Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Pictures of Poetic Partnership

It has been said that lots of hands make for lighter work. In this case, it was feet. The runners of Equal Start committed to Be Change. If I way westernize Gandhi, he said become the change you want to see in the world.

Here are a few pics that brand the moment of significance.


Pressing Thru the twenty point and throwing up the Determinance d



Interview at 20

Conor: One of our top finishers with Trav, Mike, and Larry


Trav and Melissa


Principal Steve Lewis of Oak Ridge Elementary and I at 26.1 miles. 100 Yards to go.


Interviewed at the end


Russ comforting an exhausted but courageous Michelle


Sean snapped this impromptu of Steve Lewis and I. That sums it up.


A few of the 100% team where ALL Equal Start runners finished!


Why I run.

There were so many who made this happen. If I posted them all, MySpace would crash. Look in and tune in to the TRIAD Podcast Episode called "The Reveal"

Our next plan, is about to be unveiled. Don't miss out on the ability to Be Change.

Much Love.

Jharp

PODCAST LINK HERE

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Let's Go: And They Did

It's over, at least for this weekend. The 26.2 mile race is completed. I am thrilled with the thirty four Equal Start Runners. Thirty four runners started. Thirty four finished.

Amazing.

I felt good. As with my previous marathons, I started too quick. No matter how hard I tried, the momentum of the crowd of runners around us pushed the pace. By the time I hit the fifteen mile marker, my legs, specifically, my upper thighs, were fried and starting to cramp. It felt like a tennis ball and been shoved underneath my quads. I wasn't surprised totally because I wasn't prepared for even the smallest of hills.By twenty miles, I felt better. To see friends gathering caused me to pause for a couple minutes to shoot a quick video. I was overwhelmed with so many people's love and connection to the cause. Here are a few random thoughts…

Greatest Shock: How many people wanted, loved, or asked about the Equal Start Original "Be Change" shirts.Greatest Gift: Russell snuck a project in underneath me. It's recorded encouragement and some scripture that Rick Cole and my kids recorded over music in the G5 Studio. I listened to it each of the three times when I was needing a mental push.

Greatest Feeling: About two minutes past the starting line, Bad: Live from U2 was blaring in my ears. I turned around at the group and saw a ton of black "Be Change" shirts. I hollered at them, "It's good to be alive!" And it is.

Greatest Performance: TIE: Travis Cole and Voula Beishline.

Travis is an amazing human specimen. He is a genetic anomaly. How can anyone come out on the day of the race with zero training and run a 4:20?

And Voula, oh Voula! Over a year ago, her daughter Ashley ran the 06 marathon with me. Voula was challenged having just been told her 40 year old physical body was 92 years aged due to health. When we started she couldn't jog a minute straight. She grabbed on to some vision and started running with us. This past summer, she summitted the highest peak in Lower 48 and finished the California International Marathon.

Greatest Song That Quickened Me On Today's Marathon Playlist: Bad Live By U2.

Thanks to all of the emails and people who stepped up in HUGE ways to give to Equal Start. The students of the inner city school Oak Ridge Elementary deserve it.



This picture is of Principal Steve Lewis and I crossing before our goal of under five hours.

Be Change,

Jason Harper

Friday, November 30, 2007

Pain Produced Promise

Today is what is called 'Taper Day." For the faithful 6000 marathoners who will run on Sunday, Dec 2, the 26.2 mile race training is over. Now we taper. It simply means to go into a ten day "taper down" of long miles into "no miles." That is where I am today and tomorrow, no running.

I am anxious. Not for the actual race, but for the start of the race. I am a little giddy. I am ready and wanting to run. Last year, 17 runners started, 17 finished.



We took what was raised and put backpacks and so many other incredible things into the campus. The kids getting a backpack was incredible. But, to see their face when they discovered the backpacks were filled with supplies...



When we shared the story with people, others were moved to run. On Sunday, there will be over 30 of us!

I want the 30+ Equal Start runners to feel the exhilaration of a marathon FINISH. The pain. The purpose. The pain.

I like pain. I am not quite sure why. Something in my head triggers when The Will seeks to over throw The Mind. I've been there once in my life.

My first marathon in 2005. At mile 16, my knee blew out. Long story. But I wanted to win and to me winning was simply finishing on behalf of the kids we were running for. People pledged money to our marathon finish; not to our marathon start, but to our finish.

At the 16th mile, the knee tore, swelled and began to dangle. As the shock of pain rushed to my gut, the thoughts of the kids not getting the money consumed me. For the next 10.2 miles I shuffled, hobbled, gimped, and limped to the end. It was a train wreck. But to me...to the kids...to my family...to my friends...I won.

This is my third marathon. Taper days suck because that finish in 2005 haunts me. Maybe it drives me. Maybe it is the haunting that pushed me.


