tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39880433947417279802024-02-20T13:37:18.166-08:00Come on in, Sit down, Get comfortable, Don't break anything...... so the other day it occured to me that I don't exactly think the way a lot of Christians think ... so I've decided to write about it.JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-53210746685413027402012-07-05T08:54:00.000-07:002012-07-05T08:54:02.719-07:00Store Closing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I figured this would be the easiest/best place to give all of our friends an explanation on the store closing. So here ya go...<br />
<br />
Store closing:<br />
<br />
After nearly 12 years for us and nearly 30 years of there being a Christian bookstore in this location (previously The Shepherd's Place), we will be closing our doors. During these years, we've made lifelong friendships with some of Walker County's best people, something we cherish deeply. We've had experiences where people would walk in off the street saying that something drew them here ... seen a number of decisions for Christ right here in the store ... saw a marriage restored by God, using the store as a catalyst. Those are the experiences we will take with us... These are also the experiences that have made this decision excruciating. This store has never simply been "a business", it has always been a ministry.<br />
<br />
We've decided to close simply because in today's Amazon/iTunes climate, we simply can't convince enough people/churches to support local business. The past couple of years have been a constant struggle and it is time to move on. Starting soon, we will have store wide sales to move out the remaining inventory. Right now we expect to be out by the end of September, but it could be sooner than that.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the support over the past 12 years ... we love you all.<br />
<br />
Jim Odom</div>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-47810223683654255952010-06-27T06:59:00.003-07:002010-06-27T06:59:52.447-07:00Note from LondonThis is a short note I wrote during my layover in London....<br /><br />Heathrow Intl. Airport .. 8:40 am<br /><br />I sit in a small cafe all alone, just finished up my mocha coffee, reading from the book of James, reflecting on the past 2 1/2 weeks. The rest of the guys have ventured off into the streets of London, but i feel the need to be alone with my thoughts and my Lord. I am feverishly fight back tears, my mind has finally slowed in order to begin processing all I have just experienced. For the first time in my life I feel like a man, a man that has tasted a life of adventure that God intended for us to live. I hoped for adventure, I found it.. I hoped for an experience that would stretch me, it found me. All in all, I feel as if my entire life has been planned and executed for this one moment, this moment of time that has forever changed me. The excitement I feel is the same as when standing on a cliff, looking down at the water, water that will be my final destination in a journey that needs but one step taken, the rest will take care of itself.<br /><br />All previous journeys I have taken in my life have always... always... left me with a sense of dissatisfaction, not being able to taste and see the true identities of the cultures I attempted to immerse myself in. This time things are different, I connected with a people group, they connected with me and showed me what it is to love my Jesus. I spent time in their homes, ate at there tables, embraced their children. Peered into their almost black eyes and there I saw the face of Christ. I will never be the same ...<br /><br />Missions is not merely about taking a trip to see how the rest of the world lives, nor is it simply a means of humanitarian acts, it is the ultimate adventure. You never know what will happen, who you will meet, what you will experience.<br /><br />Thank you, India ... Thank you, my God<br /><br />Grace and Peace be yours in abundance.<br />JimJimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-70538879354390858882010-06-27T06:59:00.001-07:002010-06-27T06:59:17.275-07:00June, 11… part B… “We’re All Gonna Die”So, Friday night rolls around, great dinner, the start of the World Cup, just a great night to relax and enjoy our surroundings. Before I go any further, I must say that right now is ‘monsoon season’ here in India. It comes on the heels of the Indian summer, so it rains quite a bit… pretty much like the summer showers we see in Alabama, just with a lot more water.<br /><br />That night it had been raining for several hours, the first World Cup match (Mexico/South Africa) had come to a close and the satellite feed was going in and out due to the weather and we had no internet, so no one was able to contact the states. We then decided to go to the movies, Grace and Alyssa were pretty fired up about seeing the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie.<br /><br />We all pile up in the cars and head out… Mind you, from the moment we get in the car I start telling Eddie about the experiences I’ve had on this trip that I’ve never had. I begin to list off everything… then it happened… about that time we pull into the street and see water everywhere. Eddie says, we can get through this (after all, this aint his first rodeo), but the further we go down the street the higher the water gets. We then realize that we can’t go back… we MUST go forward or get stuck.<br /><br />As we move further down the street, in the dark, I start to get a little nervous, not too nervous, but nervous none the less. About that time, we are forced to stop. Immediately in front of our car is was looks like a rushing river, it looked like the road had completely washed out. What makes matters worse are three guys who are stranded, hanging on to a pole yelling at us, “Go back!! Go back!!”. The water is getting higher and higher, so the panicked discussion heightens. Joel says, “guys, we need to get out, get out now!” and before you know it, he and Haefs are gone. I never heard there decision to go, I just heard the car doors open and shut. The problem for me is, I’m on the passengers side of the car, the very spot where the whole force of the rising water is directed.<br /><br />I try to open the door… nothing… I can’t open it! So, I roll down the window and go flying out the car. The strength of the water is so much more than you expect when you jump out. Water is up to my waist and I can feel debris, dirt, rocks, limbs and branches hitting my legs. The water is so strong, it’s forcing dirt and rocks in between my feet and my Chacos (sandals). We make our way nearly all the way out of the river when we make the decision to go get the car. Probably not the best idea, but we didn’t want Eddie to lose his vehicle. Joel and Haefs go back and get inside the car, I can hear the engine roar and the brake lights go on and off. We make our way slowly back up the street trying to push the car out of the water. All the while trying to tell people, on scooters mind you, DO NOT GO FURTHER.<br /><br />The whole ordeal seemed to take hours, but in actuality, was only a half and hour or so. I came to India for adventure, and adventure I have found.<br /><br />Crazy!!<br /><br />Here is a link to a quick video we shot…<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000898845463#!/video/video.php?v=715535409698JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-5816758563659741052010-06-27T06:57:00.000-07:002010-06-27T06:58:31.079-07:00June 11… part A ... boys home cleanupOne of the primary focuses of this trip to to help the Aldape’s in the boys home they started. The started the home in 2007 for young Banjara Gypsy boys who cannot afford education.<br /><br />Even though the Indian government will tell the world that the ‘caste system’ is dead, the environment and culture tells of a different story. The Banjara are considered one of the lowest caste, the only caste lower would be the people who ‘break the rocks’, they are supposedly looking for god in the rocks. Aside the obvious problems with the caste system, the one major problem is, people who are in these lower castes have ‘zero’ shot of advancement. So, many times people who live in these castes, live a life of complete defeat, because it doesn’t matter what they do in life, they will be the lowest of the low. Even if someone breaks out of their environment, and say they become a doctor, people will not go to them for treatment because they know that the doctor is from the lower caste. Sounds insane to my ‘American’ ears, but it is a harsh reality of India.<br /><br />In the Mumbai area, there are around 600,000 Banjaras and an estimated 98% of these people are completely illiterate. So the fact that this boys home takes in children to give them a free ecucation is HUGE. These boys live at the small facility, they are given nutritious meals, education, and Jesus.<br /><br />The boys are finishing up their summer vactation (summer lasts from April to June) and will be returning to the home this coming Sunday/Monday. So today, we spent time at the home cleaning and getting it ready for the boys return.<br /><br />An incredible young pastor named, Manohar (31 yrs. old), runs the school. We have been able to get to know him a bit over the past couple of days. After spending a few minutes with him, he makes me want to be a better person, a better man. After we finished cleaning the home, we headed upstairs to Manohar’s flat to eat. They prepared us a true Indian lunch, A-MA-ZING. The coolest thing about eating here is the use of one’s hands, forks are not required, nor are they used. It’s actually quite nice.JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-18012947905954624982010-06-27T06:56:00.000-07:002010-06-27T06:57:21.414-07:00June 10 ... Banjara Gypsy kids ...Today, I was honored to spend time with the Banjara Gypsies that live behind the Aldape’s home. We took several Frisbees with us and invited the children to come out and play. I didn’t know what to expect as we walked down the street toward the camp, I’ve seen pictures of people who live in these conditions, and in driving around town you see the these little communities everywhere.