Moving forward with Day3Missions.org

If you are looking for Something Standard Time, you have come to the right place. If you've been following this blog for any time, you are aware of direction Bryan's and Cassi's adventure is taking. With that it was time to move forward with the development of Day3Missions.org.

First, let me say, it is a privilege and honor to contribute to Bryan's blog. I've looked up to Bryan for roughly 30 years now, following his example as a musician and as a man. Throughout the years, I've gotten to participate in many of Bryan's successes, playing bass or keyboard or even just lugging gear before I learned to play. When Bryan told me about his opportunity in Belgium, I wanted to offer him whatever I have, and participate in any way I can.

I don't speak French and I've never been to Europe, but I have acquired a great deal of tech savvy over the years. I have been in Web development/programming for roughly a decade now and have been a Web application developer for Dave Ramsey for the past three years. I have been blessed to be surrounded there by brilliant minds who paved the way for me, and they are generous in sharing their knowledge.

I will essentially be working to implement Bryan's vision for the site. Currently, we are in the process of migrating the old blog to the new domain. Unfortunately, in the process, we had to revert to an old template, but we intend to get the new look and feel back soon. We'll also complete the process he started, by tightening up the flow of the site so that you can get the content that most appeals to you. The site will continue to take form as this ministry does. Ultimately, this is all about us connecting with each other in the most meaningful way possible.

I look forward to serving here at day3missions.org and moreso to seeing what God continues to do in the lives of Bryan and Cassi.

Peace,

Jon Wolski

Listen at Your Own Risk

Hey guys. Since I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Casting Crowns, I got a copy of the new material that is on their new CD, Until the Whole World Hears. This CD encompasses why I fell in love with the group in the first place. There are only 2 songs on the CD that I tend to skip over when I am listening for my own pleasure. Those are the title cut, Until the Whole World Hears, and what seems to be the only other up-tempo song on the album, Holy One. Both of these are great tunes, but I usually just can't wait to get to the next song.

The main reason I love this record is that it is another great worship record like I feel Lifesong was. In fact, last week I was driving home from my mother's house after some hard work and found myself so in to the worship experience I had my eyes closed, singing out. Did I mention I was driving too? Luckily Cassi called my cell phone within about 20 seconds of that.

Cassi and I had the pleasure of sharing 2 of my favorite songs on this record with our small group this past Sunday. Both of the songs, Blessed Redeemer, and Glorious Day talk about the sacrifice that Jesus made as he was marched to His death. The imagery is breath taking. In fact, I had to have Cassi finish reading the lyrics to our small group as I was choked up. Megan Garrett, keyboardist and vocalist for Casting Crowns, even got choked up at their Nashville concert during a song titled Mercy. This song is a great ballad that says, "Your Mercy saved me, mercy made me whole." It says that we are sinners and in desperate need of mercy, which we are given.

I also got to share the song, Always Enough with a friend that had been through some incredibly tough times over the past few years. They say that the music of Casting Crowns literally saved their life. This particular song was a comfort also. It captured me from the first line. "In a dry and weary land, Lord You are the rain." When we cannot rely on the world, family, peers, or anyone else, God is always enough for us.

There are a few more great mid tempo and slow songs on this record that are worth listening to. I love all but 2 of the songs those 2 still get a "like" from me.

If you want an album that is full of cool riffs and sounds "poppy", this one may not be for you. If you like music to take you to a high plateau where you can get lost in the worship, dance in the presence, and bask in the message, there is not a better album than this one.

If you are listening to this while you drive your car, please listen at your own risk.

Peace

P.S. The album drops today. Do yourself a favor or someone else having a hard time. Go buy it! This one is going to change and save more lives.

Never Give Up Your Dreams. Never? Really?!?

These people all had a dream in the 70's. 9 of them are millionaires and 2 are billionaires. Dreams are important for success. One of my favorite passage in the Bible is Proverbs 28:18.

Abraham was told that he would be the father of multitudes. His descendants would outnumber the stars. The Messiah would come from his bloodline. He and his descendants would be given the land which is now known as Israel. His wife Sarah was barren and both of them were old. He and Sarah wanted all that was promised from God. They wanted it so much that they tried to help God fulfill the prophecies. Genesis 16 has more info on this part.

The part I am interested in is after Abraham was given what he and Sarah wanted and were promised. When God promises you something how can you not feel a sense of entitlement? Their dreams were realized. They had their son. God asked Abraham to give up his dreams, his destiny, and turn it back over, as a burnt offering to God. An interesting thing about a burnt offering as opposed to a regular sacrifice is that the sacrifice is fully consumed by the fire. There is nothing left to bury or that would have any value. Rather than hold on to his dreams he trusted God with it. He was willing to give it back completely.

Through our recent past people have asked why I am willing to walk away and leave my dreams right when it seems I am in the midst of them being reality. They see me playing for Casting Crowns, Avalon, Michael English, Buddy Jewel, and our band, The Daniel Doss Band, being on a major label as me on the edge of my personal dreams becoming a reality. The truth is, if God asked me to sell everything I have and leave music forever I would. I am not exactly sure how I would function, but it would make me dependent on God that much more. I tell the ones who ask me that I am not walking away from music, I am walking with God. He knows the plans He has for me and that is exactly where I want to be. Jeremiah 29:11 is a great passage to live in.

Peace

4 References in 3 Days are Enough to be Uncomfortable

Lately we have gotten a little behind on telling you what is going on in our lives. I will do a quick recap here and we will hopefully have a number of posts over the next week that are more in depth on what is going on in and around our journey.

The last few days Cassi and I have purchased a "For Sale By Owner" sign, which was suggested by our financial counselor. We have been moving some stuff in to storage that will subsequently be sold, thrown out, given away, loaned out, stored, or packed to go to Belgium. Paint has been purchased for touch up and the thought process of staging this house for sale has begun. We are "peeling back another layer" of what is keeping us from being mobile. Our dog has gone to stay with other family members as research shows it is easier to sell a house with no pets.

What has been a short-circuit in my brain as of late is the reference from 4 others about me being a pastor. 2 people have said that they would want me to be their pastor. 2 people have said that I "look" like a pastor. One of these people was a complete stranger that said I looked just like her pastor. We were not talking about religion in any of these cases already. These people brought it up out of the blue. If I can be honest, I am uncomfortable with being recognized as a pastor or someone having the desire of me pastoring them. I hold pastoral care on such a high regard that I don't feel I have the knowledge or skill set (yet) to be one. I do, however, trust that God sometimes uses someone seemingly unqualified to bring glory to himself. If that is the case here and I am called to be a pastor (which makes me sick to think about) I would have to fall on my face daily and ask God for guidance on what and how to do that. Maybe that is the point.

I am just an imperfect man. Totally incapable of anything extraordinary on my own ability. Why would God choose someone like that? Well, the bible is full of stories like that. More than likely I will be writing about some of these people over the next week or so. I think Abraham might be my first victim. Although if I write about him it will probably have a bit more of a twist.

Thanks for letting me air my fears honestly here. I am trying to get though this process in one piece but I am afraid metamorphosis must take place in some areas.