A few weeks ago I sent an email to Jon Acuff. He's an author, blogger, and humorous man. His blog StuffChristiansLike is hilarious at times and deep at times. Much like our blog. But anyways, I digress. Here's the email I sent him...
Yo Jonny,
My name is James and I like your website- real legit. I noticed that you said to contact you if you’ve got Stuff Christians would like. I believe I do. I go to Virginia Tech and live in a house with 7 other Christian guys who are just trying to follow Christ while in college. It’s a compilation of posts by myself and my seven roommates, and we usually try to have a new one up every day. I think the blog is real funny and inspiring, but feel you should probs check it out yourself. You’re a busy man Jon, but it’s worth your time. I’ll put in the link for the first blog I wrote, describing the members of the house.
http://willardhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-blog-is-test-of-my-responsibility.html
<3’s,
James Crockett Harris III
p.s. I promise the link doesn’t contain viruses, but you’re probably on a Mac, so you won’t be bothered even if I’m a liar. (which I’m not)
I know. I'm surprised he wrote back too. But he did. Here's Jon Acuff's response...
[great blog. I think that's going to be an awesome way to chronicle what you're doing. (And I promise I don't snore and I think becca is famous too)
Jon]
Oh Yeah. No where near as long as mine. But Jon responded! that's the best part. It's great to see that he cares enough about his readers to personally respond to the email. He even checked the blog out. The best part however, is that he now knows Becs is famous too. You can check out her facebook by clicking on that link on her name.
Anyway, we were all really excited about that. John and I had been planning on writing a really funny, inside jokish blog about Jon Acuff with references to Jesus Jukes and the mandatory youth minister goatee, but I got tired of waiting.
<3's
James Harris III
p.s. Hypes is coming to visit one weekend, and will be cooking our house dinner. I can't wait.
Beyond Blacksburg: The lives of the men who once lived in a home called Willard.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Welcome to..
"But for you who fear my name" likely sums up the musical brilliance and underlying themes of the Welcome Wagon's most recent effort, entitled "Welcome to the Welcome Wagon." As I write (and consequently while you read) the protestant hymmwriter Lenny Smith's word are being graciously poured over raspy trombones, hand-claps, and a rambunctious choir. Glory, Glory.
The Welcome Wagon consists of Reverend Vito Aiuto and his wife, Monique: They live in Brooklyn and head Resurrection Presbyterian Church. Sufjan Stevens, whom also produced and played a variety of instruments on the album, regularly attends and his lyric and vocal styles are neatly woven into the fabric of this album. The album begins with the slow melodic "Up on a Mountain" and quickly transitions to the up-beat electric "Sold to the nice Rich Man". Such a transition is so very typical of the spontaneity of each folk-driven ballad included.
My personal favorites include the heart-breaking "He Never Said a Mumblin' Word", the enthralling "I am a Stranger" and my personal favorite, made famous by the likes of The Smiths (whom I hold no personal affection for), "Half a Person". "Call me morbid, call me pale, I spent 6 years on your trail". Fantastic.
As much as I hate to do this, I would recommend this record for anyone who enjoys Sufjan Stevens, Derek Webb, or Anathallo. One thing is certain, you will not be able to give this record a listen without noticing the underlying spirit and passion brought by this duo. It just may leave you wanting to travel to Brooklyn this Sunday.
Happy Listening,
Evan
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A week in review
As selfish as this may be, this blog is going to be mainly about myself. Sorry...
The last two Sundays I have experienced have been vastly different.
Last Sunday, on the 13th of February, two of my friends at East Mont High School, Stephen and Grayson, were killed in an accident. I found out at about 4pm, and went over to Sam Vaughn's house to be together with the team and pray. I felt really strange the whole time. I felt distant and numb and disconnected. The next day followed suit, going through the whole day feeling numb. That night I had a fruitful conversation with a couple bros from EM about Grayson. They were his best friends, and just wanted to sit and talk a while about what had happened, but more importantly what being with him had been like. They told me about their adventures, dumb stuff they did together, and about Grayson's love for Kid Cudi. They were broken down by this, yet so honest about what life they had shared with their best friend. The conversation continued, and Vish asked me why I was different. What had changed. And I was able to answer simply. The Gospel.
We had a great talk about what transformed me from a punk to a man. Yet at the same time, I kept questioning, if I'm changed, how do I not feel anything about Steve and Gray? What was wrong with me.
