested in a consult email us at info@newrhythm.org.J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-38180400421362502932011-01-07T07:15:00.000-08:002011-01-07T07:15:03.010-08:00ChinaWe are brainstorming different opportunities to partner with organizations to make a large impact locally and globally on the orphan care front. We always want to make sure we are balancing those efforts. Reaching only those who our next door minimizes our effectiveness. Reaching only those who are across the water makes us hypocrites. Our goal is to work hard at making sure we are hitting on all cylinders both locally and globally. Today we are conferencing with <a href="http://www.showhope.org/">ShowHope</a> to talk about a trip to <a href="http://www.showhope.org/OrphanCare/MariasBigHouseofHope.aspx">Maria's Big House of Hope</a> in China. Details will come soon. We would love for you to join us:)J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-24783548173754753922011-01-05T13:50:00.000-08:002011-01-06T05:59:10.483-08:00The Origins of New RhythmI almost never write a post this long but I thought it was worth the share....<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">“I’m so sorry, there are no available families at this time.” </span></b><br />
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It was a little over a year ago today that I remember hearing those words from my wife after getting a phone call late one evening. It was a late wintery night and we were sound asleep. Both of us were warm and cozy underneath our goose feathered down comforter when suddenly the phone rang. It was two in the morning and Shelly immediately jumped up to answer the phone. We have gotten phone calls like this one in the past, after all, my wife Shelly is a social worker and it is her job to help find placements for children in emergency situations. It is safe to say that we were kind of used to this type of situation but for some reason this night was different. It was a call for a sibling set of three. They waited after school for their parent or guardian to pick them up but they never came. It was hours later at this point and there was still no sign of a parental figure for these children who were all under the age of eight. The Social Service Department was calling around to agencies to try and find a safe, loving, and comfortable place for these kids to go temporarily or with potential permanency, depending on the outcome of the situation. As Shelly perused through her list of families she noticed that all of them were full and she was not going to be able to help these kids find a home. When she hung up the phone I couldn’t stop picturing those three young kids sitting in a waiting room, with no warm colors on the walls, no comfortable seating, and with no one to hold them or play with them and tell them that it is going to be ok. As far as we know, they are still in that waiting room today.<br />
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I don’t think it’s a coincidence that during this same time that Shelly received this particular phone call I was at an unsettled place in my life, wrestling intrusively, and wondering if I was actually finding my life fit within the pages of scripture. Sure I believed in the Word of God and read it and went to church and encouraged others to do the same but there was a huge gap I felt between what I was reading in the Bible and what I was actually doing with my life. The gap in this case wasn’t defined by the deep dark sins of commission and the things I was doing in secret or in the open. In fact it had everything to do with the things I wasn’t doing, the sins of omission. It was the parts of the Bible that I read and then just turned the page without giving proper attention to the words before me. For example, there is a particular verse found in the book James that speaks specifically about caring for those children that were on the other side of the phone that night. I have read many, many times before. It is written like this, “Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and widows in their distress.” Did you notice those two adjectives that were chosen specifically to describe God’s design for religion, in this case meaning the church? The words are pure and faultless. Those are heavy words with enormous definition. The word pure means it is not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material, it is without any extraneous or unnecessary elements. And faultless, it means free from defect or error. Wow. Just reading these words gives you great anticipation for something so beautiful and so powerful and so genuine and yet when I think of the noun that they are describing, the church, it doesn’t quite match up. I want to be careful here. It would have been easy for me to stop right there and join the conversation of how much the church has missed the mark over the past several years and point my finger at how adulterated and stained the church really is. However, simply joining this conversation is not going to make my life, and/or the church, pure and faultless. You know what is? Actually believing and doing what the Bible says to do. In this case it is to care for the orphans and the widows. Then, after you have done these things, your faith and deep convictions will be known all around the world for generation to come as pure and faultless. That is what I want my faith to look like.<br />