<br /><br />When we first arrived, the mothers seemed a bit reluctant to let their children play with us, but it didn’t take long to convince one or two kids to play. As we tossed the Frisbee for the first time, I turned around and saw little kids coming from everywhere. One of the older little boys was a natural, this kid is an athelete, he could throw and catch much better than I can, I was truly impressed. It doesn’t take long, in honesty, it takes only seconds for the these kids to steal your heart. When you see their smiles, hear their laughs, and watch them light up the first time they catch the Frisbee, your heart melts.<br />I did, in fact, have these moments of clarity. One such moment was when I looked down at what appeared to be an old, large ant mound. Alyssa and I began, the best way we could, to ask one of the little boys what lived in these holes. It took only seconds to understand that the hand motions he gave us, told us that the holes were snakes, cobras to be exact! Immediately, after the initial shock of seeing this boys little hand make the shape of a cobra, I realized how closely these people lived to this. Literally, a few feet separated their homes, with no doors mind you, and these people from one of the deadliest snakes on the planet.<br /><br />When you spend time with people who live in these conditions, it begins to put clarity on what we, as “American Christians”, define between “needs” and “wants”. You realize that the things we think we need, are nothing more than comforts, and when we put our lives in the context of these people, these needs become nothing more than luxuries.<br /><br />Scripture has taken on a whole new meaning to me, even after a day and a half in India. I’m beginning to realize how I’ve spent a lot of my life white-washing, and dumbing down scripture in order to make my life safer, simpler, easy. Using excuses justifying complacency and my desire to live a life for myself, advancing myself, for things of this life that Do. Not. Matter.<br /><br />The whole process of getting to India; fund-raising, paperwork, shots, pills, writing large checks; every bit of that was pure joy, because of these little kids. Their faces and smiles have today, made me a better person.JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-86417153667655123372010-06-27T06:54:00.000-07:002010-06-27T06:55:57.721-07:00Day 1... June 9... we've arrived<meta charset="utf-8"><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; width: 600px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; "><p>It’s 6:00 in the morning, I have been awake since a little before 5. My body is still feeling the effects of 18 hours of flight, the 12 hour lay over in London and on top of that, my legs are extremely sore from all the walking we did in London. My body is obviously not accustomed to walking with a back pack that weighs 30 lbs.</p><p>I’m sitting here in the living room of Eddie and Macarena Aldape’s home. I’m so blesed to have made friendships with these two precious people... people who have a true heart for God, His people, and the people of India.</p><p>I’ve been blessed in my life to travel to different places around the world, but I’ve never been to a country quite like this. There is a beauty to it that I can’t quite put my finger on. A “laid-back hurried-ness”, if that makes sense. I was hoping for a trip that would stretch me and I have a feeling that India is just the place to do that.</p><p>After leaving the airport, Eddie took us to lunch at a local Indian restaurant, the real deal! It was really good, they had the BEST pitas with either garlic or cheese. At lunch we talked with Manohar, a local pastor the runs the boys home we are going to be serving at the next couple of weeks. Manohar told us the story of how he came to Christ, incredible story of faith, healing, redemption.</p><p>Oh, and I did get to see some cool stuff in London...</p><p>More to come ….</p><p><a href="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/SANY0039.jpg" _fcksavedurl="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/SANY0039.jpg" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; "><img width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209" title="Big Ben in London" alt="" src="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/SANY0039-300x225.jpg" _fcksavedurl="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/SANY0039-300x225.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; " /></a>
<br /> </p></div>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-76942993295353623592010-05-29T07:54:00.000-07:002010-05-29T07:54:25.071-07:00Hookers and Robbers -Charlie Hall Music Video<object style="background-image: url("http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/mU65LUVh89s/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mU65LUVh89s&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mU65LUVh89s&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-39716971701006158222010-05-27T14:22:00.000-07:002010-05-27T14:23:57.099-07:00<p>So, I told myself (when I started 'blogging'), that I would never blog when angry, and for the first time in nearly a year, I've been tested. The other day I heard something that angered me greatly. I've thought about it for nearly a week now, calmed down, and now feel the release to write about this.</p>For anyone that knows my dad, knows that he could quite possibly be one of the most passionate people walking the earth. Whether in regard to his family or motorcycles, he is 'all out', he's either in 5th gear or neutral and there isn't a lot of middle ground. But when it comes to Jesus, nothing compares to his passion, I've seen him give up his life in order to gain life. A few things probably come to mind when you think of Steve ... Jesus, motorcycles, tattoos. Ordained in the "Church of God", he now primarily does ministry from the rumble of a Harley Davidson. And let me tell you, I've never seen him so effective in ministry as I have the past few years. People come in this store that would never step foot in here, they feel loved, they search for love, but ultimately they are searching for Jesus... and many have found Him right here.<br /><p>But, as I said, something I heard last week really hacked me off. Here's the short of it: a man that dad goes to church came in and they began to talk. He told a story of an encounter he had with a lady from a local church. In this conversation she asked him, "have you seen Steve Odom lately?", to which he responded, "yes, we go to church together". She then began to question dad's 'looks', i.e. tattoos, beard (and we aren't talking about normal, just curious questions ... but the judgmental kind). The man said, "Steve has given up his body in order to reach people that you or I will never reach".... to which she responded with the standard pharisee attitude, "I don't believe that one bit". I kknnooowwwwww, hacked me off as well.</p>Then this scripture hit me right in the face.<br /><blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote> </blockquote>So when I read this text, two things come to mind.... 1. the world will hate us when we promote Jesus, 2. the 'established church' will hate us when we promote the true Jesus. Follow me here for a second, I don't have to explain the whole 'world hates us thing', but, the 'church' hating us????<br /><p>When I read the gospels, I see a constant theme: the established church (pharisees/sadducees) absolutely hated Jesus, He threatened everything they stood for, everything they thought was important, everything they thought was holy. He spent time with sinners, loved them, embraced them. They hated him for it... who is this man that he would spend time with these notorious sinners and even eat with them (Luke 15: 1-2). All of this leads me to the conclusion that when we truly mirror who Christ was, and when we truly go to the places he went, loved the people He loved, embraced the people he embraced, it will threaten everything with the established church -- the pharisees and sadducees in our midst -- We will threaten everything they stand for, everything they think is important, everything they think is holy (i.e the church building, the life center, the hymnal, the KJV, the fact that 'we still have church on Sunday night').</p>To further illustrate the type of 'church' person I'm referring to, here is another story. I was listening to sports talk radio one morning around the time that Anna Nicole Smith died. One of their normal callers (a 'pastor' from Tuscaloosa) called in and made this statement, "I would never let a woman like her in my church" ... key word, MY, church ... this is the kind of people I'm talking about.<br /><p>If we are going to truly be like Jesus, we better get used to a few things:</p><br /><p style="margin-left: 40px;">1. we may be called drunkards when we spend time with alcoholics</p><br /><p style="margin-left: 40px;">2. we will be scoffed at when we embrace the homosexual who is battling aids</p><br /><p style="margin-left: 40px;">3. and your spiritual stature WILL be called into question if you do anything outside the lines of modern day, institutionalized church</p><br /><p>I've included a video of a song that has really spoken to me today ... one line stands out to me more than anything.</p><br /><p style="margin-left: 40px;">"I'll even welcome the arrogant man"</p><br /><p>It's easy for me to reach out and love the lost... the hopeless... the helpless. But it's hard for me to reach out to the arrogant pharisee, and that is something that God doesn't give me an option of. God is Love ... therefore I must love.</p><br /><p>I hope this has been of some help today... it's just a few thoughts I've been wrestling with.