If you get a moment, watch the 60 second video of The Painful 2005 Big Sur Blown Knee Finish

If you can, consider the kids of Oak Ridge Elementary. Give to their cause. Go to their campus. Start a movement.

Believe.

Be Change.

Oh yea, and on Sunday, remember the 30+ Equal Start runners.

Much hope.

Jharp
www.equalstart.com

*Repost this and challenge change. Bend history. Secure equal education for every child.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

God Is Not Mad

I am bummed. Not a little bummed...but bummed. Rob Bell and crew are about to launch a 40 Day Tour to major venues called "God Is Not Mad" His previous tour, "Everything Is Spiritual" was a complete success.

Anyway, back to my pout.

It coming through Northern California and SF CITY is happening. I'll be gone.

Bummed trying to find more info of other cities, I stumbled through the new www.heartsupport.com site. Jon Bell, Rob's brother, contribution to change! Anyway, a hop and a skip led me to this...posted by Jon Re: Rob.

I love my brother. He's my best friend. Recently, he did an email interview with a local periodical and I loved his answers. Here is what he said:

"What makes you angry?

Today around 6,000 people will die in Africa from HIV/AIDS and this would not happen in America. that is not right. it makes me angry that one in five people in Grand Rapids live in poverty, it deeply grieves me that thousands of civilians and soldiers are dying in a morally oblique war that is more about oil than anything else, it makes me furious that in a recent survey when people were asked what is a Christian? the number one response was "Someone who hates gays" How did the Jesus message of love and grace and compassion get that distorted by people claiming to be his followers?"

** END

We have some changes to make. Be heard. Speak.

Love.

Lead.

JHarp

God Is Not Mad Tour

I am bummed. Not a little bummed...but bummed. Rob Bell and crew are about to launch a 40 Day Tour to major venues called "God Is Not Mad" His previous tour, "Everything Is Spiritual" was a complete success.

Anyway, back to my pout.

It coming through Northern California and SF CITY is happening. I'll be gone.

Bummed trying to find more info of other cities, I stumbled through the new www.heartsupport.com site. Jon Bell, Rob's brother, contribution to change! Anyway, a hop and a skip led me to this...posted by Jon Re: Rob.

I love my brother. He's my best friend. Recently, he did an email interview with a local periodical and I loved his answers. Here is what he said:

"What makes you angry?

Today around 6,000 people will die in Africa from HIV/AIDS and this would not happen in America. that is not right. it makes me angry that one in five people in Grand Rapids live in poverty, it deeply grieves me that thousands of civilians and soldiers are dying in a morally oblique war that is more about oil than anything else, it makes me furious that in a recent survey when people were asked what is a Christian? the number one response was "Someone who hates gays" How did the Jesus message of love and grace and compassion get that distorted by people claiming to be his followers?"

** END

We have some changes to make. Be heard. Speak.

Love.

Lead.

JHarp

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Kid's Care

It's quite amazing to think that there are children who are giving themselves to a cause that is greater than their own. Sure, I've seen kids do amazing things, but often time it is a single act, done in a short amount of time.

While many kids in today's society play their Xbox or equivalent, some are different. Meet Zach Bonner. He plans to walk from Tampa to Tallahassee (250 miles) to raise money for the country's more than 1 million homeless children.
It will take Bonner 23 days to complete his goal.
Track's Zach's Journey

Watch Zach's Story

Zach said he doesn't mind walking if it helps one homeless boy or girl get back on their feet.
"Whenever you help somebody, you get the pride of knowing that you helped somebody," Bonner said. "And that you were able to assist somebody who was in need."
Bonner's walk to Tallahassee is scheduled to begin Nov. 3 and end Nov. 26.
This isn't the first time the young boy has donated his time to a worthy cause. Bonner has received national attention for his efforts last October. President Bush met with Bonner to recognize his efforts to help Katrina kids and collect supplies for victims of a Hurricane.
So the question becomes, "What are you doing?" Or, even better, "What am I doing?"
No project is to small. No dream is too big.
Consider a cause today. Give. Go. Be.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Short of the Summit :: Long on Loyalty. Determinence

A few days ago we shot the Summit on White Mountain. It is the third highest peak in the Lower 48 States. Standing at more than 14,000 feet, White Mountain can be dark. Black under ominous clouds in a moment, bright sun can emerge and raise the air by many degrees in minutes.

Sean, Chris, and I started our trek toward the mountain and up the mountain before 5am. Only days before, a storm quickly formed on the mountain and layered two feet of snow in some places on the ground.. With winds gusting and having to start two miles lower down the closed road (adding four miles to our trek) we headed out.

After a great start and a brisk pace we ascended from approx 10,700 to 13,000 for our first glimpse of the top of America. Though still three miles from the peak and still 1200 feet below, Sean saw his future.



With snow nearly at our knees, we realized too much snow had fallen and a summit experience was impossible on this day.

