Ponder Away (with Blue Sharpies)November 16, 2009 365 days ago, I turned 30 and I wrote something in my journal that I completely believe to be true: “My 30’s will be one of the most amazing decades of my life. They will be more fruitful, more fun, and more creative than my 20’s.” God taught me a lot in my 20’s, and it’s cool to see brand new things, exciting things, come into play in your 30’s. I’ve made a few lofty goals for these 10 years. Some are public (7 records, intentional discipling/mentoring, etc) and other goals are just for me & jamie & my journal to know. This year has been stellar…it might be one of my favorites so far. Granted, it’s been incredibly difficult at times. Learning to trust God with my kids lives and futures, waiting on him to bring them home from Haiti…that’s just hard….really really hard. Countless nights I spent questioning if God was ever going to finish what he started with Amos & Story. Wrestling through how to articulate the poverty I’ve seen in the world around me…that’s tough. Allowing God to heal some cynicism from living in Nashville for 5 years…yeah, that just wasn’t fun to have that sin illuminated in my heart. But through all of that, God remains faithful and steadfast. Then, beautifully contrasted to some painful things, God blessed us immensely with a move to Austin, Texas. You already know we’re a fan, but seriously, I don’t think we could ever leave this city. The idea of community has been made real as we’ve lived through tears and joys with the body of Christ here in Austin. God has blessed me with the gift of being able to lead at The Austin Stone. I remember the first Sunday after we moved here a year ago. It’s still vivid in my memory. Standing off to the side of the gym, I scanned the crowded gym of 1,400 people or so, and heard God say, “Aaron, these are my people…and I’ve entrusted you to lead and serve them well.” I’ve always felt responsibility when leading worship, but never to this extent. I realize more than ever the deep responsibility that we have as worship leaders…not to just sing songs, not to even lead songs well…but to serve well. And that has carried over to every aspect of leading worship on the road as well. Story came home this year. What a gift. Amos will come home soon. Gosh, it’s all too much to list out in a blog… Great friends. Artist nights. Friendships with my pastor and church staff. friends. Psalm 77:11-14. Brilliant. As I was writing this, Story has been coloring her entire right leg with a Blue Sharpie. I guess this isn’t what Jamie had in mind when she asked if I could watch the kids while she went out for an errand? Leave a Reply
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The new full-length album centers around God’s faithfulness and beauty, and the church's response to injustice, poverty, and orphans. The 10 song album reflects a heart for the Kingdom of God here and now, between the beauty and the chaos.
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November 16th, 2009 @ 11:19 am
yeah yeah! Thankful for your life bro and getting to lead worship alongside you and the rest of the boys. So thankful for your wife and your kids that shine beauty. So thankful for the story that God has given your life and how HE has used it to bring MUCH glory to His name!
Happy Birthday!
November 16th, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Happy Birthday! Praying that your son comes home soon!
November 17th, 2009 @ 9:33 am
It is amazing to me how the Lord uses you and your family’s life to not only effect/change/inspire you and your family and those who are physically around you all, but Your lives have effected people all over the world. You and Jamie (and Bush) have seriously inspired me with in the past couple of years to serve, and serve well. And that is just from reading your blogs! I am thankful for your life, happy (late) birthday!
Btw, I love that Story colored her leg. Might not have been fun to clean, but that is just too stinkin’ cute
November 17th, 2009 @ 10:42 am
I loved reading this post man, just to see your heart poured out as you explore this life God has given you is awesome. The blue sharpie… I’d of done the same thing.
November 17th, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
Happy happy birthday, only one day late! I am blessed to call you and Jamie friends, grateful to worship with you, so thankful to love Jesus with you, and so humbled to pray with and for you and your family. So thankful you were born! May God blow your mind with His lavish blessings this next year!