Monday, October 19, 2009

Building Destroyed Destiny: Introducing the #LOTD


Something has moved me. Over the past month, a single word in a song can grip me for and entire day. Sometimes its the most obscure line of a song by a band I have never heard before. Its amazing the power of words.

A word, a sentence, a statement can change everything.

What Builds is Labeled Destructive
What is ironic is how 'flipped' culture has become. Imagine this scenario. A person of courage speaks words of truth and honesty but because the listener's insecurities, the words are ignored, teflon'ed, or worse, denied. The words are labeled mean or insensitive. Because of the listeners flawed definition of truth, they'll commit all resources to image management. Deny, re-direct, or deafen...but they'll do anything but dedicate to the words they thought were hurtful.

What is Destructive is Labeled Life Building

So many times, flattery leads to greater flaws and failure. Compliments are cunning. The reality is that we have inverted what is healthy by what "feels good." Sometimes truth hurts. Thicken the skin and embrace what is needed not what it wanted.

Build a destiny that is filled with people who love you enough to tell you the truth. Then when it cuts like a knife, know that immediately their words will heal as they are processed.

Words.

I had just watched a friend ignite in a flame of failure. Pride strangled potential. Ego eclipsed hope. Living across the country, it was hard to get a sit down with them. Within days, they had vomited words on every common friend trying to lobby an army into their corner called "favor." Meanwhile, I just shrugged it off and thought, the poor soul...its going to be a rough landing...and then I heard it.

Who would of thought Marshall Mathers could speak such truth the situation. With 1000's of miles between us, if all of creation were listening to the song, the world that they brought into the conversation, would see the dark colors that betrayal used to paint an image protecting alibi. Instead, I latched on to a few of these words...

"[The World]Feed it beans, it's gassed up, if a thing's stopping me
I'mma be what I set out to be, without a doubt undoubtedly
And all those who look down on me I'm tearing down your balcony
No if and's or buts-don't try to ask him "why?" or "how can he?"


I just realized, sometimes people tear down their own balconies.

Words build.
Words destroy.

So I introduce you a joy ride into my brain and Ipod. From twitter and facebook, I am going to throw a lyric a day #LOTD.

You can do it too.

Until then, speak life and embrace truth.

JAS

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Giving Away the House...Seriously.

In just a few hours, I head out to Detroit. Of all the stops on the tour, this one grabs we deeply. I believe it is the practical nature of showing and being love, not just speaking love.

In the early planning stages of the book tour, Craig and I wanted it to be more than just locations that could represent a chapter in the book. But Detroit represented so many people who were hurting, voiceless and marginalized. So we decided to try to change that. Our goal was to find people who felt disconnected from hope and destiny and try to be a road map back. Somehow, hope is in shelter.

We bought a house in the beginning of the summer. In one of the most impoverished, crime strickened ghettos of America, someone is going to be a home owner. Our goal was simple. Use local people all summer long to fix it up, then tomorrow, in conjunction with one of our friend's detroit based church, give it away. No strings attached. All summer long, families in need have applied to be the new home owners. Our team has vetted each applicant and tomorrow, someone will become a deeded-home owners. The colonial style home is amazing. Jesus' love works. We are learning that most don't have a problem with Jesus, just some who speak on his behalf. Help change this!

The Detroit Press is a buzz. Here is a link to cut and paste for the newspaper story. [ http://tinyurl.com/ykygan9 ]

ABC News covered on their evening news. I love it when hope is talked about rather than death and violence.



Great things can still happen.

Follow me on twitter [ www.twitter.com/bechange ] to get updates all day Sunday. Read more or get your copy at Amazon.com
Link: [ http://tinyurl.com/JLYBOOK ] Leave a comment if you've read it.

Be the change you want to see in the world,

JHARP

Friday, September 25, 2009

Beauty: Moving From Hunger to Hope

Last week we had an incredible thing happen. Here is the back story. Over 2 years ago, I shared with Michelle that I wanted to be able to send every Oak Ridge Elementary student home on Friday with enough food to feed their family over the 48 hour weekend. The problem is that 452 students represents approximately 2000 people.

Last Thursday, Michelle was asked to meet with the great folks at the Sacramento Food Bank. These incredible people have shared the same vision but didn't have the mechanism to disseminate the food. We didn't have the food. Together, we are stronger.

The beautiful people of Oak Park are often under nourished. We hold in our hand the ability to serve...to give...to go.

We have the ability to do it because it is the right thing with no other motive.



Imagine the impact when we launch this on October 16th. On this day, we will do our first distribution. We need volunteers to have a passion to pursue this monumental feat of sheer logistics.

It is possible.

Much hope. More love.
JAS

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Hope Bends History

Friends.

Life is a series of steps that have the potential to bend history. These moments we can choose to impact in realms our feet have never set foot. My friend Eric Hogue just returned from the Pacific Rim. China, Phillipines, and other Asian cultures are wanting to learn. In China, they are hungry to fill the void that was left when the Red Book lost its influence.

You can be a part and it will take 3 minutes. Each of us can send Bibles to SE Asia today and tomorrow. Here is how. Call 1-800-YES-WORD to send them Bibles.

When you call, say Eric Hogue Project when you call. This will assure that the Scripture hits the villages that Eric just returned from.

Life at $4 a book.

Place the book in their hands.

Peace.

JAS

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Final Video: 9G's USAF THUNDERBIRD PT 2

Yesterday's video showed the warm ups of the Thunderbird flight. This final video, shows when the action heated up. The first G roll is at marker 2:25. Second is a 3:05.



Was it the flight of a lifetime? YES!
Would I do it again? YES!

Much hope.
JHARP

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

USAF Thunderbird Flight: Part 1

Last Friday, I had the flight of a life time. After my glorious ride, Royce Gough and I waited patiently in the post-flight area. The doctor popped in and congratulated me on the flight and its success. With subtle over tones, I think she was eluding a verbal high-five to the fact that I did not puke and I did not pass out. Granted, both were of high probability.

After nearly three hours of briefing, “Split,” pilot of Thunderbird 8, explained to me that he wanted to give the ride of a lifetime and allow me to experience every move that the Thunderbirds execute during their air show. However, instead of capping the ride with a 7G (Seven G-force) which is the maximum experienced during the show, he would throttle our flight an hopefully hit 9G’s.

With light cloud cover, we took off the tarmac and immediately hit 6+G’s as we went into a vertical climb to approximately 18,000 feet. After an inverted roll out, we headed to a military no-fly zone in the far north/east corner of California. Imagine, a 600 mph ride at 15000 ft, high above the Sacramento Valley. It was exhilarating.

Trying to allow the adrenalin to settle, Royce and I began to walk out. I had been cleared to leave with a clean bill of health. One of the host Thunderbirds walked over and said, “Here is a cockpit video recording. I hope you enjoyed your flight.”

I hope you enjoy Part 1 of 2.




That was the warm up. Tune in tomorrow for where is started to get a little bit crazy...

Much hope and more love,
JHARP

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I Think I Can Fly.



Wow.

To say I am speechless is an understatement. To say I am stoked is also an understatement. I can’t focus, I can’t stand it. I wish it was already Friday at 10 AM

I am overwhelmed and rarely speechless because on Friday I get to take the Flight of a Lifetime. Think Top Gun. Think Dangerzone.
Think USAF THUNDERBIRDS.
Think 9G’s, 800 miles and hour, and inverted barrel rolls.