Chris is techy. He loves gadgets. He tracked our journey on a GPS satellite. The day after the hike we discovered that we went further and ascended more vertical feet than planned.

Being above 13,000 feet felt good. It burnt my lungs. I liked it.

Other than Sean packing a buffet to the point of descent below of the summit, it was a great exercise. Short, of the summit…yes. Long on loyalty and determinence.



HEAR THE PODCAST RECORDED AT THE SUMMIT :: SHORT OF THE SUMMIT

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Why Do People Hate People?

Many have emailed and asked about the sign that my friend Gough posted in my comments. They have asked everything from, "Is this true...if so awesome!" to "Who is this guy?" to "Is that made in Photoshop?"



Let me begin.
1. Yes the picture is real and yes this is 'Bob'. Bob is a protester who, along with a few others, decided to show up and protest CCC's 'Celebrate Sacramento' event on Sunday

2. While they protested, over 5000 people came to our campus and saw true expressions of REAL and AUTHENTIC hope.

3. GOUGH is my small group leader who snapped it leaving the event.

4. The protesters congregate North of Sacramento in the foothills above Coloma. The town nearest to their house church is called Georgetown.

5. In my opinion they thrive on attention to feed their mind's belief.

Get this, their church is called....drum roll please....

"Church of the Divide"

Regardless, I am committed to loving them, even if I don't agree with them. Sometimes the scripture that says, "That which you do to the least of them, you have done unto me" is not always the easiest. Especially when they pose under signs that have scripture on them.

There are two Triad Podcast that I will direct you to that deal with this and my progression of trying to do the right thing.

This is what got the thing rolling:

Embarrassed By Hate
http://media.ccconline.cc/outreach/parade.mp3

This is when they showed up

Episode 90: Flying High with Pain of Protest
http://media.ccconline.cc/outreach/protest.mp3

You can go to www.jasonharper.cc to hear Episode 90. The other one is archived at www.harpercast.blogspot.com

For further entertainment, you can view and comment on the video they posted about me on Youtube.com

It is a hilarious of spliced clips in non-sequential order. Nothing like cut and splice to make a point...

CLICK HERE: Church of the DIVIDE'S Creative Edits

If you watch the video, please comment to communicate that you are not with them...

Much hope,

Jharp

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Whats True?

I think. I live. I'm pierced. I'm inked.
Yet in the church, perhaps… it's time to rethink

Exclusive truth, yes…Inclusive tone, they say "no."
Buried with so many believers, why do I as "broken" feel alone.

I push for tolerance. They say "acceptance is compromise"
Beneath the surface is blind, to be untrue as me, that's the worst lie.

We rebrand, they call it "Rebel"
I am not forsale, but disillusioned as hell.

Navigate, only through this Word, a spiral up in control.
The King holds my soul, the ends of this earth I will go

He loves, He leads,
He Lifts, He sees
He heals. He frees.
The inside of me, why cant you see.

Belong. Then believe…
Become, that is me…

Individuated through blood, I am made free.
I can't do, I will. I am. I must just Be.

Think.

Stuck In A Moment

So. Yon from Downunder, just posted this piece. Wow. It's a keeper.

Traveling to the next level of living, ever feel stagnant? Have you ever felt life your life mover just stopped. I have.

Maybe that's why I try to excercise. Maybe that is why I try to surround myself with more sets of eyes. I need people who can see that I am not gaining on the summit. Sometimes it feels like I am no longer going up.

And then, rather than taking a few steps to get going, I just sit there and wait on someone else to come and get me going. What seems logical, is missed on my extremely narrow line of site.







Stuck on the way up? Get moving. Stuck in a moment? Forget it.

Thanks Yon. Today, you moved me up a notch.

Jharp

Monday, August 13, 2007

22 Days Away ang Home

Home

Alive

Exhausted

Defiled

Redeemed

Humbled

Honored

Broken

Whole

Forgotten

Remembered

Loved

Used

Needed

Expendable

Moved

Challenged

Commissioned

Home

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

100th Triad Episode

First Run.

We had fun. Stay tuned for more.

Visit www.myspace.com/triadpodcast



Until then, enjoy.

jharp

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

As A Little Boy My Heart Hurts For Mom

Today in America, we celebrate our independence. Better known as 4th of July, Independence Day represents when we found freedom from the England in 1776. With symbols like the eagle, the flag, and the Statue of Liberty, America represents so much that can be good.

At the same time, young men and women are currently swamped in a quagmire of war. Good men and women, losing their lives for a reason.... I thought I knew the reason. But it keeps changing. Liberty, Tyrant removal, Axis of Evil, for a people who want to lberated. Now words like oil and big money politics are corrupting a country.

The lady liberty is being molested. Her crown is wobbling; her dress is torn. As she stumbles, it looks as if she is evolving from the backroom where she was used and abused as a late night trick.