</p><br /><object width="560" height="340"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sUvpdQm6UDQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sUvpdQm6UDQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-70378349874125432392010-05-24T10:58:00.000-07:002010-05-24T11:04:32.280-07:00Updates... headed into JuneIndia is right around the corner and I'm getting more and more ready. At this point I really need people to commit to prayer! Fund raising is going well, but we still have a long way to go.... check out this video for more info... oh, and before you ask, NO I don't know what I'm looking at!! I'm new to 'video blog' :)<br /><br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_luQaTgWX0s&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_luQaTgWX0s&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-90076670526441805692010-05-18T08:32:00.001-07:002010-05-18T08:32:26.501-07:00Home Stretch... Updates...<p>In about 20 days, we will be leaving for India! This whole process has flown by, the cd project was kind of a 'hurry up and wait' deal. But now that it's finally here, I feel like I can settle in to the mission at hand. Although I still have a few more things to take care of, I can now fully concentrate on fund raising. </p> <p>Thank you SO much to all the generosity I've seen so far!! I'm overwhelmed by the love felt from so many of you, whether monetary or just sincere words of encouragement. But, I still have a long way to go! So, please continue to help me spread the word!!</p> <p>Tomorrow, I'm heading over to Birmingham to meet with NeverThirst. I'm meeting with Spencer, to share with him my vision. I know God has put our paths together, as well as, put a burning in my heart to help get people the clean water they need to sustain healthy life. I don't have to go into all the spiritual implications of clean water and how it can open hearts and minds to the gospel. Excited!!</p> <p>The model I'm trying to build for free/missional music is something I believe very strongly in and I know it can work. My limited experience with the 'Christian music industry' and my 10 years experience in 'Christian' retail has taught me a lot about what we do right, but more importantly, what we do wrong. Capitalism is great, but we've missed the boat on how to use it. As believers, we should NOT be focused solely on our stock portfolios and retirement plans. I understand that this kind of statement can be found offensive and I'm sorry if there are those who don't like to think about the fact that their focus might be misplaced. But, if one will read the new testament, they will find that earthly pursuit leads to nothing but emptiness. (insert.. "yeh, but Jim" here)</p> <p>When I get to heaven and stand before a Holy and Almighty God and He asks me what I did with my time here on earth. God help me if all I have to show him is a successful business model and my accomplishment of early retirement. I pray that at that moment, I can turn around and standing behind me are the thousands of lives saved (clean drinking water) and souls won for the kingdom. If one child can grow up and not die at the age of 7 because they had access to clean water, I'll feel as if I was put on this planet for a purpose.</p> <p>I'm encouraged greatly by the remnant of people I see coming around to the idea of taking the new testament for what it says and acting on it. I want to see Jesus come back, desperately!! But, we've got a lot of work to do before then!!</p> <p><a class="biblegateway_link" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A14">Matthew 24:14</a> (New International Version)</p> <p>14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to <strong>all nations</strong>, and <strong>then</strong> the <strong>end</strong> will come.</p> <p>"All nations" here doesn't mean, nations, as in political/geographical boundaries ... it literally means, "all people groups" ....</p> <p>Here are some statistics via: <a href="http://www.joshuaproject.net/">http://www.joshuaproject.net</a></p> <p>Total People Groups:<br /><br /># People Groups 16,402 <br /># Unreached People Groups 6,693 <br />% of Unreached People Groups 40.8</p> <p>~~other sources' numbers may vary ... but the %'s are all about the same~~</p> <p>I'm excited to enter this world and bring the name of Jesus fame!</p> <p>Love you all deeply!! Let me know if you need anything.... and COME GET A CD!! <img src="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /> </p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-16150740474434915152010-05-11T07:10:00.000-07:002010-05-11T07:11:17.681-07:00Get the EP!<p>Well, it's finally finished!! The tracks turned out better than expected... being a lower budget project, I was afraid that it would sound like a "home demo", but it's a fuzz better than that :) ... maybe! It's now available for purchase online and I am taking pre-orders for the cd's (be here around May 17).</p> <p>To hear the tracks: www.purevolume.com/jimodom</p> <p>To download: www.jimodom1.bandcamp.com</p> <p>To pre-order: email me at jimodom78@gmail.com, or, shoot me a facebook message with your mailing info. I will give you the details on how to donate for the cd.</p> <p>~~for the cd there will be a $2.50 shipping fee... if i see the cd's cost less to ship, i'll drop that price down~~</p> <p>Thanks to everyone who have been SOOO encouraging through this process!! It's been an adventure so far... and I haven't even made it to India yet!!</p> <p>Grace and Peace</p> <p><a href="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/1.jpg" _fcksavedurl="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/1.jpg"><img src="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/1-300x300.jpg" _fcksavedurl="http://jimodomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/1-300x300.jpg" alt="cd artwork" title="1" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-174" width="300" height="300" /></a><br /> <br /></p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-53408417918425294422010-04-07T11:26:00.001-07:002010-04-07T11:26:41.595-07:00Yes Sir! ... They Get It<p>So for the past several years, I've been a fan of this band, Mae. I love their stuff... incredible music, great melodies, great songwriting. The last record of theirs I bought was nearly two years ago, "Singularity". Loved this record!!! You should check them out ... thank me later. </p> <p>So anyway, the other night I was driving down the road late, I picked up my iPod and tried to find something to listen to. Sometimes, searching the music library gives me that "57 channels and nothings on" kind of feeling. I reached the "M's" and saw, Mae. Pulled up the first track on the "Singularity" album and let it play, I was quickly reminded why I enjoyed this band so much.</p> <p>Yesterday morning, I pulled up ye ole iTunes music store to see what they had new. I ran across two separate ep's they released, one entitled "{m}orning" and the other "{a}fternoon". I purchased {m}orning for $6.99 on iTunes ... it's not bad. This morning, as I sipped my morning energy juice, I decided to go to their website (www.whatismae.com) and see what was happening in their world. That's when I saw it ... and just about spilled my coffee all over myself.</p> <p>I'll quickly explain what they are doing and I will also post a link to their mission statement on the website. Starting in January '09, without the aid of a record label, the band released one track at the beginning of each month for download. For a $1 donation you could have the track. What really excited me was that all the profits from these albums would go directly into humanitarian groups. </p> <p>I knew it!!! I knew I wasn't crazy!!! If Mae can do it ... why can't I. Since January 1, 2009, Mae has raised nearly $65,000.00. This excites me greatly ... I love the idea that capitalism is being used to help the helpless instead of feeding our own (in many cases, not all) greed. </p> <p>Although the project I am working on will not be a high budget, big sound, production ... I am encouraged greatly by what I've seen today. </p> <p>Here is the link to the full story ... please take a minute to read:</p> <p><a href="http://www.whatismae.com/index.php/introduction" _fcksavedurl="http://www.whatismae.com/index.php/introduction">www.whatismae.com/index.php/introduction</a></p> <p>~~update~~</p> <p>I'll be in the studio again tonight, feverishly trying to finish tracking. I hoping to have everything finished and mixed by the 18th of this month. As soon as everything is mixed it will be ready for download, available at www.jimodomonline.com. If you would like to wait on the cd, I hope to have it back by the first or second week of May.</p> <p>God Bless.... Jim</p> <p> </p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-83906441383787200272010-04-05T07:19:00.001-07:002010-04-05T07:19:18.761-07:00June creeps up on me...<p>Hello my friends!! Hope everything is going well for everybody. It's been a while since my last post (apologies), it's been crazy lately. I feel like I've been going all over the place. It's all good!</p> <p>Just wanted to give you guys some updates on the 'goings on' in my world. India gets closer by the day now and I feel as if the trip is going to sneak up on me. So needless to say, I'm feeling the crunch with fund-raising and such. The good news, I have all my Visa stuff taken care of, woohoo! So now all I need is money!</p> <p>The cd is coming along, very slowly, but I think it will turn out ok. Half way through the recording, I've decided to scale the whole project back considerably. Instead of using the tracks we've done with the full band, I "think" I am just going to do 4 of 5 live cuts with just me and the acoustic (might not even record to a click track.. so it will have a very 'live' feel). Not only will this get things finished much quicker, but it will allow me to go back later this summer and really take my time and do the tracks right, then take them to either Memphis or Nashville to mix them. </p> <p>This whole project has really opened my eyes and taught me some stuff about myself. I won't bore you with all the details, but one thing I've learned is that when it comes to my songwriting, there is a fine line between 'brilliance' and 'total crap'... hehe, that's actually painfully true! I've also had MAJOR revelations about songwriting in general, finding how to thrive in my giftings and not force anything. </p> <p>I'm becoming more and more convinced that one reason we have a lot of Christian music that isn't creative... and to be honest... sounds pretty lame, is the fact that we as artist (who are Christians) feel this need to force songs. Force?? Follow me here, for a long time when I would sit down to write, I felt this pressure to write a song that was blatantly about Jesus and/or a worship song. For several years now I can't tell you the number of times I've sat down with my guitar and after an hour just put the stupid thing down because I was sooo frustrated that I couldn't get anything out. Then, a couple of months ago, it hit me ... I felt God, only for a moment, but that moment was all it took to change me. God spoke to me, this is all he said, "Jim, I gifted you with music, I want you to be you". I quickly responded... thank you, heck yes, I can handle that. Since that moment, songs are flowing out of me.