USAF calls it the "Flight of a Lifetime." On Friday At 10AM, complete in a G-Suit and Flight gear, I will fly in the F18 with the Thunderbirds starting from Mather Field. Off the tarmac, a 13,000 ft vertical climb will be exhilarating and thrilling and only take seconds to achieve.

This will be the closest thing to a rocket launch that I have every experienced. The Thunderbirds are the elite of the elite of jet pilots with our Armed Forces and are in town this weekend for the Capital Air Show.



Look into the Sacramento skies at the plane that is flying inverted at the speed of sound.

Here is the media Link:
http://indytransponder.blogspot.com/2009/09/two-sacramento-heroes-take-flight-of.html

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Out the Backdoor?

It’s alarming when you really grasp the numbers. Recently I stumbled across a statistic that explained the fact that many people no longer find value in being involved with a church or faith-based community. What used to be common for Christians was involvement in a weekend service. Today that assumption can’t be made. According to the stat, a third group has emerged to stand alongside the “churched and unchurched.” It is the “once-churched.” Essentially, it is a group of people who at one time (in their adulthood) attended regularly but for whatever reason stopped going. I am interested in the “whatever reason.”

I asked some who I know. Some said the cost of going was higher than the reward of going. The “once-churched” I talked to described a list of do’s and don’ts, early start times, cliques, irrelevant teachings, and lack of trust as the reasons they decided to skip out on going to a church. When I pressed further it came down to trust. They did not trust that it would be worth their time, energy and effort to attend, yet maintained their value of spirituality.
The “once-churched” number are in the millions. Many slipped out the church’s back door and nobody realized they were gone. No one called. No one reached out. It only further reinforced their perceptions. Bitter and feeling betrayed in their heart, most still wanted to connect with God; just not at the church. Sad. These are good people.

What would happen if every church poured over their attender’s list and identified the people who were no longer there? What if they called, sent a card, letter, or dropped by to say, “We completely missed it. We are SORRY that we failed you. We need to get better at what we do. We don’t expect you to attend here, but please consider finding some place to reconnect?” What would happen?
It is not about increasing attendance. It is about being a peace maker to those who are offended, bitter, broken, and betrayed.

If you read this and it described your experience, on behalf of pastoral leadership and clergy, we want to say we are sorry. If trust has been broken, please forgive the person, pastor, or church community that failed you. They just missed it and though they have not said it, they miss you. Try it again. Try a new place. Consider connecting again. It may sooth the soul.

Much hope and more love,
Jason

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Once 324 Lbs.

I remember when it hit me the hardest. I was sitting in a coffee shop with a group of city pastors in Sacramento. We had gathered for prayer and then for breakfast. As we all stirred our coffee, one of the pastors quieted the table to gain everyone’s attention. With silence gained, he directed his question to me.

“So Jason, seriously, how much do you weigh? 280, 290, surely not 300? Come on, Jas, tell us.”

I wanted to die. Better yet, I wanted to kill. I felt a cold bead of sweat running down my forehead. I was humiliated. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed. I was at 324 pounds.

That was the year 2000. A lot has changed. How it changed is not as important as why it changed. I realized that I had an issue out of control in my life. I was a husband, I was a dad, I was a pastor, and I had a problem that was out of control.

Before Christ, I drank way to much. When I discovered Christ's love for me, those around me made it clear that my drunkenness was not going to work. I was trying to drown out my internal pain. But because showing up to church drunk wasn’t going to fly, I learned that gorging myself after church wasn’t a problem.

I traded addictions. From a drunk to a glutton.

I ate to celebrate. I ate to comfort, I ate to…fill in the blank… I found a reason.

It wasn’t until that painful question was asked of me that I realized food had become my drug of choice. I began to notice things in my life that were out of control, but all the while, Jesus’ comfort was leading and helping me navigate the dysfunction, the root cause. And in the midst of it, I learned firsthand Jesus loved me, even in the hypocrisy of my gluttony.

As a pastor, I had learned how to rail at great length about “sin.” I tackled every sin I could think of. I blasted people for lust, immorality, drunkenness, addiction, etc…the only one I left out was gluttony.

My hypocrisy knew no bounds. As I railed, my jowls jiggled. As I used words to cut, my three chins dangled. Yes, I was a mess, but Jesus loved the glutton. He loved me despite my hypocrisy.

Now, nearly a decade has passed and I weigh 190 lbs. Five years ago, I found a new addiction: running. It has given me the confidence to go public with my journey.

I still struggle with the dark side of battling obesity. I have never spoken publicly about my weight. In fact, this blog is the first time I have written about it. Running helps me breathe, think, pray, and remember. Often on a run, I thank God that he loved me through the insanity. Jesus loves the glutton.

Today is a day for a fresh start. Maybe your world is being filled with darkness and despair. Maybe weight is a battle you are fighting. This chunky kid from California understands.

Realize, even with this, God is near.

Much hope,

Jason

Monday, August 31, 2009

Weak WiFi


The light on my laptop started to flicker in a quickly attempted reboot. A few moments ago, I was sitting in a Pennsylvania airport trying to get an email off before this early morning flight took off. I am an hour an a half into the flight and I am just starting to breathe calmly again.

Having cleared TSA Security, I opened my laptop and tried to log in. It was taking unusually long. I have gotten to wear I can boot up, connect, write, send and boot down in a matter of minutes if really pressed. But it all hinges on the wireless connection. Or should I say, lack of wireless connection.

Murphy’s Law was in affect. Meaning what could go wrong, was going wrong. The wifi signal was so weak that a simple log in page was taking forever. As I sat in complete frustration, I could hear the words of my “I just got a computer” dad barking at me that technology has gone to far too fast. At this moment he was write.

Back in Pittsburg, I opted to grab my blackberry and use it to try to smuggle out a cryptic text describing in “teen text language” the complex one page email. As I entered the final C U SOON 4SURE, my blackberry’s battery died. It didn’t really matter; I hardly had any signal anyway.

It has donned on me that everything in my immediate proximity relies on connectivity. Now, 30,000 feet above the ground, I am totally disconnected. Those that I need to get this email out to can’t get to me and I can’t get to them. Connectivity matters.

Weak WIFI was my demise. A simple reconnect could have resent the signal. You follow me. Not on a technological thought, but on a spiritual thought.

Now isolated, I am frustrated. Now that I am disconnected, those that can help me can’t connect with me. I needed to connect. Have you ever been in a place where you just want to be left alone? Sometimes circumstances disconnect us. Sometimes, “we” disconnect us.

From your family? Your spouse? Your spiritual growth? In a worst case scenario, we amputate ourselves from the pursuit of becoming the best version of you.

Have you ever felt isolated?

Think about the power of disconnect. Solitary Confinement is the greatest punishment we pose on the imprisoned. Yet, people live everyday in a self imposed isolation where feelings lies, wounds deepen, and darkness invades.

Sometimes I need to climb out of the hole.

Today, get into a regular connectivity receiving the strongest vibe from Christ. Jesus loves the disconnected yet refuses to leave them in isolation.

Much hope,
Jason Harper
www.twitter.com/bechange

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Watching Ants



I was in the first grade, but it still stings. I always was a talker and my first grade teacher asked me to stand outside because I was talking while she was talking. It was early in the day and I had already ticked her off.