As I see her emerge, I feel for her. I want to defend her. I feel like I am a little boy watching his mother getting used in the back alley. Yet at times, my own cynicism corrupts my compassion. As her little boy, as a son, I want to defend her. Right as I am about to speak up for her, she willfully takes the arm of another seducer. She willfully paints on a fake smile, straightens her hair and tries to adjust her look to again look pure.

One after another, she turns tricks in the room. Getting bent over and used by bureaucracy. Yet I still love her. I still need her. I still respect her. I still see her as the mother land.

As she walks down the dark hall to disappear again into darkness and deception, she looks back at me. Her eyes say it all. "I am sorry, I just don't know how to stop."





As a little boy living with mom, my heart sinks. I am consumed with only one thought, "I want my mom back."

Freedom,

Jharp

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

He Won

So I thought I should follow up. Paul Potts is his name. His dramatic performance absolutely stunned the UK. Since so many people have responded through email about their own personal stories of "WHEN YOU BELIEVE," I wanted to give the update.

He won.







Continue to believe.


Jharp

Sunday, June 17, 2007

WHEN YOU BELIEVE

So I was looking for something on Youtube. I actually dont remember where I started. But a click became two, and then four. Some how I ended up on a page linking to Britain's Got Talent. Its a Simon Cowell Show that America has now cloned.

While there, I saw this goof of a fellow...getting ready to sing. Of course I love to watch train wrecks. You know the disaster zone that occurs when people have been lied to and told by family and friends they can sing... yea, you know.

So I click through and endure the 30 sec bumper package before it starts. I've got the popcorn ready for a magnificant meltdown...and then I heard it. He sang.







When he was done I realized I had been suckered for the sappiest of moments. His performance is what makes Hollywood movies great. His melody has been the inspiration for chapters in a chicken soup for the soul type book. He can sing.

With passion and purpose, confidence and courage, he stepped to the mic with a gleam in his eyes. Knowing the external is second to the internal his soul sang.

I wondered about his story. Sure, a few probably said he could sing. But along the way thousands probably whispered the death sentence, 'You are never going to make it!'

On this night, critics were silenced.

With a fresh perspective, press play again. Even if you despise the music style, something connects with your soul. Passion for passion. Close your eyes and let the irish tenor soothe your soul...again.

Cynical enough to believe.


Jharp

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Primal Quest

This is a goal. Call it a life goal. I need a team. I need to believe that this level of accomplishment is capable.

Watch. Listen. Believe.







If you want to conquer, you must climb.

Jharp

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Vacation Climbing: Waterfalls and Flagpoles

On vacation and starting to defrag. I am not going anywhere, just trying to
catch up on all the things I have not been able to do. So far, I have spent
hours working around the house and hiked twice. Once to Horsetail Falls and
today, BK and I went to a summit in Tahoe called Flagpole Peak.


FLAGPOLE


HORSE TAIL FALLS

Awesome day.

I am looking forward to being off. Enjoy the end of the school year. I will jump back into regular blogging on June 12.

Until then, climb higher.

Jason

Listen to the Podcast

Just wanted to post that we recently did a great podcast. Now that I am taking some time off for summer break, click over the pod page and listen.

You can also listen by going to Itunes and searching "Jason Harper."

We will be posting a total of four while I am on break.

Listen in.

Until then,

Jharp

Thursday, May 24, 2007

THOUGH SHREDDED, CONQUER

See the Summit Amidst the Storms

It's been said that at high altitude storms can start in seconds. Like a wildfire, these frozen hurricanes blind the senses. Amidst the madness, climbers must rely on their internal instinct to feel the summit.



They have seen their successful completion it in their vision so many times before.

Now they feel it. As the storm blinds, they press on by sense.

Instead of reacting to the storm because of surprise, they respond by sense. They are not surprised. They are prepared. Despite their surroundings....they press on. One option, one outcome...summit.

When storms set in your life and hover and swirl over your circumstance, how do you respond? How do you react. Do you mentally collapse into worse-case scenario mode.




When your world is being blown to pieces, do you feel shredded?

At times, I do.

I am choosing to see the storms differently. I seek to climb on and get above it. I want to look back see that despite the circumstances, I was able to conquer the summit.

Until then, conquer.

Jharp


Friday Look: Early and focused training gives confidence after the summit!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

LESSONS FROM EVEREST

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Walking up Everest, it has been said that the lungs feel like needles are stabbing the inner lining. The air is thin, 30% of the O2 available at sea level. Fingers, toes, and face burn from sub zero temperatures. In the midst, expeditions have to navigate around people and problems. It seems the higher you go, the more problems there are.

Have you ever felt this way with life, school, or coaching? The higher you get, the more potential there is for problems. Most of the problems that I face are not immediately life threatening. On Everest, every move can be lethal.
With life, we should all be seeking to summit something.