</p> <p>Mostly, these songs deal with everything from faith to relationships. I've even began to wonder if this will be a "Christian" album (whatever that means). The fact is, I'm a believer, Jesus is everything to me... to the point of obsession. So, that aspect of my life can't help but come out in my music. Having said that, my true heart's desire is to write music that encourages people, both believer and non-believer. </p> <p>A non-believer might not understand words as, "faith comes alive in the asking", but they will understand, "take your time walking out that door". And who knows, some random person might hear one of these songs and check out my blog or come by this store to say hello, or meet me playing in a coffee shop or club somewhere .... and no doubt they will hear about Jesus. And what if... what if, that random person comes to Jesus. Man, it will all be worth it. I figure if God can use a donkey to speak, he can use a song about a 'break-up'. And if it offends you that I'm not writing a worship album and/or a "just as i am" record.... sorry ... you'll make it just fine. Pleasing folks like you doesn't interest me any longer... living in the gifting God has given me and seeking out the lost with love is what interests me. I think about it all day/everyday. And, if any of that sounds harsh .... I apologize (sort of, hehe).</p> <p>So anyway, that's the skinny on Jim right now. Please shoot me a message on facebook or an email if you have any questions.</p> <p>Also, if you would like to help support me with my trip to India or the cd, that would be amazing. Words can't describe how awesome that is and how much it helps.</p> <p>Thanks.... God Bless...</p> <p>Jim</p> <p>trpt8@aol.com</p> <p>www.facebook.com/jimodom78 ... twitter: @JimOdium</p> <p>address: 1703 Sandra Lee Dr. Jasper, AL 35504</p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-32797001387827319652010-04-05T07:17:00.000-07:002010-04-05T07:18:06.611-07:00Can I be honest... If you don't mind<p>So.... if you've read any of my posts since I've ventured into the world of "the blog", one thing you've probably noticed is my tendency to be brutally honest. Sometimes I question whether that is a good thing or not ... that has yet to be determined. This post will be no different, although I will say this, I'm a little reluctant with this post because I normally have trouble conveying feelings correctly. Not sure if it's a defense mechanism I use to protect myself or if it's a problem with explaining what is on my brain.</p> <p>With an attempt to be as transparent as possible along with the therapeutic process of honesty and writing, I'm going to be honest with some things. ~~nothing terrible and juicy... so don't get your hopes up~~</p> <p>By now, most folks that know me have heard about the opportunity I've been given to spend a few weeks in India this summer. It was an incredible experience and process of: </p> <blockquote> </blockquote> <p>1. beginning to hear God's voice </p> <blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote> <p>2. actually hearing His voice </p> <blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote> <p>3. seeing the opportunity for India open up</p> <blockquote> </blockquote> <p>4. begin the process of trying an avenue of fund-raising that hopefully becomes a continual means to fund mission</p> <blockquote> </blockquote> <p>There is one thing that I didn't take into account ... Spiritual attack. (which in hindsight, I should have expected it and it definitely shouldn't surprise me)</p> <p>I'm not the type of person that thinks that every situation in life is either a "blessing" or "that ole devil is on my back", sometimes life is just life... it happens. I'm definitely not the type of person that goes around looking for the devil under every rock. But, I am well aware that we live in a spiritual world, and the warfare it creates is unavoidable for the believer. Spiritual warfare exists whether we like it or not.</p> <p>Having said that, from the moment I decided to devote a part of my life to go into a foreign mission for a time and especially since I've started blogging/talking about it, I have been attacked every step of the way. To be completely honest, at times it feels as if Hell itself has unleashed an attack on me. Everything from issues with my home, my car, job, relationships, struggles and insecurities; it seems there has been no let up. If this is part of the process that God has me in, so be it, He will surely bring me through. This whole process has shown me areas where I fail to handle attack correctly and it has also shown me that there is no substitute for prayer and communion with God.</p> <p>At any rate, I share a bit of my heart in hopes that some will feel a burden to keep me in their prayers. I desperately need it at this point in my life.</p> <p>One thing that has just blown me away, is there are those that have offered up words of encouragement at the most amazing times. People I haven't seen in ages have sent me messages of encouragement, they will never understand what that means to me and how I will treasure their words for the rest of my life.</p> <p>I have held on to this scripture ...</p> <p>Matthew 6:25-26</p> <p>25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?</p> <p>Grace and Peace ... I love you guys ...</p> <p>~~Side Note~~</p> <p>We began the tracking on the ep I am recording this past Saturday night @ Gintown Studios. It went great, got tons accomplished on the first song. I will admit, working on a project that I've done the majority of the writing and all of the vocals is completely out of my comfort zone, to be honest makes me feel weird. But, I think it will turn out good... we aren't trying to record a earth shattering record that changes the way you look at music... we're just trying to put out some quality stuff for people to listen to... and hopefully raise some cash.</p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-29883650393199698612010-04-05T07:15:00.001-07:002010-04-05T07:15:33.815-07:00Updates... Reasons for the new website<p>To say that the last couple of weeks have been <strong>crazy</strong>, would be a severe understatement. Since my last post, a major door has been opened for me, one that excites me greatly ... that's not to say that I don't have my moments of "nervous".</p> <p>A couple of weeks ago after church I was sitting at lunch next to <strong>Kris Broadhead</strong> (pastor, friend, all around rockin dude), I began to share my heart with him about what God was showing me (going on a short term "missional" adventure this year, if you haven't read earlier posts). It wasn't one of those moments where I could feel God in the conversation... it was a normal conversation between friends. As soon as I gave him a chance to speak, he said, "You know... Kyle and some guys are going to India in June for like 3 weeks or something like that". My jaw dropped, it was like a light had be switched on, immediately followed by, "CAN I GO???" ...</p> <p>So, long story short, <strong>I'll be going to Pune, India from June 7 (my b-day) until June 24. </strong></p> <p>It's almost a bit overwhelming to be honest. Not so much the fact that I'll be spending 2 1/2 weeks outside the U.S. and not so much that I'll be in India for that long, because I <strong>know </strong>God wants me to do this and there is <strong>peace in that.</strong> It just feels like I have so much to do, fund-raising to say the least. And let's just be honest, I <strong>do not </strong>like asking people for money ... and to be even more honest, you probably don't like to be hit up for money all the time. Soooo, I want to come up with different ways of fund-raising...</p> <p>The first thing I'm going to do is record an album ... actually more of an ep (instead of being a 10 song record it will more than likely be a 3 to 5 song project). The album will be a few songs that I've written over the past couple of years, songs I have never taken into the studio. It will not be a big "nashville" production ... very laid back kind of deal. I'm so blessed that I just happen to be friends with incredible musicians who have offered their services to help me with this project.</p> <p>What makes this project different from other artists?? This music will be at <strong>no charge</strong> ... you'll be able to download it for <strong>free</strong>. The only thing I ask is that you make a donation for the music ... i.e. help me go to India. Now, here is what makes what I'm doing a little more that just "help little Jimmy go to India". After I've raised the money for India, any moneys that come in will still go <strong>directly to missions.</strong></p> <p>I'm a dreamer, always have been and I hope that never changes ... <strong>God made me a dreamer ...</strong></p> <p>I dream of a time when my music builds <strong>wells </strong>for people that have no means to get clean water ...<strong> feeds a child</strong> ... <strong>serves </strong>... </p> <blockquote> <h2 id="passage_heading">James 1:27 (New International Version)</h2> <p><sup id="en-NIV-30278">27</sup>Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</p> </blockquote> <p>I'll be updating via this website:</p> <p>Recording dates, release date, general info ... so keep visiting the site.</p> <p>You can also message me via Facebook or email me if you have any questions and/or would like to make a donation ...