Obediently, I stood outside and purposed to stand away from the window, because as a little obnoxious kid, I was embarrassed that I had been publicly banished from the class room. I didn’t want people to see me.

At first it was fun. I listened to the birds chirp. I watched ants crawl on the ground. My education had been diminished to watching ants. But soon, minutes became hours. I thought the punishment was going a bit long. Finally, it occurred to my six year old mind, I had been forgotten. After an eternity, I cracked open the door and with a squeamish look of desperation, my eyes appealed to the warden to let me out of solitary confinement.

When my teacher saw my face, her puzzlement marked me. She realized I had been outside for more than two hours. She was horrified. I was confused. How had she forgotten me? Worse, why had not the class said, "Can Jason come back in?"

Take a casual look around our culture. You will see hundreds of faces forgotten and now isolated into the solitary confinement of their mind.

Jesus loves those in our society that have been forgotten. I was recently in Africa and I remember walking the streets and seeing so many children that had been forgotten by everyone.

Kids thrown away. People forgotten. The broken ignored…

Abandoned.

Forgotten.

So many are marginalized, forsaken, and forgotten. I have made the mistake of viewing the world the way I view my street. Our view of the world in similar to how we see our neighborhood. I don't see AIDS inflicted Africa starving to death on my street, so the old cliche plays out true, "out of sight out of mind." It's not acceptable, but it is accurate.

It is one thing to be forgotten, it is an even greater atrocity to be ignored. For me, the only thing that is worse than being forgotten is to be ignored. It is worse than being forgotten. To be ignored implies choice. "Though I see the condition of humanity, I choose to ignore."

Forgotten.

I am stirred because of Jesus' compassion for the forgotten. It is why we wrote about it in Jesus Loves You This I Know. Today, look around. Remember the forgotten. Look for those whose have no advocate and listen to how their silence screams for hope. Then act. In that moment, you are Jesus' love extended.

Hit the home page at www.jesuslovesyou.net and grab a downloadable chapter. Read it. Pass it on. The best tool we have to communicate Hope is your voice. Your influence matters to us.

Much Hope,

Jason Harper
www.bechange.cc

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

I Met My Hero


So while at Badwater, I was able to talk to and connect with Dean Karnazes. WOW.

Maybe you have not heard of him. He is a super human, physically and socially. He advocates for children using his love for running to move people to action. A few years ago, I talked about him ON AIR and a listener sent me a signed copy of his book. Since then he continues to write and run for a reason

I read that Dean runs all night at times to clear his head. I've tried it and it works. I logged 51 miles one night. Granted, I had a reason but to say I finished with more clarity is accurate. In 2006, he also chose and completed 50 marathons in 50 days... in 50 states. Unless you've run one, it may not sound like alot. Its super human. Thats the theme of his latest writing called 50/50/50.

As he approached us on the road during his race, my heart was raced. I was nervous like a little girl would be meeting Hannah Montana. Reflecting back, I was more afraid of how pissed I would be if I met him and he blew me off or big leagued me. Its happened when I've met people I admired.

Dean responded to my hello with genuine people skills, only available in the vineyard of authenticty. Sure I had heard he was kind and approachable but there is always a reservation in me when saying hello to someone I admire. Yet with Dean it was different. What moved me the most was his humility and approachability. He was engaging, talkative, and inspiring...and he was running a 135 mile foot race in 120+ heat called Badwater. The two connecting points were short and brief.

I was challenged by him. There are times when I am NOT engaging, talkative, and inspiring...and I am sitting in my office. When I returned to Sacramento after Badwater our conversation continued when I posted a comment on his site. He quickly emailed directly and picked up the conversation where we left off. Wow. He doesn't know me except for a brief window yet he sought to be inclusive and compimentary.

We live a culture that does not produce these types of best case scenarios...But this one worked.

Tomorrow, I want to be the best version of myself. I want to not text when someone is talking to me and I want to make eye contact with people as they talk to me. In that brief moemn I want people to know I truly care.

Peace & Love.
JHARP

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I Met My Hero


So while at Badwater, I was able to talk to and connect with Dean Karnazes. WOW. More on that later. Now MY NEWEST HERO will be whoever can fix my blogger page at www.jasonharper.cc

Back to Dean. Maybe you have not heard of him. He is a super human, physically and socially. He advocates for children using his love for running to move people to action. Read more of him at www.ultramarathonman.com

A few years ago, I read that Dean runs all night at times to clear his head. I tried it and it works. He also chose and completed 50 marathons in 50 days... in 50 states. Unless you've run one, it may not sound like alot. Its super human.

But what moved me the most is his humility and approachability. I saw him while I was crewing at Badwater. He was engaging, talkative, and inspiring...and he was running a 135 mile foot race in 120+ heat.

I was challenged. There are times when I am NOT engaging, talkative, and inspiring...and I am sitting in my office. When I returned to Sacramento after Badwater our conversation continues...

More to come.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Lauging With

Just woke up early from a 1 AM return from Badwater 135 Ultra Marathon. To travel through the desert a mile at a time cheering on a friend who was running in the most brutal race on the planet for the inner city kids I love stops me.

I found myself at times smiling. Laughing...laughing with friends.

I found myself at times wanting to cry. Crying, as I look in the rear view mirror called 'past' and reflect on how sometimes pain produces purpose.

Being at Badwater was therauputic for me. At times, I was overwhelmed reliving my 100 mile run. When I ran, it was the hardest run on my planet. But now having seen Badwater, it takes pain for purpose to a whole next level. I want in!

I cheered for Ray. I chatted with other champions, many heroes in my world. Charlie Engle, Jamie Donaldson, & Dean Karnazes. To most they are just names. But to me, when I say Ray Sanchez, a man propelled for my cause...I think heroe.

Ray gives himself to a cause bigger than himself. To me, that matters.

When I woke up this morning, my friend Scott Sorgea sent me a video he had just come a cross. You will like it too:



Now reflect.

Smile. Feel. Love. Live. Laugh.

Laugh with...

Much hope,

JHARP

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Fitting For Today: A Funeral For a King

I can't quite get it.

People some how think it is their job to be judge and jury. I have done it, but in recent years, I have sought to learn how to love when love seems so fleeting.

I recently had a close friend to me say, referencing Michael's death, that "At least now the kids are safe now." He is a pastor. I thought in America that we are innocent until proven guilty...not guilty after pronounced innocent. Such is man.

Had he studied the case file and learned of a piece of evidence that a jury of MJ's peers and a judge overlooked? He must of. As a friend of mine, he didn't seem like the kind to follow blindly simply off of what he had seen in the media...as if that can be trusted? But he was judgmental. It made me want to get as far from him as possible for fear his judgement would some how land on those I wanted to reach...or worse, land on me. And I love this guy.

But it goes deeper.

Think of those that have judged MJ's eternity. Oh, don't be surprised. The day of MJ's death I posted 5 letters: RIPMJ. On that simply facebook post, I was threaded with text messages and private emails demanding an explanation as to how I could think he is resting in peace? I wanted to know how they could be so audacious as to think they could assert he is not resting in peace...