I went on feeling strange till Wednesday. Empty, and wondering why I didn't feel. Then on Wednesday afternoon I was sitting in Allie's dorm, and went on Grayson's facebook page. I would call it a mistake, but it wasn't. I read what his sister had put on his wall, that she was watching their favorite tv show and wondering why he wasn't laughing with her. At this point the feelings finally came. I finally felt like I knew I was supposed to feel. I felt hurt, and sad and helpless. I felt broken. And it was good. I sat there with Allie crying, and she told me God had a plan. He would make good come from this. And that's tough to believe. It's tough to believe God is good when two kids get hit by a train. It's tough to believe that He loved them more than I can fathom. It's tough to remain faithful. But you learn about the depths of your faith in trials. You get a chance to experience new relations with your Father, that you wouldn't get other wise.
Just cause you know there's a plan doesn't make you not upset though. It comforts, in the sense that these boy's deaths aren't gonna only cause pain and division. And it gives you something to turn to when you're sitting in class and it hits you that you're never gonna drive Steve anymore. That you're never gonna be thinking of new bro names to call each other. That you're never gonna play me a tune your guitar. Steven I miss you man. You got what life was man. You understood what it was about. And as much as it hurts not having you here, you're with Jesus now. And that is more comforting than any hug or cry can ever be.
This past weekend, John, Jackson, Joe, Sam and myself went to Richmond for the Commonwealth's Young Life Committee Leader weekend. There were speakers and seminars, but the best part was getting to see people you don't get to hang out with often. Being able to be in that community is amazing,and the fellowship renews you. I feel whole again after this weekend, and the rest I experienced from my time there. It was great, and I even got a twitter account out of it...
Finally, a word of one thing that my team learned from Steven and Grayson. You don't have time. We are but a vapor. No one lives forever, and you literally aren't promised tomorrow. They were juniors in high school. Neither was even 18. If you have something you need to tell someone, tell them. If you know what Truth is, share it. Because you don't know when the last time you're gonna see someone is. I know that sounds morbid, but it's true. So don't waste time. Every second counts.
I apologize for the length of this blog, and the lack of brevity. I'll be blogging about Becca Fitz again soon, and how Jon Acuff (stuffchristianslike.net) knows her. Don't you worry.
Love,
James Harris III
The last two Sundays I have experienced have been vastly different.
Last Sunday, on the 13th of February, two of my friends at East Mont High School, Stephen and Grayson, were killed in an accident. I found out at about 4pm, and went over to Sam Vaughn's house to be together with the team and pray. I felt really strange the whole time. I felt distant and numb and disconnected. The next day followed suit, going through the whole day feeling numb. That night I had a fruitful conversation with a couple bros from EM about Grayson. They were his best friends, and just wanted to sit and talk a while about what had happened, but more importantly what being with him had been like. They told me about their adventures, dumb stuff they did together, and about Grayson's love for Kid Cudi. They were broken down by this, yet so honest about what life they had shared with their best friend. The conversation continued, and Vish asked me why I was different. What had changed. And I was able to answer simply. The Gospel.
We had a great talk about what transformed me from a punk to a man. Yet at the same time, I kept questioning, if I'm changed, how do I not feel anything about Steve and Gray? What was wrong with me.
I went on feeling strange till Wednesday. Empty, and wondering why I didn't feel. Then on Wednesday afternoon I was sitting in Allie's dorm, and went on Grayson's facebook page. I would call it a mistake, but it wasn't. I read what his sister had put on his wall, that she was watching their favorite tv show and wondering why he wasn't laughing with her. At this point the feelings finally came. I finally felt like I knew I was supposed to feel. I felt hurt, and sad and helpless. I felt broken. And it was good. I sat there with Allie crying, and she told me God had a plan. He would make good come from this. And that's tough to believe. It's tough to believe God is good when two kids get hit by a train. It's tough to believe that He loved them more than I can fathom. It's tough to remain faithful. But you learn about the depths of your faith in trials. You get a chance to experience new relations with your Father, that you wouldn't get other wise.
Just cause you know there's a plan doesn't make you not upset though. It comforts, in the sense that these boy's deaths aren't gonna only cause pain and division. And it gives you something to turn to when you're sitting in class and it hits you that you're never gonna drive Steve anymore. That you're never gonna be thinking of new bro names to call each other. That you're never gonna play me a tune your guitar. Steven I miss you man. You got what life was man. You understood what it was about. And as much as it hurts not having you here, you're with Jesus now. And that is more comforting than any hug or cry can ever be.
This past weekend, John, Jackson, Joe, Sam and myself went to Richmond for the Commonwealth's Young Life Committee Leader weekend. There were speakers and seminars, but the best part was getting to see people you don't get to hang out with often. Being able to be in that community is amazing,and the fellowship renews you. I feel whole again after this weekend, and the rest I experienced from my time there. It was great, and I even got a twitter account out of it...