</p> <p>jim@jimodomonline.com</p> <p>www.facebook.com/jimodom78</p> <p>Twitter: @JimOdium</p> <p>Thank you guys SO much for the encouragement I've already received ... Your hearts for what I'm doing gives me strength and a daily renewing sense of purpose .... To God be the Glory</p> <p>Till next time...</p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-1235731051183050232010-02-04T09:48:00.000-08:002010-02-04T09:48:45.782-08:00Just like it was yesterday....May 1999, I was finishing up my semester (what turned out to be my career) at Lee University. This wasn't the normal <span style="font-weight: bold;">end of the semester</span> that I had finished before, this semester was different, I had the <span style="font-weight: bold;">opportunity of a lifetime</span>. I sang in a choir at Lee, Campus Choir, I still have incredible memories of that semester with my friends in Campus, friendships that I <span style="font-weight: bold;">still </span>hold very dear (even though I never actually see any of those folks... thank you Jesus for facebook).<br /><br />As I said, this wasn't your "run of the mill" semester ending... the choir was headed to Israel. That's right, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesusland</span>, the land of milk and honey ... a land torn by war, terrorism and impending genocide (if the Palestinians had their way). I <span style="font-weight: bold;">could not </span>wait to get there, I knew that it was going to be a <span style="font-weight: bold;">life changing</span> trip.<br /><br />I can still remember (even have a picture of it) putting my suitcase in the back of my '97 Chevy Blazer, getting in the driver's seat and pulling out of my parents driveway ... <span style="font-weight: bold;">I was on my way!!</span><br /><br />72 hours later, the plane landed in Tel Aviv, Israel. Some of my friends faces are still pictured in my memory. Travel weary, sleepy, feeling greasy, and excited; I can still see Rodney, Cara, Jeremy Richardson's (why those random people, I don't know) facial expressions as we waited to get off that smelly plane. ~~being on a plane for 10 hours headed to the middle east has a distinct aroma~~<br /><br />The one memory that is most <span style="font-weight: bold;">burned </span>into my memory, the one memory that still brings back the <span style="font-weight: bold;">same</span> emotion I felt at that single moment, still comes back to me from time to time. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Culture Shock!!! </span>Now, I'm not sure exactly what caused it: Was it being on a hwy in one of the most congested cities in the world? Was it the fact that <span style="font-weight: bold;">nothing</span> in the city resembled home? Was if due to the fact that I had been on a plane all night long with little to no sleep?<br /><br />Regardless the reason, in that moment I had this horrible feeling: <span style="font-weight: bold;">I don't belong here! </span>If I could have gotten back on that plane and headed home, I would have, no questions asked. Nobody warned this 21 year old kid that he might have that feeling... it was totally unexpected. After a few hours, I was fine, and that trip changed me ... emotional, spiritually. I grew up a bit on that trip.<br /><br />More than 10 years later, I find myself with that same kind of feeling. Let me explain...<br /><br />God has given me a mandate ... words that say with great humility and <span style="font-weight: bold;">holy fear of a Holy God.</span> He's been speaking to me for a couple of years now, whispering little tid bits in my ear ... "I'm about to send you out". Which for me is the most exciting, yet fear crippling statement. But, for some reason, at the beginning of this year, His <span style="font-weight: bold;">whisperings </span>have become direct <span style="font-weight: bold;">firm</span> mandates. <span style="font-weight: bold;">GO!</span><br /><br />I have no idea where I will end up, for the first time in my life I feel as if I have been <span style="font-weight: bold;">thrust into the middle of the new testament</span>, to live a life as the apostles did. The only thing that I do know is this....<br /><br />At some point this year I will find myself in a foreign field. I know that God has told me to leave the U.S. this year to serve. There are a couple of destinations that have been placed on my heart, I have no idea why: India, Guatemala (Central America to be more precise). I'm sure God will provide the itinerary.<br /><br />I think the reason I have this "culture shock" kind of feeling is because I feel as if my life is going to be turned upside down. In American society (and sadly, especially in the church) when you say to people that you are no longer concerned with the temporal things of this earth, they look at you as if you have, via Wayne's World, <span style="font-weight: bold;">monkeys flying out of your butt</span>. It's crazy talk to them when I say, "I might sell my house and rent a place in order to free up my life". Free my life from debt, mortgage, complacency, having an excuse not to go. It's crazy talk to say that I want to save money, instead of investing in my economic stability (retirement), to invest in eternal things.<br /><br />I'm using this blog as a kind of <span style="font-weight: bold;">accountability</span> for myself ... I need to profess that <span style="font-weight: bold;">God is sending me</span>.<br /><br />So there you have it .... it's done .... I'm going somewhere to serve this year, 2010. Whether for 6 days or 4 weeks, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I will go ...</span><br /><br />I can't help but think, as I write this, that someone reading this post has the same fire in their belly. But you may feel helpless: what to do ... where to go? Let me say, <span style="font-weight: bold;">you are not alone.</span><br /><br />... watch this video ... it's on my brain today ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzNSaxZqw24">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzNSaxZqw24</a>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-8990284887231337042010-02-04T07:34:00.001-08:002010-02-04T07:34:53.343-08:00This is a test...Testing my new app for blogging.... <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/jimodom78/ComeOnInSitDownGetComfortableDonTBreakAnything?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKFyvPMyuj8kwE#5434412202914406850'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kPbdWoR8aFo/S2rpGxXC4cI/AAAAAAAAAD0/x399Vv9Ygr4/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-74448457152908413792010-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:002010-01-28T13:48:32.965-08:00The Stupidest Thing I've Ever Said...If you know me, there is a constant theme that has permeated throughout my life .... from time to time, I tend to say stupid things (no comments from the peanut gallery... i.e. Brooke, Uncle Todd, Noel, David, Jeremy... you know who you are).<br /><br />Whenever I think about people saying "stupid things", I'm always reminded of one of my all time FAVORITE stories. I have this friend named Lenny (names have been changed to protect said persons identity), many reading this know who I'm talking about. Lenny, used to work at a pharmacy where he counted pills. One day, Lenny is doing his everyday task of counting pills... a process that requires him to spend the majority of time looking down. This particular day, as he counts pills, he hears the bell ring on the front door, he very briefly glances up and sees that the female customer (who has just walked in) is on crutches. So, in his attempt to be friendly as well as witty, Lenny says the following, "so... did you hurt your leg playing football?". Her response was, "no, I lost my leg in a car wreck....". Yes! It's OK to laugh at that. <br /><br />Needless to say, that one of the funniest/craziest stories I've ever heard....<br /><br />I just thought I would share that with everyone so we all could enjoy it. In actuality, this is not the kind of "stupid" speech I'm talking about in this particular post.<br /><br />I have spent much of the last year doing a ton of "self-evaluation"; particularly in regards to my perspective shifts. I use "shifts", in the plural form because I can go back over the past 12 to 15 years and point out times when my perspective makes a clear and direct change in direction. In the midst of all of this "self-evaluation", I realize that I used to have a word in my vocabulary that should probably, for me, be considered profane .... incredibly stupid at the very least.<br /><br />That word is, "NEVER".<br /><br />Here's a few of my favorites:<br /><br />- I'll never do that..<br />- I would never say that..<br />- I'll never use a credit card to buy things I can't afford..<br />- I'll never try internet dating..<br />- I'll never change my opinion about that..<br /><br />I could go on for days with things I've said I would never do, say, experience. <br /><br />If there is one thing that I've come to realize, it's this, you can pretty much guarantee that at some point if you have used the word "never" in any of the above contexts... you will in fact do it, say it, think it, act on it. <br /><br />For me, the most prevalent situation would be "past opinions". I can't even count the number of things that I just "knew" I was right about, that I had the "correct" opinion on, only to see that I was COMPLETELY wrong. Or, if I wasn't wrong, I was completely off base with my motives. <br /><br />One positive aspect of past mistakes is the fact that I can actually see where I went wrong, I can admit that I was indeed wrong. How many people, due to pride, can't muster up the courage to admit mistakes. Can't find one opinion that was wrong, one motive that was nothing more than the selfish pursuit to feed their/my ego.<br /><br />I suppose that the older I get, my perspective continues to shift ... I continue to grow: as a person, Christian, a man. So I've learned to attempt the elimination of the word "never". The more I use it, the more I am destined to look back and see how narrow minded I've been. <br /><br />Truthfully, we do not know what tomorrow holds. There is no crystal ball that will tell us when the curve balls will be thrown. <br /><br />What's the point in using a definite word like "never" in an indefinite world...JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-41412484253104323092010-01-27T09:57:00.000-08:002010-01-27T11:41:14.289-08:00Charlie: "Where are we??"