A day after MJ died, I got and email that I back-lined to MARY MARY's website. They had knowledge of a recent encounter Michael had had with Andrae and Sandra Crouch. Weeks before his death, MJ had invited Andrae to his house and recording studio. He wanted to know more about the "Spiritual Side of Music." Andrae confirmed on his website that this was true and that he had even prayed with the King of Pop.

"Michael always had a respect and curiosity for spiritual things. During our meeting, not unlike many other creative/music meetings we've had with him in the past, we sang together, prayed together and had a wonderful time."

Crouch and Jackson have collaborated on many projects throughout their careers including the song "Man In The Mirror" and the theme from Free Willy, "Will You Be There", among others. The two met along with Crouch's sister, minister and musician Sandra Crouch for a writing session weeks prior to Jackson's death.

For his part, through a spokesman, Andrae Crouch attempted to further clarify the story, "Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson two times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last two months, as recently as three weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more 'spiritual,' noted Crouch’s Facebook administrator. "So Andrae and Sandra explained to him about the anointing and about Jesus. He wanted to know what makes your hands go up, and makes you 'come out of yourself,' and what gives a 'spirituality' to the music? He then requested to hear his favorite song that he loves and wanted then to sing to him, so they...joined hands and sang together, and he said, 'it was beautiful.' He first heard it in New York, and loved it and wanted it on tape. He had the engineer tape the song sang to him by Andrae and Sandra. He definitely had an encounter with them."

Andrae did not embellish and say that he led Michael to Christ, he just confirmed they had connected at a spiritual level. Essentially, that he had nurtured to a point of harvest the seeds that he had planted years ago. Friends of mine are close with Andrae and recalled the times he would report back to them of a great conversation he was developing with MJ... But I digress.

Even with that knowledge, there are some who are so narcissistic and maniacal, they feel an unction to pronounce judgment upon a man's soul. Somehow they feel credentialed to place themselves on a perch higher than the Christ himself and state a pronounced judgement.

What if they are wrong? After all it was Jesus himself who said, "I cannot judge. For Judgment is reserved for my Father alone who is in heaven."

Where does the audacity and arrogance come from, in so much as, some think they can assert themselves into a position that even Christ did not sit?

Amazing.

Perhaps, it is the single greatest dogma, that some would say is the reason they find Christianity, simply unbelievable.

Until then, enjoy this MJ tribute from Madonna.



Peace,
JHARP

Monday, July 06, 2009

Imagine. The Reason

IMAGINE RUNNING ON BEHALF OF A CHILD IN NEED.
IMAGINE EVERY CHILD HAVING AN ADVOCATE.
IMAGINE RUNNING FOR A REASON.

With the temps outside unfavorable to running, many shy away from a commitment that carries a sizable effort. Yet, many look to a cause to be the driving engine of MOTIVATION. You have nearly a month, before the greatest season of your life is gonna launch.

I am embarking on the biggest challenge I have ever faced. I am recruiting, training, and running with more than 400 runners to complete the California International Marathon. YES, you read it correctly.

In four years of Running for a Reason, we have a 100% race completion rate of our more than 100 runners. But the stakes are going higher!

Attention all cubicle working dads and soccer moms, your motivation has just landed in your lap.
Seasoned runners who have always done it for the medal, your challenge just became cause centric.
Former athletes looking for rhyme and reason to get back in shape...now it your time!

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT TO BE GREAT FOR A CHILD!

No one is excluded and there are levels for people of all levels of activity or lack of activity. From the full marathon to the 2 mile walk or jog MaraFUNrun, there is a distance for you.

If you can't, will you tell someone who will?

GO THE EXTRA MILE
When you Run for a Reason, you can choose your distance. Our team of certified personal trainers have created specific walking and running groups with personalized running plans based on levels of fitness.

If you are not able to run the entire 26.2 mile race, grab a friend and partner to run a two-person relay. Or grab two more runners and divide the 26.2 mile course into a four-person relay. Walkers can be part of the 2.62 mile MaraFUNrun. Regardless of your ability and fitness level, begin training today. There is a place for you.

THE GOAL
Extra Mile Runners collect sponsored dollars and cents for every mile they run. The goal is for each runner to raise $1000! Every dime goes to cover back pack, academic supplies, school shoes and clothes, enhanced nutrition, and on-going health care enrollment support, family care.

One hundred percent of what is raised goes to secure these needs for every student. The fundraising part is second to the primary goal, raising awareness for the kid's plight.

CHOOSE YOUR DREAM DISTANCE
Full Marathon: 1 Runner @ 26.2 Miles
Half Marathon: 2 Runners @ 13.1 Miles
Marathon Relay: 4 Runners @ 5.9 Miles, 7.6 Miles, 7 Miles, 5.7 Miles
MarFUNrun: 1 Runner @ 2.62 Miles

"WHERE DO I START?"
More appropriately, is “when do I start?” Begin a cardio-fitness workout as soon as possible. Consult your physician if you are not currently active. If you are active, build a base that can jog three miles in less than 33 minutes by August 1. We will take it from there.

Then, join us at the Run for a Reason Expo on Sunday, July 12 at 1:00-2:00 PM in the Chapel at Capital Christian Center. (Westside of building, enter near the fountains & follow the signs.)

Relax, THIS IS NOT A FAITH EXPO!
IT IS A FITNESS EXPO!

A complete overview of The Extra Mile 2009 will be given and lots of knowledge dished out...ALL FREE.

The RUN :: EXPO Will Include:
The Running Zone Shoe Company on“How to Get the Right Running Shoe Fit.”
Fit Factor's Ashley Loucks on "Getting Fit Fast"
Nutri Sports guide to "Marathon Nutrition"
Beginner and Novice Marathon Training Schedules
On Site Registration
Be Change Kids & Leaders with "Stories of Significance"
How to Reach Your Awareness, Fitness, and Fundraising Goals
And more!

An afternoon of opportunity…

Everyone will leave the EXPO with a training schedule specific for their chosen distance, an assigned personal training for Group Fitness, a nutrition make-over opportunity, and a chance to change a child's life forever.

Visit www.extramilerun.com to register to run and get more information about the Run for a Reason Expo.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Much love.
Much hope.

JHARP

Monday, June 08, 2009


Prison From Proximity

She used to live in Sacramento, but recently Laura Ling traveled to South Korea. Apparently, while there, her proximity to the border of North Korea earned her a 12 year sentence to hard labor in prison.

CNN reported, “Two U.S. journalists who were detained in North Korea while covering the plight of defectors living along the China-North Korea border have been sentenced to 12 years in labor prisons, the country's state-run media said Monday.
The Central Court of North Korea sentenced Laura Ling and Euna Lee for the "grave crime they committed against the Korean nation and their illegal border crossing," the Korean Central News Agency said.”

Imagine the morning Laura woke up. While wanting to report on Human Trafficking, her life was derailed by a dictators demand’s and ill will to get a pawn of a global game of political chess.

But that is not what I am writing. She went to prison for proximity.

What if this was your life? Think of the numbers of people who are imprisoned for proximity to that which steals life by forcing them to labor towards freedom.

I have been there. I’ve called the prison of my mind home. I’ve hung trapped by all that I can’t leave behind. U2 called it Stuck in a Moment. Others are imprisoned by the proximity to that which is less than best. An enemy called average is their master.

Some it's an online connection to the seductive. They have been imprisoned by the proximity to their mouse. Each web click, they navigate closer to that which keeps them longer than they were willing to stay. Ironically, they are entangled in the world wide web of destruction.