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So Shelly and I started having this conversation with one another about how we could utilize our abilities and experiences in an effort to mobilize the church and the community to care for orphans and walk out the pages of scripture in a pure and faultless way. That is how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><a href="http://www.newrhythm.org/">New Rhythm Project</a></b></span> came into existence. The more and more we had this conversation, the more and more we found out the need.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Did you know? </span></b><br />
there are 163 million orphans in the world?<br />
there are over 100,000 children available for adoption in the U.S.<br />
there are over 4,000 children in foster care in D.C.<br />
if 1 family in 1 in 4 churches adopted one child their would be no more waiting children in the US<br />
if only ¼ or less of the churches in D.C. got involved, there would be no more orphans in D.C.<br />
if you got involved there would be one less orphan in your community<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Collaborative efforts are what New Rhythm is all about. We educate and mobilize communities to care for the orphans. New Rhythm goes into a community and pulls out the red carpet from the church door to the government door. I know this may sound taboo but according to the Bible it is the church’s responsibility to care for the children, not the government. That is where the new rhythm happens. So first, we connect with the local DSS and other agencies to find out the particular needs of the community and solicit partnerships. Then we join with a business organization or church and educate them on the doctrine and logistics of orphan care. Finally, we help customize plans with individuals or families, and directly connect them with specific childcare organizations according to their needs and/or desires to serve. The result equates in major community needs being met which includes: finding stable and loving homes for children to find permanent or temporary placement, healthy communication and networking between businesses and organizations, & the church finding a new rhythm, rising to produce a movement that holds credibility to the adjectives that God had in mind for it.<br />
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If you are interested in having a <a href="http://www.newrhythm.org/">New Rhythm</a> come to your church, business, or community group please contact <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">bookings@newrhythm.org</span></b> <br />
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</div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-80785543266354172752011-01-05T04:50:00.000-08:002011-01-05T04:50:54.193-08:00Sin and BonesIf you haven't already, take some time this month to map out a plan or goals for the year. It doesn't have to be exhaustive, it can be short but make sure its direct so you know what you walking towards. I have found this practice to be invaluable in every aspect of life. There is something important that happens when you create a plan and stick to it. Its like your synapsis' fire on all chords in order to see that plan resolved and you are able to make decisions that enable you to reach your destination. It is also of upmost importance to share your goals or your plan with others. This is a great way to not only help you stay the course with accountability but it also creates an opportunity for you to inspire others to dream as well. The dangerous part is the flip side. Life without a plan creates an environment for us to make bad decisions on the whim which we will more than likely later regret. So don't end your life with just sin and bones. Make the most of it and dream outside of your capabilities and see what happens.<br />
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Proverbs 5<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">You don't want to end your life full of regrets, nothing but sin and bones. Saying, "Oh, why didn't I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life? Why didn't I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously? My life is ruined! I haven't one blessed thing to show for my life!"</span></i>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-86750734805924149852011-01-04T04:01:00.000-08:002011-01-04T04:01:52.847-08:00The Greatest ResolutionInterested in great health, personal growth, and occupational success in 2011? Look no further than Proverbs 4:20-27:<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"Listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body & soul, they're bursting with health. </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Keep vigilant watch over your heart; thats where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left;leave evil in the dust."