Finally, a word of one thing that my team learned from Steven and Grayson. You don't have time. We are but a vapor. No one lives forever, and you literally aren't promised tomorrow. They were juniors in high school. Neither was even 18. If you have something you need to tell someone, tell them. If you know what Truth is, share it. Because you don't know when the last time you're gonna see someone is. I know that sounds morbid, but it's true. So don't waste time. Every second counts.
I apologize for the length of this blog, and the lack of brevity. I'll be blogging about Becca Fitz again soon, and how Jon Acuff (stuffchristianslike.net) knows her. Don't you worry.
Love,
James Harris III
Friday, February 18, 2011
libby is cancer free!!!!
deuteronomy 10:21 says
"He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes."
libby's PET scan results came in today and she is officially cancer free! check her blog and see what she and ryder had to say today after they received the news www.libbyryder.blogspot.com
a number of us who lead younglife (including the ryders) will be in richmond this weekend to celebrate what God has been doing in our region this year, through the ministry of younglife. and now we can celebrate the wonderful news that libby is officially cancer free! join with us (even if you won't be there) as we, in the words of psalm 98
"shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn
shout for joy before the LORD, the King."
"He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes."
libby's PET scan results came in today and she is officially cancer free! check her blog and see what she and ryder had to say today after they received the news www.libbyryder.blogspot.com
a number of us who lead younglife (including the ryders) will be in richmond this weekend to celebrate what God has been doing in our region this year, through the ministry of younglife. and now we can celebrate the wonderful news that libby is officially cancer free! join with us (even if you won't be there) as we, in the words of psalm 98
"shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn
shout for joy before the LORD, the King."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentines Day Mystery
today i approximately arrived home at 3 pm to find a note on my desk from a possible secret admirer. members of the willard house were home all day. the only time frame that this note could have been dropped off was between 11:30-1pm. during this time jeremy was the only one home and was working in his room. the men of willard have been working this case for the past couple of hours and have been distracting me from my 6 page paper that is due tomorrow at 9:30am. a picture of the note is attached to the blog. a reward for information that leads to the arrest of this culprit is a date jeremy aaron mateyk sponsored by the willard house. leland pearson is heading up the anonymous tip line. text or call his personal cell phone: (434)989-3221
Music Monday -John Carr
sorry about the lack of a music monday last week, evan said he was going to write one...this week, valley maker: their self-titled album (valley maker)
valley maker's self titled album is a collection of songs inspired by the book of genesis. it is the brain child of austin crane who says this about the album "valley maker was born out of my honors senior thesis project. I studied economics and russian language/literature for my undergrad, so I wanted to do something for my thesis that reflected my interest in music and songwriting." the album is a wonderful singer/songwriter record with a bit of an indie sound. crane's voice is a bit gritty and harsh, similar to bob dylan, but it is balanced out beautifully by amy godwin who's vocals are delivered in a flawless milky smoothness. godwin's voice helps to enforce the mood that crane creates lyrically and vocally, in a subtle yet noticeable way. the bridge to the album's second track "babel" is a great example of this. its apparent that the lyrics are what drives the entire record but I think thats what amazes me about a track like "cain and abel," where crane is basically singing biblical stories that also make for incredible musicianship. you can actually download the album for a pay-what-you-want basis at www.valleymaker.com
listen to this album while: just sitting in the living room, laying down for a nap, or driving at night after a long day
Friday, February 11, 2011
H. Jackson Strawn
My hiatus has ended. It is now time to initiate the continuation of my series of Willard dudes. So, here it is. The down low on Jackson.
I met Jackson in the 8th grade. Many of you may be asking, what! no wonder they are such wonderful men, influencing one another for that long. Yes, i know. It's a shock. Believe it of not, Jackson and I where on the same team at Virginia Tech's soccer camp our 8th grade year. In those days, we loved many things including; Afroman, being vulgar, and playing soccer. We would sit in our room before every practice session and listen to Colt 45 by Afroman. I loved Jackson, and for that week we were tight. Interestingly enough, I had a blog at that time on xanga.com. So, in a moment of inspiration, I went back to look at it and found an entry about Jackson, and this is what it said;
haha. yes. i was quite a character at that point in my life. I liked to refer to myself as Mr. Todd, as it was my blog's url. If anyone is interested in a Sam that led to who I am today take a look at; http://mrtoddsteaparty.xanga.com . Anyways, this was Jackson and I's first meeting. After this i saw him at King's Dominion once... weird, i know, but after that I didn't see him until freshman year at Virginia Tech when we realized our bizarre past together.