<span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:black;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I have been completely obsessed with "Lost" as of late. About two years ago Noel brought me the first two seasons on dvd and said, "dude, you need to watch these, some of the best television ever made". Of course, I kept the dvd's for a year or better and never watched beyond episode 2, which is completely crazy because I have now for the past 2 months been frantically trying to catch up (I'm now on season 5 and should be ready for the new season next week ... heck yeh!!).<br /><br />Now, in season one, Charlie (one of my favorite characters), makes a statement that foreshadows the entire plot of the show ....<br /><br />Standing on the beach, looking back at the jungle, asks the most profound of questions ... "Where are we?".<br /><br />~~ in typical "Lost" fashion I'm going to jump a bit in subject matter and hope to get back to a singular point ~~<br /><br />Unless you have been under a rock lately, or you just do not care about the state of our world, you have most definitely seen the devastation in Haiti. Conservative estimates have the death toll at over 150,000 people ... mothers, fathers, children, teachers, rich, homeless, the forgotten. All of this has really weighted heavily on me, which could be due directly to the fact that a young man that I go to church with had been in the country for 2 hours before the quake hit and for several days had no contact with him... that's another story all together.<br /><br />Regardless, I have felt a heaviness for the people of Haiti .... then today I get this email from Noel with a link to an article from "theonion.com". If you are not familiar with theonion.com, it is a satirical news website (really funny) poking fun at the days current events.<br /><br />So, Noel sends me this link, I begin to read and quickly realize that the message in this article is a poignant message to the world. For me, it's a direct message to the church, a direct message to me, Jim Odom - Christian bookstore guy that sits safely at his computer and blogs about the worlds problems and the call of the church.<br /><br />Here is the link:<br /><a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/news/massive_earthquake_reveals_entire?utm_source=onion_rss_daily" target="_blank">http://www.theonion.com/content/news/massive_earthquake_reveals_entire?utm_source=onion_rss_daily</a><br /><br />So, if you've had a chance to read the post, it's kind of obvious why this speaks to me so much.<br /><br />From the church's perspective, it troubles me that it takes such a massive calamity to get our attention. Now, I want to be careful not to take away from the enormous show of compassion and aid that has been directed at Haiti. It's beautiful the way the world has taken Haiti under their wing, so to speak, to provide aid.<br /><br />I think Haiti, more so than other countries, is looked at with "distain" from the United States and it's churches due mainly to the fact that it's a "voodoo" nation. Now, I get the reasons why Haiti has had such hardships since their independence was won from France, we do reap what we sow. And I definitely feel that there are consequences for a nation when the people so openly turn from God.<br /><br />The problem for me with a country like Haiti is this: as believers we have a tendency to have the "you're getting what you deserve" mentality. Directly followed with the ever popular "i've washed my hands of this", "you're on your own". The simple fact of the matter is, we all deserve death... Never has there been a person born on this planet that didn't serve such a fate. I praise an almighty Jesus who said, "I'll take God's wrath, instead of it being poured out on you". So, regardless of Haiti's past, they need Christ... they need Love... period.<br /><br />"Where are we??" ... a question I should never have to ask myself again ....<br /><br />I know exactly where we are .... In a world that needs love: Haiti, Africa, Woodlawn (community in Birmingham), Guatemala, China .... BEFORE the tragedy strikes.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></span>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-80479925659412072292009-10-09T09:06:00.000-07:002009-10-09T09:18:11.988-07:00Music, Beer, Cigs, Sex - Recipe for God to Change My Life...Sorry it has been so long since my last post .... sometimes life gets in the way, ya feel me???<br /><br />~~Disclaimer~~<br />The following story may be found extremely offensive to Pharisees, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Legalists</span>, and/or the standard Church Isolationist ~~ how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ya'll</span> like my new term?? fancy words huh :) ... so if any of these terms apply, you might want to discontinue any and all further reading of said blog ... I'll give you a few seconds to click off this page<br /><br />.. .. .. .. .. .. ..<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ok</span>, if you are still here, let me say first and foremost .... God tends to speak to me in the strangest ways at the most random of times, and His words always seem to come out of nowhere .... the following story is "one" of these times.<br /><br />October 23, 2008 will forever be a date that I look back on and say, "God changed my life that night", and I do not use the words lightly, so please do not read those words in passing (I really need to people to understand the heaviness of that statement). God did indeed CHANGE my life that night.<br /><br />This night started out like any other Thursday night in the fall, I sat at home watching the football game on ESPN. For any Auburn fans out there, you might recognize this date due to the fact that West Virginia spanked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ya'lls</span> little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hiney</span> that night ~~that's besides the point~~. This particular night I watched the game by myself, I actually remember very distinctly watching the game on the couch in my pajama pants and t-shirt, for some reason, every little detail of this night is burned into my memory ... even now as I look back, I feel a heaviness, a Holy respect and fear, because an Almighty God opened my eyes, I'll never be the same.... I digress ...<br /><br />As the game was coming to a close, a couple of friends came by the house ...<br /><br />~~let me take this moment for a side note: I've grown up around music and musicians, in the church and some that play in clubs .. I'm blessed to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sooo</span> many crazy talented friends~~<br /><br />So, these buddies come by the house... they ask in passing (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cuz</span> I've been asked a thousand times to go, with always responding, no... afraid of someone seeing "the Christian bookstore guy" going into a bar, oh the horror), "hey man, Andy is playing down at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Omalley's</span> tonight, you want to go hear them play, he'd love to see you". Now, at this point, I don't feel God's Spirit, things didn't slow down in a Matrix (the movie) kind of way.... for some reason, I simply said... "sure, I'll go". In astonishment, my friend said, "well, you better put on a hat"... disguise myself I suppose, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hehe</span>.<br /><br />We get there, getting out of the car I can hear the music from inside the building, glad to be there, glad to see my friends play music, glad for them to know that I love them and support them. I walk in and head toward a table near the stage, Andy looks down and sees me ... he gets this look on his face, a look of astonishment and surprise, immediately followed by a huge smile ... I'll never forget the look!<br /><br />At this point, business as usual, I'm just a dude listening to a band in a club ~~really talented band none the less~~ .... Then it happens ... God showed up ... Seriously, it's like He walked up to the table and sat down beside me and whispered in my ear. I suddenly became grieved in my spirit, nearly to the point of tears. I didn't hear the music any longer, I didn't hear the conversations around me .... All I could see was the people ....<br /><br />Now, if you are jumping to the conclusion that I was grieved because of the typical "sin" stuff happening in that bar... you couldn't be more wrong. Was it the alcohol ... was it people getting smashed ... was it the dude at the bar trying to get the cute <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">blondie</span> to go home with him... was it any of those things that caused my grief .... No! Those things were simply by-products, at this moment I wasn't seeing any of that stuff.<br /><br />Now, some reading this might be saying, "Well Jim, then what were you seeing ... all that other stuff would have made me sick ... disgusting!" ... sorry to disappoint, but God was showing me something else entirely!!<br /><br />As I looked around, God showed me this ..... These people, people just like you and me, were searching for something. Searching for, in my opinion, three things: community, love, acceptance. Just so happens that they are finding it in a bar... My spirit was so incredibly grieved, these folks were searching and I, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mr</span>. christian bookstore guy", had done NOTHING to reach out to these people.... the "church community" in Jasper/Walker county had done NOTHING to reach these hurting, searching people. Even now as I write these words, that same grief is over taking me.