Here are a few thoughts from Everest that are applicable in the home, classroom, court, or field when seeking the next level or summit.
When seeking the summit, here are four non-negotiable for climbers must:

Resist the Urge Negotiate Stopping
Each morning I run. I hate it. I love it. I need it. I don't want it. I do it anyway. One of the things that I do is Hill Work. When the going gets steep, my mind starts to negotiate stopping. Same thing happens with your athletes when you condition them. Teach them not to negotiate stoppage before their determined summit.

Wednesday Look: Can you be pushed to the summit's limit?

Until then, climb.
Jason Harper
Jasonh@ccconline.cc

Monday, May 21, 2007

At the Top of the Earth

Monday, May 21, 2007

She must have been gasping for life's breath. After all she was over 28,000 feet above sea level. Looking out on to the earth's horizon, Samantha Larson had accomplished a life goal, to summit Everest.

"We made it to the top!"

Samantha's Blog

These were the words she said to her mom from a satellite phone. Hiking with her father, Samantha has now conquered the highest peaks on all seven summits. (www.7summits.com)

I am intrigued. I have a healthy jealousy stirring. Not envy…but more of a sense of, "I wish I could have been there." It is one thing to summit Everest. She is the Mother of all Mountains. But to tackle all of the sisters of Everest, the earth's seven highest peaks.

Samantha has literally scratched the ceiling in the four corners of the earth.
I've pondered and found myself asking, "What did it take to accomplish this?" Beyond the cash, the travel, and the training…what lessons will she walk away from Everest with.



Tomorrow, I will share with you my fascination with Everest.
Until then, include.

Jason

Friday, May 11, 2007

What is Meaning?

Most of the time I think I get it. Then, as quick as I think I have a firm grasp, it eludes me. I don't want much out of life; I just want to change the world. Is that to much to ask? Maybe if I understood a firm definition of "What Is Meaningful?" then I would have it. I would have changed the my world.



That's where I can start. That's where you can start. Answer this question from your perspective and breathe. Breathe in life from the creator who gives you the creativity to do.

What is meaningful?

For me....

Meaningful is....

My children's laughter over something silly
My wife's kiss in the darkness of night

My memory of yesterday
My friends from yesterday
My run from yesterday

My hope for tomorrow
My plans for tomorrow
My goals for tomorrow

Today.

My love today.
My life today.

You.

Me.

Us.

We.




Jharp




*dan simmons: wow on the vid

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Change

Change.
Live.
Breathe.
Love.
Lead.
Listen.
Learn.



Love.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Triad Podcast: Invest, Invite, Include. G5 PICS

Tons of listeners. Entertaining. Enlightening.

Yet many of you have never taken the inside look. Here it is.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
HOST, JHARP

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
SANDY LAUGHING

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
SEAN BAUM PERCHED

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
LAINE REPRESENTING

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
AND THE TAT

To all the listeners...as we approach 100 episodes, thank you for being a part!

Triad Podcast: Invest, Invite, Include.
www.jasonharper.cc

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Words Hurt

Words hurt. Especially if they are from a dad. I’ve remember words that were said from my dad. Had anyone else ever said them they would not even had registered a pause in my step. But coming from Dad…yea they cut, deep.

I’ve even said them. I have said things that I wish I could have reached out and made my words reverse. Words I said to others, to my family, to my kids…yea…ouch.

But they were a word or two. Not a left message.

This week actor Alec Baldwin’s diatribe to his eleven year old daughter were left on her voice mail. Supposedly, they got to mom, Kim Basinger, and then to a person, or four, and ended up on TMZ.com. Not good.

When I heard them on the news I froze in disbelief that a father could humiliate his princess this way. For nearly three minutes he called her names and demoralized her. I was embarrassed for her. I was had. I hurt…for her.

The words of the father…

Years of now, see where she is. See what price there will be to pay. There will be a price.

Link To Audio File of Alec's Comments

Speak life.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Tired of Critics

Most sit idle. And while they sit, they criticize others of all that is missing. Yet in them middle of their destructive ways, they fail to realize that God can use frailty, but not those sickened with the cancer of the criticism.

I'm tired of the critics who turn their verbal guns on the meek and the kind.

And I surprised? No. Media whores like westboro baptist, alittleleaven.com, and others do more to destroy and separate than to build and unite.

It seems their arrogance has overtaken their sense. They criticize those that help the poor, even me, as being unscriptural. They say if you reach the unchurched...you are the one whom is lost.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Two For the Road

Two For The Road

In the next two days, we will be posting two of our best podcast to date.

The first of the two:
Delirious? sat in for a podcast and talked with us prior to their Northern California tour stop. It was an amazing concert.

Second:
I sit down with Former NFL Dallas Cowboy, Scott Galbraith and talk about a recent outing we did. This episode propels the process of racial reconciliation.

Two for the road...