Others are locked away in solitary confinement of isolation. Each day, though thousands surround them, they are alone.

What imprisons you? What is it that you are to close to that will, over time, infect you with a inevitable derailment into having to work harder than needed?

Proximity can imprison.

Live free.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Run for a Reason



Steve Lewis, the Principal of Oak Ridge Elementary stared at his steaming cup of coffee with sheer determination. There was a lingering heaviness in the elementary school’s hallways because of a recent decision to cut millions from the State’s budget for education. Add to it a report of 800,000 children losing their health care because of California’s budget woes, and hopelessness was expected.
Yet Steve stared back at me with focus and tenacity.

“Are you OK?” I asked it slowly, referring to the recent Sacramento Bee article that described the cuts.

“Without Equal Start and Capital Christian Center, I would have left this school along time ago. There are still lives to change.” Steve Lewis was convincing.

Leaving his office, I walked through the campus as kids quickly ran to their class. Each face told a story. I saw Frederick. The burly sixth grader is a teddy bear who growls. When I see him, we lock eyes and smile. We have this unspoken game of who can smile the longest without making a sound. He wins. It hasn’t always been that way. It wasn’t until the week after the 100 miler, when I limped across campus, did he first say “hello.” For over two years, I said hello, and he ignored me. He was one of the first that we enrolled in health care. Prior to the 100, 12% had health care. Today, more than 82% are enrolled.

Alondra ran passed me. Petite and a constantly smiling, she paused to show off her new wired frame glasses. Our team took her to get her eye glasses to help her see clearer. When we told her she could pick any pair she wanted, Alondra’s already wide smile, expanded. Her glasses are pink.

Each child scurried to class and I realized the culture of Hope is what gave Mr. Lewis endurance. Equal Start is the visible of the invisible power of a simple gospel concept; take care of the poor. In scripture, over and over, Jesus directly commanded those that love Him to love the poor. In Heaven he was the King of Creation. On earth he walked as the King of Compassion. Jesus took care of kids. And we want to follow his lead.

Mr. Lewis told me the state test scores for Oak Ridge Elementary took a double digit increased gains in every measurable category last year. He said it was because of CCC’s influence on campus. He then asked me if I was ready to run another 100 miles on behalf of 450 kids who need sustained care. Before I could answer, I looked down at my broken tibia in a cast. My heart screamed “yes” and my still healing body said “not this year.”

Replicated & Sustainable
The need to replicate the support and bring sustainable solutions for each child in the school was placed squarely in our lap. The primal instinct within me as a father and a runner is to find energy in a cause. For those that run, jog, or walk, a cause can be the voice of commitment that wakes you up each morning.
Have you wanted to get in shape?

Have you ever wanted run/jog in a race?
Have you ever wanted to run a marathon?
Maybe it was a 5K or a half or full marathon of 26.2 miles.
Maybe you have already ran in a race, but have never attached a reason to it.

On behalf Oak Ridge Elementary and 450 kids, now you can run for a reason.

The Extra Mile Run 2009 is an opportunity to change the life of an inner-city child. Become an Extra Mile Runner and be part of a team of runners participating in the 2009 California International Marathon. Each Extra Mile Runner will raise awareness and financial support for EVERY child enrolled at Oak Ridge. Equal Start cares for children who are in desperate need of academic supplies, school shoes and clothes, enhanced nutrition, and on-going health care.

In December of 2009, nearly 30,000 runners will pour down the streets from Historic Folsom to Downtown Sacramento in the California International Marathon. More than four hundred of those runners will run on behalf of an individual child from Oak Ridge Elementary.

Our goal is to match one runner to every student.

IMAGINE RUNNING ON BEHALF OF A CHILD IN NEED.
IMAGINE EVERY CHILD HAVING AN ADVOCATE.
IMAGINE RUNNING FOR A REASON.

Go the Extra Mile
As a runner with a reason, you can choose your distance. Our team of certified personal trainers has created specific walking and running groups with personalized running plans based on levels of fitness.

On August 1, all runners and joggers will begin training, each at their own pace and goals. After 30 days of training, our experienced team (who has trained over 100 runners have never had a runner not finish a race) will have a one-on-one consultation with every runner to advise and suggest what distance, time, and pace is applicable for the December 6 California International Marathon.

If you are not able to run the entire 26.2 mile race, grab a friend and partner to run a two-person relay. Or grab two more runners and divide the 26.2 mile course into a four-person relay. Walkers can be part of the 2.62 mile MaraFUNrun. Regardless of your ability and fitness level, begin training today. There is a place for you. Secure your spot as an Extra Mile Runner, train and change the course of a child’s life.

When you register you will run to raise the standard of living for an inner-city child. Each registered Extra Mile Runner will receive access to beginner and intermediate marathon training schedules, core training guides, cross-training options, access to online forums to share your success, weekly emails, fund-raising tips and the opportunity to pick the age and grade of the child you sponsor. The registration fee is $10 and you get a Be Change t-shirt to start training in.

The Goal
Extra Mile Runners collect sponsored dollars and cents for every mile they run. The goal is for each runner to raise $1000 to cover back pack, academic supplies, school shoes and clothes, enhanced nutrition, and on-going health care. One hundred percent of what is raised goes to secure these needs for every student.

Full Marathon: 1 Runner @ 26.2 Miles
Half Marathon: 2 Runners @ 13.1 Miles
Marathon Relay: 4 Runners @ 5.9 Miles, 7.6 Miles, 7 Miles, 5.7 Miles
MarFUNrun: 1 Runner @ 2.62 Miles

Where Do I Start?

More appropriately, is “when do I start?” Begin a cardio-fitness workout as soon as possible. Consult your physician if you are not currently active. If you are active, build a base that can jog three miles in less than 33 minutes by August 1. We will take it from there.

Then, join us at the Run for a Reason Expo on Sunday, July 12 at 1:00-2:00 PM in the Chapel at Capital Christian Center. A complete overview of The Extra Mile 2009 will be given and The Running Zone Shoe Company will teach on “How to Get the Right Running Shoe Fit.” An afternoon of opportunity…

Visit www.extramilerun.com to register to run and get more information.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Four Digits Tell a Story

The pain pulsating through every fiber of my being had melted into a dull ache. Those familiar with extreme duress in the medical field explained to me later that after a certain point of exposure, the brain stops sending the “You Are Hurt” signal. In a complete mode of survival to the finish, I tried not to think about. Occasionally, the masked pain that crippled the synaptic signals through the brain would get an SOS trough. Of the millions being ignored, it only took one getting through to cause a complete body spasm.

I was at the end. Literally, the end.

The digital digits on my Garmin GPS read 29:27 minutes. For the last 29 hours, I had been on the journey of a lifetime. It was a 100 mile Ultra Run that encompassed the city streets and rolling foothills of the community I live in, Sacramento. Dubbed The Extra Mile Run landed on the one, if not the, hottest calendar day on record for May 15/16 in history of Sacramento. Now, a blazing 104 air temp, made the pavement I was running on close to 120. Exhausted, flares of exhilaration birthed in me. I was less than a half mile from the middle of an inner city playground that doubled as my finish line. Located in the heart of Sacramento’s worst neighborhoods, the Oak Park residents were screaming and cheering in the distance. Despite my Ipod blaring in ears, between downbeats of the song moving me forward, I heard them. They had gathered in the back of the school and created a human tunnel of more than 1000 people. More than 450 Oak Ridge Elementary School children, many of their parents, the staff and faculty, and a few hundred of my closest friends had been standing in the baking sun, waiting for me. I was more than three hours late. It was a long night..