</span></i>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-57896834862306634932011-01-02T06:59:00.000-08:002011-01-02T06:59:07.816-08:00Logo LaunchWhat a joy it was to launch our brand new logo yesterday on 1/1/11 at 1pm. We also did a pre-launch for our webpage so it was a two for one deal. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve individuals and families through <a href="http://www.newrhythm.org/">new rhythm project</a>. And to think, we are starting the year with three adoptions from Haiti. What an amazing privilege. Here is to a great year with hundreds of children in loving families! Thanks for your support and love.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLdz7hrlvVeuaMbhjhnbhDpdJgQu3Yx7axX2h8-i35jWqvVOjWC2r3bfStFWADWX_xA5s_oOXbObXQvCNZAk7E1SQW4ucp85Exi_hrE22tJ8jspnA6wX62Etm5ivP37lCPaN-KhY8nak/s1600/NRP_rgb_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLdz7hrlvVeuaMbhjhnbhDpdJgQu3Yx7axX2h8-i35jWqvVOjWC2r3bfStFWADWX_xA5s_oOXbObXQvCNZAk7E1SQW4ucp85Exi_hrE22tJ8jspnA6wX62Etm5ivP37lCPaN-KhY8nak/s400/NRP_rgb_vert.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-66824160716289466672010-12-31T17:36:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:39:59.613-08:00Happy New YearHappy New Year to everyone. We are so excited to launch our brand new logo and webpage today on 1/1/11 at 1pm. Want to have a look? You can check it out <a href="http://www.newrhythm.org/">here</a>. I hope that everyone has made time to reflect on years past and dream towards the future. Here is to good times in sharing hope for 2011! I would love to hear what your dreaming for 2011 if you care to share.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycK8bQ_qtzYPk3eADJkh2-EAmdddqU1nf-rz-DCsdjrRgHj4Fz1025fvDEwpVlr-MnYwrva6y1HSaUnhqlHQL1DBe4li7mEmWX0QB4bW9fOMqP1dcMx1el8Pf8s9jST-NHXlp60JgCk8/s400/Happy_New_Year_Vector_Wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-18703883876096972532010-12-22T06:14:00.000-08:002010-12-22T06:16:59.445-08:00Weekend ReflectionsWhat an emotional weekend we just came off of. We had our New Rhythm Christmas Party, we celebrated our last Sunday at Georgetown, and we had a birthday/open house party on Sunday afternoon. It was a lot of fun but a lot of emotions as well. Shelly and I have been reflecting on the past year and we are filled with great hope for what is to come. It has been a tough year for sure but where there is pain there is gain so we wouldn't trade it for anything. As the proverb reads, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." We'll share updates really soon on where we will be focusing our energies for 2011. For now, enjoy your holiday and focus on some R & R!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUKns1SiNGYBimE2nDs6dPa3uO7h8OryOQctzbClh2yLr7CcX6MScOr00kCiQ9PUN8Q7eCw7d19ywizpTpjSLwgrbEPTTXIIEn2aRWuVjKfOnyBdS8ZZgJC9sNNcLcBL2MKJUyzyFJoQ/s1600/nrp+ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUKns1SiNGYBimE2nDs6dPa3uO7h8OryOQctzbClh2yLr7CcX6MScOr00kCiQ9PUN8Q7eCw7d19ywizpTpjSLwgrbEPTTXIIEn2aRWuVjKfOnyBdS8ZZgJC9sNNcLcBL2MKJUyzyFJoQ/s400/nrp+ornaments.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-57128919804501352652010-12-17T13:22:00.000-08:002010-12-17T13:22:18.614-08:001st Annual Christmas PartyWe are gearing up for New Rhythm's first annual Christmas Party. It was a year ago this month that God birthed this vision inside our hearts. Shelly and I gathered up a few of our close friends for a dinner and we did our level best to vocalize this crazy idea about an organization that would travel the world and rescue orphaned and abused children and place them in families. We weren't even sure what it looked like or if it even made sense. We all agreed we would keep it in prayer and hoped to have details and ideas secured for us to begin to move forward. Well this year we launched New Rhythm Project in August. We have built some great relationships and developed critical partnerships. In just five months we are in the process of three adoptions from Haiti, we have partnered with <a href="http://www.bestkids.org/">BestKids of DC</a> to facilitate mentors for DC Foster kids, we are recruiting a number of Fosters Families through small groups and mini forums, and we are running a Foster Care & Adoption Initiative with a couple hundred families in just a few weeks. We have been so humbled and honored to walk along side individuals and families as they find their role in defending the cause of the fatherless. We are so blessed and very grateful. So tonight well reflect on God's faithfulness and celebrate the future as we look ahead with great anticipation. In the words of the great Tony Bennett, "The Best is Yet to Come!"J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-48789298721009645222010-12-15T06:20:00.000-08:002010-12-15T06:20:38.505-08:00Good PurchasesIt was two years ago this month when our <a href="http://theaterchurch.com/about/staff">team</a> sat around a table at the <a href="https://promos.thecheesecakefactory.com/joy/?gclid=CNLt7de57qUCFUdN4AodR297oQ">Cheescake