It is interesting how many people in our house rip on Jackson all the time (myself included). Why is this you may ask yourself? Well, I think it's because of Jackson's carefree spirit. He is hilarious, and it allows us to comment on it all the time. He is a man of two distinct sides; a light-hearteded and a deep side. Many may only see the former, but I will be the first to tell you that the latter is just as awesome. It is easy to overlook the wisdom that Jackson holds. But, as a warning to everyone reading, you will miss out on a huge part of a great man if you don't pursue that side of him. It is interesting with the dynamics of our house, and everyone holds a different place in my heart. Jackson holds a place of hilarity and of soul. A place of quiet grace and love. A place that I go when I know i will be appreciated and loved for who I am, where I've been, and where I will be. Anyone who has been around Jackson can tell you of the atmosphere that follows him everywhere. It is an aura of joy. A joy to live, to be alive, and to have new life in Jesus Christ. I envy this about Jackson, a happiness that exudes from his very pores. It is wonderful to walk into someones presence and be happy, just because they are there. Jackson is that man for me. He makes me laugh, makes me smile, and makes feel totally at ease.
I cannot quite place what it is about Jackson that allows me to feel an innate connection with him. I think it is that we are very easy going a lot of the time. Granted, Jackson doesn't like to rebellious things as I do, but the way he goes about life is something I identify with. A, "go with the flow" philosophy if you will. This is accentuated in Jackson's style. Jackson is wavy. So wavy. It's the best. he breaks up the hipster and prep style that punctuats our house. Jackson is who he is, and that's what I love about him. Sweatshirts, beanie, khakis, and multicolored or dirty Ralph Lauren shoes.
Jackson and I have been through a lot. We have had some tears. We have had many deep conversations. And we have had even more laughs. But, I can honestly say that I have never been mad at the man. He occasionally says some things, but they just make me laugh, because Jackson spirit is pure. Walk into the presence of Jackson and you will feel the presence of Jesus. Of Jesus's joy and loving spirit. Of a spirit that is dynamic. Loving, hilarious, wise, and powerful.
Powerful... not an adjective many would use to describe my friend. But, I would say that you haven't seen that serious side of Jackson. Anyone who has heard Jackson speak of his faith or his ministry knows what I mean. He is willing to do anything for kids to meet the Lord, and he does not shy away from the charge that the Lord has given him. Ask Jackson about an issue in the Bible and listen. Because if you don't, you will miss out. Listen to the passion and knowledge of the severity of decision's in Christ that are often masked by his carefree spirit. That is power. The power Jackson knows he has in Christ.
For those readers of the blog that may not know Jack personally, let me give you a little breakdown; He is tall, lanky, and a little bit goofy. Loves rap music. Dances with his legs right next to one another, leaning back, and arms in the air. A man of funny faces and voices. Whenever Jackson's voice gets high and breaks into falsetto, he is lying. He loves to watch tv when he falls asleep. He loves to sag his pajama pants. He looks terrible in the morning when he wakes up (but quickly recovers). He drives a man van. The most annoying person to play Super Smash with. Can be slightly gullible. Laughs all the time. Smiles just as much. Dances almost as much.
I guess the point that I have been getting at is that Jackson is one of my best friends. I love him. He is a man that would do anything for me. He is deep. He is light-hearted. He is funny. ...He is also not funny a lot of the time. Basically, if you want to feel the Holy Spirit's presence, hang out with Jackson. If you want to see a joy in the Lord that mirrors a child's love for a father, hang out with Jackson. Go up to him, dap him up, and say, "Jack, whatchu gon?". Instant love. Encourage him to share some of his wisdom, because he has a lot of it. Accept his dumb jokes, and laugh at his funny ones, because you're guaranteed to get both. Try to see things through his eyes; joyfully and that the world is full of life and promise. I want to apologize right out. I am sorry that you cannot live with this man, or any of my brothers at Willard. Because, the Lord is truly evident in each and every one of them in different ways.
Jackson. I love you.