Tune In. The Triad Podcast.

www.jasonharper.cc

Monday, March 26, 2007

Slow But Steady

Thousand sorries for the turtle pace of new podcasts. They continue to flow to itunes, but posting on the main site has been slow... need automation.

Regardless two new posts:

Episode 75: Behavior Blowouts: JHarp's Lost It

Copy and paste:
http://media.ccconline.cc/outreach/jetplanefinal.mp3

Episode 76: Thread of Influence : Triad Turns 1 Yr Old

Copy and paste:
http://media.ccconline.cc/outreach/influenial.mp3

Much Love. Much Hope.

Jason Harper
jharp
www.jasonharper.cc

Friday, March 23, 2007

Slow Down. Speak Life.

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers. That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.


On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much." were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. that group of students moved on.


Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.


The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."


Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."


That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

Today, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.


Don’t pass up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Bend History

"Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can
do against the enormous array of the world's ills, against misery and ignorance,
injustice and violence... Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but
each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all
those acts will be written the history of our generation."


What if you were one of the few that could bend history? Meaning, your simple actions today could make significant impacts on tomorrow...

What if today your only goal was to work to change a small portion of events... if each of us sought to love, lead, and listen...

We could add these snapshots of hope to the photo album of greatness and record a remarkable world, with remarkable people.

Bend history,

Jharp

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Running To Stand Still

Thursday
It's been a wild last couple days; a whirlwind of sorts. I loved Thursday night...Bayside1830 Group and lots of new friends. I spoke about Sherpa's on Everest and their willingness to lay their life down in trek of the next summit. It was an awesome time meeting so many folks. (Hello to all my new friends.)
Venue: College & Career

Friday
I headed over to Concept 12, a gathering of Lead Pastors. I was asked to speak in the morning sessions on reaching into, and loving, those in the gutter. I finished and headed down south. Arriving late night at a hotel, I think they rented by the hour, Russ and I checked in to our rooms and crashed.
Venue: Pastors

Saturday
The slamming of the irongate behind got my attention. The razor barbwire glistened in the morning sun. I had just signed off on a "No Hostage Negotiation Zone." Location: Valley State Prison. The team and I had been invited to speak. VSP is said to be the largest women's prison in the world. We got into the venue in the middle of the yard and saw women lined up to get in. We were blown away. I was told many of them had worked 40 hours+ to get a ticket to come inside. We had a time with them.
Venue: Maximum Security Prison

Sunday: I hopped a flight out to Nashville. I connected with Craig from XXX Church at Opryland for an evening gig with Porn Star Ron Jeremy. Wow. Post moderns,Pastors, Prisoners, and Porn Stars... Ron is funny. Confused, but funny.
Venue: Opryland Porn Debate

Monday
Across Nashville, I connected with one of my heroes Joe Ehrmann. Joe was hailed the Most Important Coach in America by Parade Magazine. As a former NFL Star, Joe now speaks across America to coaches and players about what it really means to love and serve society. We will partner on another gig later in the Spring.
Venue: High School Coaches and Athletes

Tuesday
I am tired and thankful. I am reflective that over the last five days, I have had a great diversity of opportunities and moments.
Venue: Home

From College Aged World Changers to Lead Pastors; From Prisoners to Porn Stars...to finally Heroes. Now I am home as a dad.

Reflective,

Jharp

Monday, February 12, 2007

Daddy Went.

It was confirmed. It was dance night. Yep. Daddy and Daughter were headed to the dance. She looked beautiful. A long flowing pink dress with all the frills was her choice. Her hair dangled in vertical spiral curls. As the last beret was placed, I asked her where she wanted to go to dinner?

I prefaced it. "You can pick any place you want, anyplace!"

Her response was priceless. "Any place? I'll pick KFC!" What should I have expected, she is eight. After some prodding on my part, she upgraded to Applebees.

As we sat in the restaurant, I told her she could order what every she wanted. She decided on a strawberry smoothy and cheese pizza….at Applebees.

She is eight.

I have to tell you by the time her cheese pizza showed up I had butterflies. I was nervous. I would be at an elementary school dance, trying to prove to the princess that I still had a grasp on cool.

Before dinner was done, the Hostess approached the table. With pink rose and a matching pink envelope in hand, he announced, "This just arrived for you. Are you the Princess?"

Wide eyed, she was figuring it out. A rose/card tandem had arrived. (Daddy had mommy and little brother drop it off for a sneaky delivery.) Before she could respond, I told her this was a special gift from daddy. I read the letter to her. I cried. She smiled.

A few minutes later we arrived at the dance.

Already emotional, I stumbled in. Little girls and dads lined the outside of the dance floor. No one wanted to get the party started. We mingled and I swapped awkward smiles with some dads. Our faces each asked the same question, "Are you going to go out their first."

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Before we could respond and answer, one dad took the floor with his princess. He didn't look like a hip dad. His black dress pants were pulled high. The white socks clashed with the brown loafers. I don't think his tie matched. But he danced. My daughter and I just sat and watched.