Factory</a> and I had an idea. Everyone of us gets tons of Christmas Catalogs that encourage us to buy more things that we don't really need. What if we created a catalog that coincided with our <a href="http://www.aoneeight.org/">missions projects</a> and people could purchase goods in each area of the globe that we were working with that year. As a result, over $100,000 has been given to missions in just two years. We have just started our third marketplace catalog and I cannot wait to get started purchasing some gifts that really matter to the one who is receiving. Feel free to <a href="http://www.aoneeight.org/marketplace/">check it out</a> and see if there is something that perhaps you may want to purchase. It's a great way to gather your friends, family, staff, and other networks too. You can come together and make a huge impact this Christmas from just <a href="http://www.aoneeight.org/marketplace/">one click</a>!J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-80735819008679618862010-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:002010-12-08T12:43:31.986-08:00Annual Family PlanningShelly and I will head out to Williamsburg during the last week of December for our family planning retreat. I view this as the backbone of our family. Every decision we make throughout the year depends on whether or not it fits the plan. We go into this with much prayer and anticipation. I For what it's worth to you, we plan and/or set goals in five different areas: Physical, Mental, Financial, & Fun. t has been a great way to track God's faithfulness throughout the year and identify where we are in the journey that we feel like God has called us to. A year ago we wrote down to make a decision whether or not to purchase a home or keep renting. We happened to moved into our new home this summer. A year ago we wrote down to finalize all details, board, mission, vision, branding, & contracts for our non-profit. We are so grateful to have launched in August and the organization is thriving. So as we look in to 2011 our hearts are encouraged and our faith is stretched to believe God to more than we could ever ask for, hope, or imagine. And oh yea, there are those things that happen throughout the year as well that you just can't plan for and God's faithfulness is always there to sustain you. Give it a shot this year. You can do it individually or with your spouse and children. You will be amazed at how much it helps you to stay focused and see God's hand at work in your life.J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-77511464877539514442010-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:002010-12-03T06:00:58.250-08:00Environment is EverythingHave you ever notice how different you feel when reading a book in a stylistic coffeehouse with comfortable chairs and warm colors on the wall than reading a book in your office at your desk? Doesn't it also seem like you can day dream a little longer and more creatively in that coffeehouse or away at a scenic cabin with the fireplace going and the snow falling outside the window with a hot cup of cocoa? What am I saying? Environment is everything. Sometimes you have to step outside of the office to let the neurotransmitters go. A change of environment creates some space for creativity and imagination. I have been dubbed around the office as the "candle guy". For some reason I am so much more productive with the candles lit and the jazz music playing in the background. Try it sometime. Your environment is important to your productivity and creativity. Maybe you need to get out of the office for an offsite brainstorming meeting or reflection time? Maybe you need to add some paint to the walls and maybe some warm feeling decor? Give it a shot, I bet it helps. PS- Christmastime seems like the best time for this. The Christmas decor makes for such a warm environment dripped with imagination.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMeqh1fI3y6any-caiLFPuCkbSVDyFCg1LZGfKZuvKm7MD-Zt8ZYTehWIqWhno6NufmAG444qRs3YZpYjE73VBOsG2530qJCoOgviaUDK-Gl3qAhRwWxvk62ROgE1JmHB7eA9WeKaKHY/s1600/soy_candles+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMeqh1fI3y6any-caiLFPuCkbSVDyFCg1LZGfKZuvKm7MD-Zt8ZYTehWIqWhno6NufmAG444qRs3YZpYjE73VBOsG2530qJCoOgviaUDK-Gl3qAhRwWxvk62ROgE1JmHB7eA9WeKaKHY/s400/soy_candles+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765441922700546635.post-81798079950555127512010-12-02T12:05:00.000-08:002010-12-02T12:05:56.448-08:00Back in the SaddleThanks for your prayers. I am back in the office this week. We are full steam ahead in end of the year evaluations and new year planning. Some very cool opportunities are waiting for us on the horizon. I am not at liberty to share at this time but certainly will as time permits. I am healing well and should be 100% by Christmas hopefully. Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support. Keynote: seek the Lord, not opportunity. Opportunity inevitably comes after one has sought the Lord!J.Yosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097475492387238126noreply@blogger.com0