Lacing up my kick's,
-Sam
I met Jackson in the 8th grade. Many of you may be asking, what! no wonder they are such wonderful men, influencing one another for that long. Yes, i know. It's a shock. Believe it of not, Jackson and I where on the same team at Virginia Tech's soccer camp our 8th grade year. In those days, we loved many things including; Afroman, being vulgar, and playing soccer. We would sit in our room before every practice session and listen to Colt 45 by Afroman. I loved Jackson, and for that week we were tight. Interestingly enough, I had a blog at that time on xanga.com. So, in a moment of inspiration, I went back to look at it and found an entry about Jackson, and this is what it said;
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Hello, I have been doing things so i havnt written in here for a while. Evan and gantt wanted me to say that they did the herb shop gap, so there you are. so these past days i have been at virginia tech, which is cooler than uva. i was there for soccer camp and it was fun, yada, yada, yada so i made all these hip new friends that are so kick butt its like a kung foo movie and i will enter the coolest line said all week by friend jackson, "Lace up your kick's bitches we're gonna ball." it was funny at the time at least...yeah so now im back and i am ...back, so go do something other than read my xanga. Lacing up my kick's....bitchs, Mr. Todd |
It is interesting how many people in our house rip on Jackson all the time (myself included). Why is this you may ask yourself? Well, I think it's because of Jackson's carefree spirit. He is hilarious, and it allows us to comment on it all the time. He is a man of two distinct sides; a light-hearteded and a deep side. Many may only see the former, but I will be the first to tell you that the latter is just as awesome. It is easy to overlook the wisdom that Jackson holds. But, as a warning to everyone reading, you will miss out on a huge part of a great man if you don't pursue that side of him. It is interesting with the dynamics of our house, and everyone holds a different place in my heart. Jackson holds a place of hilarity and of soul. A place of quiet grace and love. A place that I go when I know i will be appreciated and loved for who I am, where I've been, and where I will be. Anyone who has been around Jackson can tell you of the atmosphere that follows him everywhere. It is an aura of joy. A joy to live, to be alive, and to have new life in Jesus Christ. I envy this about Jackson, a happiness that exudes from his very pores. It is wonderful to walk into someones presence and be happy, just because they are there. Jackson is that man for me. He makes me laugh, makes me smile, and makes feel totally at ease.
I cannot quite place what it is about Jackson that allows me to feel an innate connection with him. I think it is that we are very easy going a lot of the time. Granted, Jackson doesn't like to rebellious things as I do, but the way he goes about life is something I identify with. A, "go with the flow" philosophy if you will. This is accentuated in Jackson's style. Jackson is wavy. So wavy. It's the best. he breaks up the hipster and prep style that punctuats our house. Jackson is who he is, and that's what I love about him. Sweatshirts, beanie, khakis, and multicolored or dirty Ralph Lauren shoes.
Jackson and I have been through a lot. We have had some tears. We have had many deep conversations. And we have had even more laughs. But, I can honestly say that I have never been mad at the man. He occasionally says some things, but they just make me laugh, because Jackson spirit is pure. Walk into the presence of Jackson and you will feel the presence of Jesus. Of Jesus's joy and loving spirit. Of a spirit that is dynamic. Loving, hilarious, wise, and powerful.
Powerful... not an adjective many would use to describe my friend. But, I would say that you haven't seen that serious side of Jackson. Anyone who has heard Jackson speak of his faith or his ministry knows what I mean. He is willing to do anything for kids to meet the Lord, and he does not shy away from the charge that the Lord has given him. Ask Jackson about an issue in the Bible and listen. Because if you don't, you will miss out. Listen to the passion and knowledge of the severity of decision's in Christ that are often masked by his carefree spirit. That is power. The power Jackson knows he has in Christ.
For those readers of the blog that may not know Jack personally, let me give you a little breakdown; He is tall, lanky, and a little bit goofy. Loves rap music. Dances with his legs right next to one another, leaning back, and arms in the air. A man of funny faces and voices. Whenever Jackson's voice gets high and breaks into falsetto, he is lying. He loves to watch tv when he falls asleep. He loves to sag his pajama pants. He looks terrible in the morning when he wakes up (but quickly recovers). He drives a man van. The most annoying person to play Super Smash with. Can be slightly gullible. Laughs all the time. Smiles just as much. Dances almost as much.
I guess the point that I have been getting at is that Jackson is one of my best friends. I love him. He is a man that would do anything for me. He is deep. He is light-hearted. He is funny. ...He is also not funny a lot of the time. Basically, if you want to feel the Holy Spirit's presence, hang out with Jackson. If you want to see a joy in the Lord that mirrors a child's love for a father, hang out with Jackson. Go up to him, dap him up, and say, "Jack, whatchu gon?". Instant love. Encourage him to share some of his wisdom, because he has a lot of it. Accept his dumb jokes, and laugh at his funny ones, because you're guaranteed to get both. Try to see things through his eyes; joyfully and that the world is full of life and promise. I want to apologize right out. I am sorry that you cannot live with this man, or any of my brothers at Willard. Because, the Lord is truly evident in each and every one of them in different ways.
Jackson. I love you.
Lacing up my kick's,
-Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)