“…My peers and I were among the first ones to experience grade inflation, where we got A’s for excavating our feelings and “doing our best” at calculus. We were among the first to be programmed for self-esteem, as we learned that having a pulse made us wonderfully special. For as long as we can remember, we’ve been destined for superstardom. Some of us have been prepped for elite schooling since before we could use the potty, and we’ve been on the traveling soccer teams before we knew not to touch the ball with our hands. We’ve been stuffed full of praise for mediocrity and had our foibles diagnosed away with hyphenated jargon and pop psychology.
It’s no wonder we expect people to affirm us for everything, criticize us for nothing, and pay us for anything we want to do.” -Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will

DeYoung nails it. If you haven’t read this book, you should. In the age of the adultolescent DeYoung’s advice is sage, and his voice should be heard amidst and above the pseudo-spiritual ramblings of some/many popular Christian authors.

Check out Tyson’s blog here: http://heytyson.blogspot.com

Like the new font in the header? It can be yours! Our very talented friend Kyle Steed has released his much celebrated font called Clumsy. It is available for free, and donations are accepted (highly recommend donating something!)

Check it out here:

http://clumsy.kylesteed.com

1. Change in Direction – An update on my job change

2. Our One Hope Wallpaper - A wallpaper I designed based on a great quote

3. Field Notes – A quick look at one of the products I love

Thanks for reading!

A couple weeks ago I was able to write a guest post on a friend’s blog. If you are into design, art or fun, you should head on over to Erin McCabe’s blog Oh and The World Spins Madly On.

Oh and you can read my post here.

Why Change?

Before I even talk through the timeline of events or the end result, I do want to say a few things about my previous position with Young Life:

1. I have never worked for or with a better group of people in my life. If I had things my way, I would bring everyone from Richardson Area Young Life along with me wherever I go. Even though that won’t happen, I am very excited to stay in Dallas and continue to grow the relationships we have formed over the past several years with Young Life.
2. I love the mission of Young Life, especially the way I have seen it played out in Richardson. I plan to continue being involved in one way or another as long as we are around.

That being said, Vivien and I have never thought of Young Life as the job I was cut out for. Starting in late May, we were given the freedom to take some time to think through what I would be excited about pursuing, and the confidence to know that WyldLife would be left in good hands if I were too leave.

Narrowing the Search

It was not always clear what position I was looking for, but after talking things through with Vivien, we began getting excited about two paths. One was returning to a Teaching career, and the other was pursuing Pastoral ministry. After meeting with several pastors at The Village, we became even more excited about the idea of pursuing a full-time teaching job and looking for opportunities to gain Pastoral experience on the side. As a result of some of these meetings, I was forwarded an email from Coram Deo Academy about a part-time 8th History & Bible position. Even though it was part-time, we decided it was worthwhile to apply. Decision. Of. The. Year.

The Perfect Fit

The day before I went in for a formal interview, I took part in a phone interview where I mentioned my desire to land a full-time job. At the time there seemed to only be a part-time opening, but we decided that it was best to go forward with the interview either way. The next morning, towards the end of the actual interview, I was presented with a plan the hiring committee put together to provide a full-time position for me. Later in the interview I was told more about the school’s great philosophy, schedule and academic reputation. In a nutshell, here is what I will be doing:

• Teach 8th Grade History & Bible, 7th Grade Life Science and 12th Grade Apologetics
• Coram Deo is on a college schedule, with class sessions each meeting twice a week
• I will only be teaching Monday-Thursday

What Will I do with Fridays?

Several things, but I am especially excited about:

• Working more with Vivien Ly Designs
• Studying towards my M.A.R. at RTS
• Serving with a pastor/department at The Village Church
• Creating fun side projects like the Nicene Creed Devo
• Toying with things I enjoy (WordPress, Illustrator, etc)
• Visiting my wife and friends!
• Pursuing speaking opportunities

So that’s where we are right now. I finish officially with Young Life on July 31st and start reporting to Coram Deo in early August. Thanks so much for all the prayers, ideas and encouragement along the way, Viv and I both appreciate you guys!

Field Notes

My first experience with Field Notes was courtesy of a Gowalla giveaway. At first I thought I had no need for a pocket-sized notepad, especially since I almost always have my phone with me. After deciding to carry a Field Note pad around for a week, I quickly realized that this might be a new staple in my back left pocket.

About the Company

Inspired by the vanishing subgenre of agricultural memo books, ornate pocket ledgers and the simple, unassuming beauty of a well-crafted grocery list, the Draplin Design Company, Portland, Oregon in conjunction with Coudal Partners of Chicago, Illinois bring you “FIELD NOTES” in hopes of offering, “An honest memo book, worth fillin’ up with GOOD INFORMATION.”

How I Use It

I have mainly used mine for idea mapping, lists, sketches and as a second brain for short term memory. They come in a variety of colors and paper styles (my latest order was three cardboard cover with blank paper.) You also get a couple of fun surprises with every oder!

More Pics

Have you used Field Notes before? Know of any similar products I should consider?

Do you blog (somewhat) regularly about things we both think are interesting? If so I would love to share you with others who read this blog! Head over to the “Friends” section to find out more!

Project: The Nicene Creed in 24 Days

This project started as a devotional for Young Life Work Crew at the Camp Viv and I will be working at this summer. It has grown into a collaborative effort to write a 24 day booklet that walks through one of Christianity’s great Creeds useful for those new to the faith or who want an overview of what Christians really believe.

Need:

Cover and Layout Designer

Content Writers

Copy Editor

Due:

June 28th, 2010

Leave a comment and send me an email if you’re interested in helping out in any way!

Thanks to:

@Tyson_Guthrie, @lukesammons and Drew Armstrong for their help so far!

For more info on projects I would love your help with, visit http://collab.jonjordan.com

I am super guilty of saying “I don’t have time for ________” when what I really should say is “I didn’t/won’t make time for _____.” We all have the same 24 hours each day. If you want to do something, and you consider it important, make time for it.

Here is one small adjustment I have been trying to make in order to “make time” for school, side projects, fun etc.

Drumroll please (badumdumdumdumdumdumdumdum…..)

Wake up earlier. Know when you need to wake up in order to be on time, then make an effort to wake up well before that time. Two disclaimers:

1. I know I am fortunate that getting up at 7 on a week day is “before I need to”

2. This doesn’t always happen (just ask my wife, Zack or Simo), but overall I have loved the extra time each day.

What are some changes you have made in order to “make time” for things you want to accomplish?

• FOOD! We love trying new places and would love some tips on local restaurants…
• Attractions! Besides the obvious and basics of D.C. is there anything you know of that is worth checking out?
• Surprises! Anything else you can think of that would be great for us to hit while we’re there. Other than puppies. I’m not hitting a puppy.