<br /><br />I'm so tired of the church (i.e. myself), using the "inviting people to church" excuse .... we expect people to clean themselves up, come out of the bars, come to church, get Jesus. Does that sound backwards to anyone else other than me. I so long for a day when we take ownership of the Great Commission, the day we GO and take the gospel instead of, COME to church with us. The sad state of affairs is that most of the people at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Omalley's</span> that night came from our churches, our youth groups. Why could we as a believing body not provide a community of love and understanding for them. In my experience, people don't turn away from Jesus, they turn away from us.... Jesus never did anything but love and sacrifice for them. Sadly, our words and actions somehow don't match up, we've (especially me in the past) have spent all our time pointing at THEIR sins, pointing at THEIR faults and failures.<br /><br />I pray we all take a moment and evaluate our thoughts, actions, motives .... maybe pray that God forgive us for not reaching out in love to the lost.<br /><br />October 23, 2008 changed me forever, God changed my life in a bar. I think about that night everyday, I pray, "God please forgive me of my failure to go and seek out the lost" ... I long for a day when people come to church smelling like beer, cigarettes .... I long for a day when we finally say, "hey man, I know you struggle, I know you hurt, but I'm going to love you.... regardless"<br /><br />I truly pray that my words don't come across to harsh, know my heart.... I have so much more i could share on that night, let me know if you'd ever like to talk to me about my experiences ...<br /><br />I love you guys so much, I love the church, I long for us to become what Christ commissioned us to be ...<br /><br />Just my thoughts ...JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-59758415818965826352009-08-15T08:28:00.000-07:002009-08-15T11:37:50.552-07:00Homosexuals, Skin-Heads and the History Channel<span style="font-family: arial;">For the first time since 1997, I was able to go on a trip for one purpose and one purpose only, relaxation. Let me tell you, I relaxed the heck out of that trip (Desin, FL is my new sanctuary). So, one morning I was watching The History Channel and one of my favorite shows came on, Gangland. If you haven't seen this show, do yourself a favor and watch it. It's a show that highlights some of our nation's best in the "world of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gang bangers</span> and crime-lords", great television. The episode that was on I had never seen before .... Skin-heads .... my favorite <span style="font-style: italic;">racists</span>, so easy to make fun of these guys. Right when i was really starting to have fun chuckling at their awesome hair cuts, suspenders and combat boots (and their music, can not forget to mention their <span style="font-style: italic;">awesome </span>music), I saw something that rattled my heart and spirit.<br /><br />Right in the middle of the show, it highlighted two men... one man was a former, leading member of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aryan Nation and the other was a homosexual man... they were both from Los Angeles.</span> Twenty years ago these two men han an encounter, the homosexual man was a victim of the other man's hate crime. He and some of his friends were assaulted and beaten by an entire group of Aryans. Twenty years later, the Aryan had left "the nation" and become an outspoken opponent of his former life. One day the two men found themselves in the same focus group, a group put together to discuss forgiveness and tolerance. After the meetings began, the two men realized who each other was. The gay man said that he could never forgive the former Aryan, who could blame him, I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be the victim of a hate crime. Not long after the two men had their encounter, they were scheduled to speak to a group of students together, the ex-aryan stood up and said to the group, "I assaulted this man twenty years ago because he is homosexual, and for that I am truly sorry". At that moment the gay man knew in his heart that he could no longer hold on to anger and resentment, the two men are now friends and speak on forgiveness. <br /><br />What an image of forgiveness, a homosexual man forgiving an ex-aryan for the hate crime committed against him. I knew I was watching something important, something that I think will forever change my attitude, it was simply one of those "wow, i get it" moments.<br /><br />So what's our problem, why is it soo hard for believers to forgive other believers. I have seen churches ripped apart over stupid things. One church in my hometown split over a book... A BOOK. We will go down seperate aisles at the grocery store just to avoid seeing someone who has <span style="font-style: italic;">wronged</span> us. Seriously, what's our problem? <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">What an image of forgiveness, a homosexual man forgiving an ex-aryan for the hate crime committed against him.<br /><br />Which brings me to one of the hardest things I've ever posted ... God dealt with me heavily Thursda night over this issue. Seriously, what's my problem?? I'm beginning to see that I have unforgiveness inside of me. I have yet to forgive someone in my life, the funny thing I didn't even know that what I felt was wrong, didn't realize that I needed to forgive. I suppose that sense I was <span style="font-style: italic;">wronged</span>, I felt as though I didn't have to forgive until they asked for it. That's not the case ... I need to deal with this stuff that's rooted deep within me. Jesus, as he was in the process of being beaten, spit on, murdered, said these words, "forgive them" ... when nobody was asking for it. They gloated over their actions, but Jesus CHOSE to forgive. Who am I not to make the same choice.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">What an image of forgiveness, a homosexual man forgiving an ex-aryan for the hate crime committed against him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-79110487636841602232009-08-01T10:09:00.000-07:002009-08-01T10:17:45.048-07:00Heaven meets earth with a sloppy wet kiss....<span style="font-family: arial;">This morning I was greeted on Facebook by a wonderful note written by a friend of mine that I went to college with. I've had a very difficult week and this encouraged me so much. I want to share it with all of you guys. Blessings....</span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: arial;" class="note_header"><div class="note_title_share clearfix"><div class="note_title"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">If Grace is an Ocean We're All Sinking...... <span style="font-weight: bold;">by </span>Cara Rogers</span><br /><br /></span></div> </div><div class="byline">Yesterday at 9:37pm</div></div> <span style="font-family: arial;">I heard these lyrics (the title of my post) from a song called How He Loves (google it if you'd like- Kim Walker) and thought about what a beautiful image this presented. However, while singing this song in my head this morning, I "saw" a mental picture of a huge ocean and many people in that ocean treading water, desperately trying to stay afloat. I immediately knew what that picture meant in relation to those lyrics. We (many in the body of Christ) say we live in grace, but although we are in the ocean, we have not really surrendered to that ocean of God’s grace. I thought about it some more and realized that giving up, “sinking” if you will, runs contrary to every survival instinct in human nature. So, I claim grace as my sustenance, but still struggle to do it (life) at least a little in my own strength. To sink in grace would be to lose control, right??…and I need at least a little. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> I think, at least in my own life, this struggle, this treading water if you will, has led to a cycle of: 1) Existing and not really living; 2) Using a lot of strength to do things right, and really feeling ashamed when (noticed I said when, not if) I drop the proverbial ball and 3) so much tiredness due to exerting so much needless energy…which leads back into #1. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> It reminds me of what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced[a] so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> 5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> I look around and see so many existing and not really living (including myself). I want so desperately for the body to discover a life full of energy and the grace and compassion of the Lord. I don’t want us be spiritually tired all of the time because we rely on ourselves. These truths seem so simple (ha!) yet so difficult to apply in every day life (at least to me).</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> I feel that many of you in “facebook land” might be able to relate to this, or may be further along on the journey than I and if so, please share any thoughts you might have. My hope is to encourage each other and remind ourselves to live in grace. Thank you for reading this. I appreciate it.</span><br /><br />~~~I hope this helped you guys as much as it did me... oh, and the song she is referring to ... here's a link to it... incredible!!<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYpsJimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-43025666103117401562009-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:002009-07-27T10:18:15.195-07:00Perspective Shifts...<span style="font-family: arial;">In 2001 (I think it was), I began a journey; a scary and adventurous spiritual journey. Questioned everything I had ever been taught and everything I </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">thought</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> I had figured out. I was 23 years old and completely confused, felt pressured and manipulated (at times) to go in certain directions in ministry, at every turn afraid that I was going to make the wrong decision and my life and ministry would be ruined. So one day, at work and at my wits end, I opened up the Word and saw this scripture...