The high noon sun did not disappoint. The route took me in front of the school, un detected. Two of my pace crew, Micah the Marine Medic and Ruthie Bolton the Olympian, peeled off to alert the crowd I was five minutes away. I had to run past the school and take a side street past a housing project. Now, running the length of the school, one street away, the tops of the playground were visible over the projects roofline. Once at the end of the street another hard left would dead end into the schools tattered up grassy playground, and I would see the playground and the crowd for the first time.

Seated on the balconies of the projects, perched gang members, stood up off of their make shift seats made from milk crates. With their 40 ounce bottles firmly gripped they stood in a formed line that resembled roll call drill in the Marines. At full attention, one raised a peace sign. It took every ounce of energy to acknowledge them with a pumping fist raised in the air back to them. The other two raised their 40’s and tipped them slightly over, causing the tops of the warm beer to pour out. I later learned, “a tipped 40” was sign of the utmost respect the ghetto could pay to someone who they respected.

The volume of the sound system at the finish line was now louder than my headphones. The crowd was at a feverish pitch. As I approached the dead end, a small gate had been removed giving any person unfettered access to the campus. On many occasions, the open gate ushered in problems. Today, it was a gate way to the promise of health care for uninsured children. Those children were now chanting.
Hope was in route.

As I got to the gate, the last three runners had been hand selected by me to be on each side of me at the finish. To my left was Steve Lewis, the principal of the school. He was the first guy I met when I was asked to venture on to the campus to see what could be done by my church to help these kids. That was five years ago. Now Steve and I are close friends and he had just expended every ounce of energy he had to run the last 50 miles with me. Yea, fifty. As a seasoned marathoner and Century Road Biker, Steve understood endurance.

On my right was Rick Cole. Rick is my boss and mentor. He is the one who had asked five years ago if I would venture on to the campus and see if his congregation could help. We later joked that since he had got me into this whole journey, he should finish with me. He came on at mile 87. I was nearing my fifth emotional melt down and seeing him pushed back the pain for a bit. He was a site for weary eyes.

Both men had a front row seat to the most excruciating and exhilarating moments I had experienced in my life.

By now, some of the crowd had walked up the route, to get the a glimpse of the arrival. Prior to going through the gate, I glanced at my watch, I was at 29:32 minutes. That simple glance had taken away my breath the same way a roller coaster does when the bottom of your cart drops unexpected from beneath you.

A friend from high school appeared in front of me hold a sign saying, “Go Jason.” All my “go” was gone. But Sobrina’s face and her smile acted the same way liquid adrenaline would have acted had it been shoved into my veins through a syringe. At mile 27 she had appeared like a mirage in the blurred heat rolling up off the street. Prior to that point, I had not scene her since high school, nearly twenty years ago. Her and her husband heard the story play out on the news and she had to come see it. With her son by her side, she cheered to the top of her lungs. The shortness of breath was overwhelming.

As a runner, with great accuracy, I can predict my heart rate at a given moment. You get used to running in a certain heart rate zone and the mind memorizes the physiological effects. I have memorized what my body feels like at 130-150, 150-180, and over 180. If I had to guess, my heart rate had jumped nearly 200 bpm. That’s when you feel like you are being choked and fighting for you life. That is where I was at. Imagine trying to run a marathon with your nose plugged and your air supply is coming through a straw…that’s 200.

I called out to Rick and Steve in between breaths.

“I got to stop and catch my breath.” The rickety fence blocked the crowd’s view from seeing me. They could feel that I was close, but they could not see me. I bent over and gasped. My hands grabbed my now shaking legs. No matter hard I tried to catch my breath, I couldn’t clear a deep breath. The lactic acid that builds up when your muscles are screaming for oxygen started to make its way to my stomach. A subtle nausea fills the stomach prior to the acids arrival. The acid mixes with the stomach content and vomiting occurs. My caloric reserves had been depleted for hours. I was left out of breath and feeling sick.

I had to go.

My now, the crowd was all I heard.

“Guys, its time.” My hoarse voice must have been barely audible.

I continued, “It’s time.”

A last glance at my watch sounded an alarm in me like a starting gun would seasoned track athlete exploding out of the starting blocks of a hundred meter race. I too had 100 meters to go. It was the last 100 meters of a 100 mile run.

I smiled at Sobrina. It was a smile birthed the day before in the significance of her showing up on the hot road when the crowd was me and four pace crew runners.

My watched read 29:34.

Those four digits on my watch told a story.

A story of laughs and tears.

A story of pain and promise.

A story of significance.

As I sit and finish these few words of reflection, I am 365 days removed; almost to the minute.

It promised myself I would wait one year to write about it. I needed the time to heal my head. The run messed up my mind and my body. It made me better. And in some ways it made me worse.

Trauma and Truth.

Some called it torcher. I call it tenacity. I run for a reason.

Let me explain how I got here.

testing

testing upload

test

testing upload

Test

This is to test blogger upload

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Four Digits Tell A Story

The pain pulsating through every fiber of my being had melted into a dull ache. Those familiar with extreme duress in the medical field explained to me later that after a certain point of exposure, the brain stops sending the “You Are Hurt” signal. In a complete mode of survival to the finish, I tried not to think about. Occasionally, the masked pain that crippled the synaptic signals through the brain would get an SOS trough. Of the millions being ignored, it only took one getting through to cause a complete body spasm.

I was at the end. Literally, the end.

The digital digits on my Garmin GPS read 29:27 minutes. For the last 29 hours, I had been on the journey of a lifetime. It was a 100 mile Ultra Run that encompassed the city streets and rolling foothills of the community I live in, Sacramento. Dubbed The Extra Mile Run landed on the one, if not the, hottest calendar day on record for May 15/16 in history of Sacramento. Now, a blazing 104 air temp, made the pavement I was running on close to 120. Exhausted, flares of exhilaration birthed in me. I was less than a half mile from the middle of an inner city playground that doubled as my finish line. Located in the heart of Sacramento’s worst neighborhoods, the Oak Park residents were screaming and cheering in the distance. Despite my Ipod blaring in ears, between downbeats of the song moving me forward, I heard them. They had gathered in the back of the school and created a human tunnel of more than 1000 people. More than 450 Oak Ridge Elementary School children, many of their parents, the staff and faculty, and a few hundred of my closest friends had been standing in the baking sun, waiting for me. I was more than three hours late. It was a long night..

The high noon sun did not disappoint. The route took me in front of the school, un detected. Two of my pace crew, Micah the Marine Medic and Ruthie Bolton the Olympian, peeled off to alert the crowd I was five minutes away. I had to run past the school and take a side street past a housing project. Now, running the length of the school, one street away, the tops of the playground were visible over the projects roofline. Once at the end of the street another hard left would dead end into the schools tattered up grassy playground, and I would see the playground and the crowd for the first time.