His smile lit up the room. No one probably noticed that he was cabbage patching, doing the running man, or the sprinkler man. No one cared. His daughter looked up to him and smiled and laughed. Her laughter brought the room to slow motion. We were all there for the same reason; to make an impact on the little girl that was courageous enough to ask us to attend. As dads, we did it.

We danced. We giggled. We Limbo'd. We Hokie Pokied. We did the Chicken Dance. We sang.

At this moment, I looked around and saw more awkward dads.

All a little apprehensive.

All a little anxious.

All a hero to their princess.



Jharp

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Daddy Is Not Ready

Daddy's Not Ready
To say I am excited is the under statement of a life time. It started about two months ago, when my daughter brought home a bulletin from school. In typical elementary school fashion, pastel paper and clip art, the bulletin was promoting today, February 10.

My daughter approached my slowly with shyness in her eyes. I loved it. She crept towards me, and with every calculated step, she sought to muster courage. She was about to ask her daddy the big question.

"Daddy, can we go to this?" She smiled. Her cute little smile from beneath her tightly formed lips melted me. At this point, I had not even seen what was on the flyer. But from her approach, she could have asked me for her own island on the coast of Fiji, and I would have figured a way to give it to her.

I glanced down. In big bold type it read "Daddy and Daughter Dance: February 10."

Holding the flyer in one hand and her softness in the other, I said, "Of course, but we need to do this the right way." I stood up, laid the flyer down, and took her other hand. Now holding perfection in one hand and purity in the other, I stumbled with my first word.

"Maddie, would you please attend the Daddy and Daughter Dance with me?"

Before I could finish, she had said yes and took off down the hall yelling, "Mommy, I need to get a dress!"

At that moment, I noticed my heart was beating fast and butterflies swarmed in my stomach. It took me back to the first time I told her mommy that I loved her.

To me it is more than a dance. It's more than fun. It is a night to model for her how she deserves to be loved, treated with respect; adored, honored, revered….tonight will be priceless.

She got her dress, a beautiful pink dress; Daddy, a black suit.

Today, I have my work cut out. I have to pick up a single pink rose. I have to get the restaurant to give us the best seat. The rose will already be on the table. I have written her a love note. It will be on the table with the rose. Lynette is dropping it off before we arrive. Priceless.

Daddy and Daughter Dance 101: My daughter is growing up and I am not ready for this.







Jharp

Friday, February 09, 2007

Last Night Was Incredible

Right prior to introducing them, I asked DC if there was anything special he wanted me to say....

He said, "Whatever fumbles out of the mouth will be great..." Scary.

When DCB took the stage, it was raining outside. Within minutes it was raining inside.

Here is a look at one of the songs from their set in our sanctuary....




Passion in my soul is to create greater compassion in my city.

Become undignified.

Jharp

Visit www.jasonharper.cc for the latest podcast "How to Hug A Beggar"

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

For Their Sake, I Hope

Blasphemychallenge.com

It's hard to look at. Even to the secularist. Those that are unchurched cringe. It is a viral effect that has swept the US in the last few weeks. BlasphemyChallenge.com is a website that asks people to denie the existence and power of God and the Holy Spirit. If a person does this, them they are given a free DVD called "The God That Was Not There."

What's awkward is how people squirm watching it. My unchurched friends who have never set foot in a church squirm. I shift is a nervous response. I almost felt like I was watching a car crash.

In some ways I was.

I wont get into the effects, validity or lack of substance and stupidity of their statements. Except to say, in most cases, true atheist do not work so hard to disprove God. If He really did not exist, then why do some spend so much time arguing it.

Look at it this way. If I showed you a picture of my child, I would not argue to you that she was beautiful. I would simply show you the pic and then express my love. From there, a person would decide. I would look foolish trying to argue, "but, really, come on, truly, she IS pretty." Foolishness. Let truth be seen. It echoes beyond what is heard.

The one thing we can't do is to get into a global debate. My response can't be to make a video that logically points out flawed logic. It's impossible and worthless to argue unconditional love. It is illogical. Love is illogical.

For me, the blashemychallenge.com is just that a challenge. It is challenging to see that their views are being propelled by creativity, urgency, finance, and unity. They have mobilized a national response in a week.

I heard it said once this way, "There are some who have done more for a lie, than I have done for the truth."

Today, don't argue love.
Today, don't speak, listen.
Today, don't follow, lead.

And as a post script, for the sake of the folks making videos, for their sake, I hope they are right.

Monday, January 29, 2007

But Senor?

Don't settle for success: make a difference – strive for SIGNIFICANCE.

A US businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican fishing village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the boat were several large yellow—fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, 'Only a little while, senor' The American asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish. The Mexican said that he had enough to supply his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, 'But what do you do with the rest of your time?'
The fisherman said, 'I play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Alaria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, senor.'