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">John 6 (NIV)</span><br /></span><sup id="en-NIV-26275" class="versenum" value="28">28</sup>Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"<br /> <sup id="en-NIV-26276" class="versenum" value="29">29</sup>Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."<br /><p style="font-family: arial;">At that moment, things cleared up... the weight was lifted from my shoulders... I didn't have to please people any longer. I finally realized that trying to please imperfect people over a perfect God would only lead to hurt and failure. So, that's where it started, I was ready for a perspective shift. Ready indeed!!<br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;">Not to long after that I had the opportunity to leave the church (and denomination) I was serving in and move into service at a church in the Birmingham area. I had zero doubt that it was time to move on, but you would have thought I committed some grievous sin. A few folks looked at me with such a look of pity, as if the wondrous work of salvation that had taken place in my life was somehow diminished now... it was like I had been knocked out of some sort of spiritual hierarchy. Even 6 or 7 years later I still get this look of pity... I won't even start on the look when they see the tattoos, hehe!!</p><p style="font-family: arial;">So now let me get to the "perspectives" part .....</p><p style="font-family: arial;">When I stepped out of the mind-set<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> and thought processes that I had always held onto so tightly that my knuckles were white, ready to fight anyone who brought something a little different to the table. Stepping outside of that I began to see Almighty God in such a more life giving way. It was truly astounding how spending time with other believers from different perspectives began to shape me and strengthen me. Now I look for opportunities to have conversations and build relationships with people from completely different viewpoints on God and spirituality; even those I might completely disagree with on certain subjects.... who knows I might actually learn something in the process.</p><p style="font-family: arial;"> People are scared, me thinks, of different perspectives. If not, just watch a pentecostal boy (whatever that means)as myself tell people that he helped plant a non-pentecostal church that held services in a bar in downtown Birmingham, and see how the begin to squirm in their shoes and trip all over themselves trying to say something <span style="font-style: italic;">encouraging</span>. People are indeed fearful of different perspectives, I was the c.e.o. of this group for many years of my life. They, just as I was, are afraid because when we look at things from different perspectives, there is a very <span style="font-style: italic;">clear and present danger</span> that we might see fault in our own lives... in our own perspectve. We might see flaws in the very core of our belief system, cracks in the foundation. Cracks that must be mended and fixed, and nobody has to fix anything if they never find a the crack .... much easier that way.... right?</p><p style="font-family: arial;">Just my thoughts....<br /></p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-89435846769831606502009-07-13T18:33:00.000-07:002009-07-13T18:36:00.949-07:00Scattered reflections of Fire and Rain<span style="font-style: italic;">This is something i found .... wrote this a little over a year ago ... brought back a great memory</span><br /><br />"Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone<br />Susanne the plans they made put an end to you<br />I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song<br />I just can't remember who to send it to"<br /><br />Most of you already know that those are the lyrics to the first verse of one of the best songs ever written, James Taylor's, Fire and Rain. Last weekend I sat on the front deck of Steve's house; Steve, Jessica, Nick and I sat there looking at the stars, playing guitar and singing old songs that we love. Everything from Hank Williams Jr., to Poison, Nick even busted out some old hymns ... it was one of the most enjoyable moments I've had in months, maybe years. As I sat there, I began to reflect on the events in all of our lives that brought us to the very point. That single instance with all of us simply hanging out, enjoying the relationships we've built and continue to build.<br /><br />There are those of us who have experienced terrible things in life ... Some of us have been lucky and most of our experiences are filled with happiness and joy. The point is we all experience .... regardless ... it forms and tells our story. So my story up until has been defined by the choices and events that have shaped my life.<br /><br />Which brings me back to the James Taylor song... It's somewhat of a song that morns a friend, refers to his battle with drug addiction, and the fear of fame and fortune. Real events and struggles that had shaped him as a songwriter and ultimately formed one of those songs that singer/songwriters hold in the highest regard.<br /><br />Sunday, a young man i knew was killed in a plane crash with his family and girlfriend. We had a few classes together in college, we would talk accounting and video games, he is still on my Xbox Live friends list, which seems somehow ironic. We truly do not know what tomorrow holds for us, whether beautiful or tragic. The one thing we can do today is love deeply, respect intensely, and admire the diverse beauty that forms us all.<br /><br />I'll never forget sitting on that deck with my friends .... trying to remember the chords to Fire and Rain .... watching steve ban all cell phones from the festivities. I think I understand what James wanted us to see in his work .... embrace experience when it takes a friend, embrace experience when we are in personal battles, embrace the fear of an uncertain future.<br /><br />Experience .... would I change the events that have led me here to this day .... I don't think so.<br /><br />I'm curious as to where I'll end up ....JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988043394741727980.post-32230310694913611032009-07-13T08:57:00.000-07:002009-07-13T09:41:57.697-07:00My life in ruins...<h3 style="font-style: italic;">Luke 15 (New Living Translation)</h3> <h5 style="font-style: italic;">Parable of the Lost Sheep</h5><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" id="en-NLT-25557" class="versenum" value="1">1</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" id="en-NLT-25558" class="versenum" value="2">2</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!</span><p style="font-style: italic;"> <sup id="en-NLT-25559" class="versenum" value="3">3</sup> So Jesus told them this story: <sup id="en-NLT-25560" class="versenum" value="4">4</sup> <span class="woj" style="">“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?</span> <sup id="en-NLT-25561" class="versenum" value="5">5</sup> <span class="woj" style="">And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.</span> <sup id="en-NLT-25562" class="versenum" value="6">6</sup> <span class="woj" style="">When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’</span> <sup id="en-NLT-25563" class="versenum" value="7">7</sup> <span class="woj" style="">In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!</span></p><p><span class="woj" style="">This passage of scripture has ruined my life.... seriously, all of a sudden I can't approach life in the same way I always have, American culture can't fix it, Christian <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rhetoric</span> can't sooth my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">conscious</span>. For the first 30 years of my life I have read this passage, had it taught to me in Sunday school, and had it preached at me from the pulpit. The problem is, I never saw what Jesus was actually saying .... until a few months ago (that's when i did a little studying).</span></p><p><span class="woj" style="">I've always seen this parable as merely a symbol of love... so much love that we lose one sheep, leave the 99 to go find the one. In actuality, a shepherd, as well as the people hearing Jesus, would have a much different view of the story. Shepherding was a business, if one sheep was lost the shepherd <span style="font-weight: bold;">had</span> to find it; if the sheep was not found then the shepherd was financially responsible for it. He had to answer for his stock, pay for it out of his own pocket. Not only was his finances on the line, his reputation as a shepherd was on the line. Losing a sheep was a HUGE deal. That's why when the sheep was found there was incredible rejoicing. <br /></span></p><p>Jesus is making a very serious point to us 2000 years later... we are held responsible for the lost, it's a non-negotiable. Sadly, we have become a <span style="font-style: italic;">Christian</span> culture that says.... "Come out of the bars, come to church, get Jesus" ... "Drop your addiction to (insert vice here), come get Jesus". See the pattern, "come here". Luke 15 tells us otherwise.... go find.</p><p>I can no longer sit back and just wait on the preacher to become a better speaker in order to entice people into the church pews. I can no longer wait on the music ministry to get better musicians so people will come hear the latest worship song. I can no longer wait on the youth pastor to get those goofy black lights for the youth room or come up with a killer name for youth service. Passing the buck in my own life, sadly, is over.... Jesus has told me to GO and FIND... the buck stops with me ..... my <span style="font-style: italic;">normal</span> American life is over .... When my time is over I can't tell Jesus, "sorry, I lost a few sheep, but I lived in a killer house and my stock portfolio was rockin... and I paid my tithes on time, every time" .... that stuff won't go very far when He looks and me and says "you owe me for the sheep you didn't go and find".</p><p>Just my thoughts.... it's my blog!! hehe<br /></p>JimOdiumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308543756816437486noreply@blogger.com7