Seated on the balconies of the projects, perched gang members, stood up off of their make shift seats made from milk crates. With their 40 ounce bottles firmly gripped they stood in a formed line that resembled roll call drill in the Marines. At full attention, one raised a peace sign. It took every ounce of energy to acknowledge them with a pumping fist raised in the air back to them. The other two raised their 40’s and tipped them slightly over, causing the tops of the warm beer to pour out. I later learned, “a tipped 40” was sign of the utmost respect the ghetto could pay to someone who they respected.

The volume of the sound system at the finish line was now louder than my headphones. The crowd was at a feverish pitch. As I approached the dead end, a small gate had been removed giving any person unfettered access to the campus. On many occasions, the open gate ushered in problems. Today, it was a gate way to the promise of health care for uninsured children. Those children were now chanting.
Hope was in route.

As I got to the gate, the last three runners had been hand selected by me to be on each side of me at the finish. To my left was Steve Lewis, the principal of the school. He was the first guy I met when I was asked to venture on to the campus to see what could be done by my church to help these kids. That was five years ago. Now Steve and I are close friends and he had just expended every ounce of energy he had to run the last 50 miles with me. Yea, fifty. As a seasoned marathoner and Century Road Biker, Steve understood endurance.

On my right was Rick Cole. Rick is my boss and mentor. He is the one who had asked five years ago if I would venture on to the campus and see if his congregation could help. We later joked that since he had got me into this whole journey, he should finish with me. He came on at mile 87. I was nearing my fifth emotional melt down and seeing him pushed back the pain for a bit. He was a site for weary eyes.

Both men had a front row seat to the most excruciating and exhilarating moments I had experienced in my life.

By now, some of the crowd had walked up the route, to get the a glimpse of the arrival. Prior to going through the gate, I glanced at my watch, I was at 29:32 minutes. That simple glance had taken away my breath the same way a roller coaster does when the bottom of your cart drops unexpected from beneath you.

A friend from high school appeared in front of me hold a sign saying, “Go Jason.” All my “go” was gone. But Sobrina’s face and her smile acted the same way liquid adrenaline would have acted had it been shoved into my veins through a syringe. At mile 27 she had appeared like a mirage in the blurred heat rolling up off the street. Prior to that point, I had not scene her since high school, nearly twenty years ago. Her and her husband heard the story play out on the news and she had to come see it. With her son by her side, she cheered to the top of her lungs. The shortness of breath was overwhelming.

As a runner, with great accuracy, I can predict my heart rate at a given moment. You get used to running in a certain heart rate zone and the mind memorizes the physiological effects. I have memorized what my body feels like at 130-150, 150-180, and over 180. If I had to guess, my heart rate had jumped nearly 200 bpm. That’s when you feel like you are being choked and fighting for you life. That is where I was at. Imagine trying to run a marathon with your nose plugged and your air supply is coming through a straw…that’s 200.

I called out to Rick and Steve in between breaths.

“I got to stop and catch my breath.” The rickety fence blocked the crowd’s view from seeing me. They could feel that I was close, but they could not see me. I bent over and gasped. My hands grabbed my now shaking legs. No matter hard I tried to catch my breath, I couldn’t clear a deep breath. The lactic acid that builds up when your muscles are screaming for oxygen started to make its way to my stomach. A subtle nausea fills the stomach prior to the acids arrival. The acid mixes with the stomach content and vomiting occurs. My caloric reserves had been depleted for hours. I was left out of breath and feeling sick.

I had to go.

My now, the crowd was all I heard.

“Guys, its time.” My hoarse voice must have been barely audible.

I continued, “It’s time.”

A last glance at my watch sounded an alarm in me like a starting gun would seasoned track athlete exploding out of the starting blocks of a hundred meter race. I too had 100 meters to go. It was the last 100 meters of a 100 mile run.

I smiled at Sobrina. It was a smile birthed the day before in the significance of her showing up on the hot road when the crowd was me and four pace crew runners.

My watched read 29:34.

Those four digits on my watch told a story.

A story of laughs and tears.

A story of pain and promise.

A story of significance.

As I sit and finish these few words of reflection, I am 365 days removed; almost to the minute.

It promised myself I would wait one year to write about it. I needed the time to heal my head. The run messed up my mind and my body. It made me better. And in some ways it made me worse.

Trauma and Truth.

Some called it torcher. I call it tenacity. I run for a reason.

Let me explain how I got here.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Porn Debate with Ron Jeremy, Craig Gross and XXXChurch

On Friday, April 24, The Porn Debate traveled to California. It over a year ago, that I spent more than a week with The Pastor of Porn, Craig Gross, and The King of Porn, Ron Jeremy. It makes for a compelling night where college students are able to hear the harmful affects of porn and its addiction potential.

It makes for a raw night. Do not watch this if you are easily offended or uninterested in trying to build a bridge to the adult indsusty.



Ron. Craig.

Until next time,

JHARP

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Things That Drive Me Crazy :: Top Ten

These are not in specific order.

People talk on their cell phone in public :: As if I care about their conversation or as if I don’t care that they are in a serious conversation. Seriously people…



People over explain a simple concept :: Explaining to me in a slooooooow process and over detailed concept, as if I can’t grasp it :: Most people’s minds move and process 3x’s faster than spoken word. Pick it up people, I can’t get back wasted time.



People eat fast and chew or talk with their mouths filled ::
Etiquette is a dying form of civility. Slow down and don’t inhale your food.




I am on a cell call and call waiting beeps in :: Then a moment later I am prompted that I have message. Then the person texts…Three interruptions.

I am on a cell call and it drops due to bad reception ::

My house phone rings :: Seriously, if my wife were OK with it our home phone would be disconnected by years ago.

When a TV show goes to commercial and the volume cranks :: Without any change in volume, the commercial blares at 30 more decibels. The creators record the commercial louder that an average show so you and I can hear in when we walk into the other room.

People are late :: If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, your late.


When the people are taken advantage of :: Implement justice for those who can’t for themselves.

When I have to spend time around judgmental people :: Really, ironically and quite hypocritically, I am judgmental towards judgmental people.




What bugs you?

I am working on it...

JHARP

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

We've Been Hacked...Or So I Have Been Told

I knew the Triad Broadcast had traction. A few months ago I was told it was a featured podcast on Itunes. A waiter at a diner told me that he had seen it. I didn't check. Regardless, if it was or wasn't, we have had some good traffic and great conversations.

The Back Story
Last week I read that a CA Political figure wanted to propose lifting the ban on weed, dank, bud...call it what you want. It was intriguing to me. So last week we talked on air about it. Within 12 hours of posting it, the website with the MP3 player at www.jasonharper.cc crashed. What was odd is that the main page loaded but the Broadcast Player crashed.

I called the computer network team. They recognized some "weird" script but nothing for sure. They forwarded it to the Design Team. I called them too. The Design Team at Hydrate Studios pulled the files and examined them. Nothing was there that they could explain. His only assessment was that we had been hacked. I not a computer guy... I have no clue.

If We Were Hacked
The only thing I can think is someone could not get past the title. Maybe they dove in and were livid at dialog. Maybe they wanted dogma, rules, more regulations within religion. The bud smokers didn't blast it.

I am not one to dodge a conflict. Most of the time I don't seek it either. However, I have 2 questions, if it is accurate.

1) How hard up is someone to hack our site, only to melt down our player and contact page?

2) Were we really hacked? If so, by which group. Over zealous do-gooders who are a religious form of the Taliban?