The American smiled, 'I am a Harvard MBA —that's a degree in business studies — I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat, with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet. Then instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.'

'You would, of course, need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and eventually New York City where you would run your expanding enterprise.' The Mexican fisherman asked, 'But, senor, how long will all this take?' The American replied, 'Fifteen to twenty years.'

'But what then, senor?'

The American laughed, 'That's the best part. When the time is right you sell your stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.'

'Millions, senor? But then what?'
'Then you would retire, move to a small coastal fishing village, where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, Maria, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.'

With just the hint of a twinkle in his eye, the fisherman said, 'Senor — are these business degrees hard to get?'

What if?

Season Five: Episode 86.
Do the Opposite.

Jharp

Starbucks: It's More Than Coffee

She was right. We had just finished a butt kicking 5:30 AM workout with a group of 15, that are training for the next adventure. I was energized and ready to start my day. But in typical fashion, I said "Lets go Starbucks and get a quick coffee." Many agreed, including Christa. Before she loaded into my car, she asked a good question.

"Why would we go get a coffee, when we have coffee right here in the office?"

Thanks Christa.

I started to ponder it? Why do we go 'get coffee?' Why would we wait in line? Why pay nearly $2 for a straight cup of black coffee? My friends on the inside of this corporate giant said that the cost of a Starbuck's Venti house blend is between 2 and 3 cents…

And even better than that…or worse….they are everywhere. China, India, everywhere.

I guess it's more than coffee. It's and experience. It's being together. It's laughing. It is good coffee, but it is even better friends.

I love people. I love asking questions. I love connecting and finding what makes every person better. I like knowing what completes them; what drives them.

I learn most of this at Starbucks.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Adoption: It's Priceless

Adoption

Adoption: Wanting Stories and Insights For Future Podcast

I think adoption is one of the most admirable things that can be done within humanity. One reason, specifically, is because there are thousands of children that are born into the worst of conditions and then abandoned. They live in a foster system that rotates them on nearly a regular basis. For a loving couple or person to adopt a child, literally rescues that child from a destiny that is very difficult to escape. Studies, statistics, and personal stories show it is infinitely more difficult to get out.

YET: I know many who have made it out. Some with help. Some on their own.

We have considered it. Our delay is with the system that is flawed; Meaning that loop holes can allow a once bio(logical) parent who gave up their child to have a changed mind and later demand rights, years later.

In some cases, even asking for a completed adoption to be undone.

Adopting parents are my heroes. It's a great sacrifice, with priceless rewards.

Much Hope.
J

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Dont You Wish Your Girl Friend Was Hot Like Me

Comedy. What happens at a psychological level to cause people to WANT to train wreck in front of 30 million people.



A compilation of confused chaos.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Sherpa To The Summit

I can't quite shake this latest thought. Over the new year I got sucked into watching, reading, and researching everything I could on Mt Everest. I feel obsessed with it. My wife is worried. She thinks I may seek an opportunity.

As I watched and read, the common thread that wove every successful expedition together was two fold: Equipment and Sherpas.

The first is equipment. Obvious; The best oxygen, the best climbing gear, the warmest clothes, makes for success. Ok, I get it.

But Sherpas? Sherpas are high mountain dwellers who have acclimated to the extraordinary heights. They dwell, live, and exist at altitudes that other seek to summit. The Sherpa's purpose and passion is to get others to the mountain top.

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They carry equipment, oxygen, food, water, sometimes up to the equivalent of their own body weight on their back. All so that others can experience new heights.

Essentially, they are selfless givers of life to other's potential.

They give themselves to a cause that is greater that them; other people's success.

I want to be a sherpa.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Favs of 2006: What Are Yours?

2006 Is Over: My Favs of the Year

Fav Song: The Saints Are Coming: U2 and Green Day Compilation
For me the video is what sold me. It gives a definite belief of what would of, could of, and should of happened. If you haven’t seen it, find it on youtube.com
www.youthube.com

Favorite Group: Come on? U2
Many say overrated, yet let me make my case. What other group can make an album in 1987, Joshua Tree, and have it sound current 20 years later. Pop in Joshua Tree and you are listening to a group with tremendous staying power.
www.u2.com

Treasured Possession: My running shoes and IPod.
www.nike.com

Fav Athlete: Probably an obscure College athlete that was third string and came into the game for a defining moment. If I said his name, no one would know him.

Favorite Book: All I Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
www.amazon.com

Fav Quote: It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.
Leo Buscaglia

Fav Restaurant: BJs
www.bjsbrewhouse.com

Favorite TV Show: 24
www.fox.com/24

Fav Movie: Man On Fire
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/man_on_fire/final_trailer/medium.html

Fav Moment
www.runcim.org

Fav Hobbie: Writing, Running, Podcasting
www.jasonharper.cc/podcast


Notice life. Take it in 2007 and remember what moved you.

Jharp