It may not be a surprise to you, but some people despise open dialog. The religionist (not Christians) but rule mongers, can't stand liberty and an open mic in the hands of a person with the ability to formulate an original thought.

But we are smarter. Its on Itunes. Its on mirror sites. Its still out there.

So, I present to you, hacked, but not silenced:

Episode 195: Legalized Weed For Greed?

Cut and paste in your browser
http://odeo.com/episodes/24275069-Episode-195-Legalized-Weed-For-Greed

Until the site is back up...

Jas
www.jasonharper.cc

Saturday, March 07, 2009

A Glimpse Into My IN:sanity:: JHARP

When looking at me from the outside, inward, I am difficult to understand. When looking from the inside, outward…I am difficult to explain.
Complexity and contradiction abounds for those at arms length...
Clarity for those close.

When looking at me from the outside, inward, I am difficult to understand. When looking from the inside, outward…I am difficult to explain.
Complexity and contradiction abounds for those at arms length...
Clarity for those close.

After last years run, I started talking to a shrink. To make it more palpable, I call it a therapist. The question I asked was why do I compete in everything I do? Why do I not have an "off" switch. The hole I had to climb down in to in order to finish was dark, very dark. I have flashbacks. Why do I want to go there again? She helps me get it. I seem simple to me, not to others.

My goal and direction is pretty simple:

"To laugh often and much,
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of my children
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
to endure the betrayal of false friends
to appreciate beauty
to find the best in others
to speak kindness of all people. (that is the toughest)!"

Invest in people. Invite others closer. Include all.

Learn more.
The Triad Broadcast :: Posted Thursdays by Midnight.

www.jasonharper.cc

Monday, February 16, 2009

Love Helps

I walked in to the kitchen and saw both kids scurrying around packing their lunch for school tomorrow. It seems after a three-day weekend, the intensity in getting ready to go back to school increases. This lunch making session was no different. Urgency for my son was at DEF CON Four. He is like me. For the princess, prancing around pausing in between verses of the song she was singing, she was challenging him. It delighted me and annoyed the Little Mister.

But Love Helps.

She was stuck in a quandary. On one side she needed help. On the other side, she wasn't about to ask him for help. Big sisters don't ask little brothers for help.

That is when they noticed I had walked in and observed Family Ties.

I slipped through the kitchen acting as if nothing had been observed. I headed to grab the digital camera. It seems my pension for paparazzi captures the best and worst of a moment. Then I was socked in the gut with a moment that mattered.

As she tried to reach the top shelf to grab a part of her lunch, he noticed. He is tough and tenacious...and tender. I threw the camera up and snapped a master piece that I would call "Love Helps."



As a daddy, I was moved. As a person, I was challenged.

Peace,
JHARP
www.extramilerun.com

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Amazing Race Amazing Pace

I don't usually admit to any complete addiction to a tv show. Occasionally I have tipped my hand and shown my love for 24. However, it is a little embarrassing to admit that I have a complete addiction to The Amazing Race that premiers 2/15/09.



About three years ago, I first saw The Amazing Race. Lynette was flipping through the stations surfing for something and landed on it. She said, "Jas, this is so you." In that alone I was intrigued. I sat and watched how teams of two navigated check point to check point gaining clues to arrive at a final destination. The teams of two are on a global race. My Type A personality was hooked. It was part social experiment, part poker, part chess, played out on a global playing board. To me it is more complex than Survivor. Its more tactical than biggest loser. Six billion human beings can become your hurdle or your help. Lynette said, you should race with Sarah. Known also as "Nels," Sarah is like our adopted daughter from afar. When she was in sixth grade she adopted us, when she was in eight grade we adopted her friendship. Now she is 25 and works on a daily basis in the office across the hall from me. She drives me nuts, but she makes me better.



I asked Lynette, "Why Sarah?" She said because of the following reasons.

1. She is strong enough argue with you.
2. She runs marathons with you.
3. She can survive your Driver personality that runs through any obstacle.
4. She has traveled to 30 plus countries for work and fun.

And then she said, "And she is smarter than you." I paused and thought of how to argue back. Oh I had ammo. But then I listened to what she was saying and it made sense. Wives do that; At least mine does. They make sense. She had seen the value of tension that enhances circumstance and situation. Think of those in your life. If you really want to win would you surround yourself with:

1. Someone weaker or whom was intimidated and not willing to joust?
2. Someone who lacks endurance to push you?
3. Someone who melts because of your personality?
4. Someone who is less experienced or versed than you?

When it comes down to it, who do you surround yourself with? Are those around you willing to challenge you? Are you the smartest, strongest, and wisest in your circle? If so, consider adding to your circle.

A strong circle around you, a team of rivals, will make you better. It will lead you on a journey that is fast and furious; fun and focused. It will make for an amazing Race at an amazing pace.

If that is not your style, change the channel. Survivor starts at seven.

Much hope. Much love.
JHARP
www.extramilerun.com

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Extra Mile Run Feature In Sacramento Parent Magazine


Sacramento Parent Magazine contacted us last week to do an update on the children of Oak Ridge Elementary School. It is hard to believe that more than seven months have passed since that really long day.

The support of so many people has been overwhelming. Each day a new element of the story emerges. It's a real time evolution of hope. And the pain...

Just over two weeks ago, I entered the operating room to repair some internal madness. It seems an abdomen rip was "exacerbated" by the run. A rip was also found on the right side of my naval. Repaired. None the less, my recovery is completed. Now I can start to run seriously...in just a few more weeks.

Sacramento Parent asked, "What's Next?" I am excited to announce we are looking for runners to go the distance of 26.1 on behalf of a child of Oak Ridge. After Wednesday, February 4, visit www.extramilerun.com to get involved!

Today, visit: Sacramento Parent Magazine Featured Update Extra Mile Run

Looking ahead! Much love. Much hope.

JHarp

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Dark Knight...What a Dismal Dud

To often people jump on the RIP Factor for movies; What I mean is that the moment Heath died, people started to idolize a yet to be released movie.  I tried desperately to avoid the movie at all cost. When the DVD hit, the challenge increased, but I prevailed.  Then I was put on a medical lock down; I have to stay immobile (or at least limited mobility) for four days.  To illustrate the power of the lock down, I rented Dark Knight.

I loved the Joker.  But it wasnt enough to spare this dud from a dismal dive.
Three times I had to turn it off from sheer boredom.  Then the restlessness drew me back to "try" it again.  I tried it in the morning.  I tried it mid-afternoon.  I tried it at 4AM.  With excruciating pain, the movies worked better than two Soma pills chased with Nyquil.

Finally, on the third attempt, I cried uncle. I couldn't take it anymore.  I stopped it and placed it back in the case.  Its out of here.

I was left with some questions that perhaps the Dark Knight Marks will have answers for me.

1) Why did the mayor wear so much eye liner?
2) Why did the Chinese business man speak Cantonese?  In Hong Kong, Mandarin is spoken.
3) Batman's voice...was that a subtle joke on the viewer? It was like a nails on a chalkboard?
4) How did Two Face speak normally with half of his face gone?
5) Cell phone imaging sonar?? Yeah right, I can barely make a normal phone call without dropping the line. * From Yahoo Answers

Final thought illustrated


I'll take Jack.

Peace,
JAS