2009 January Update

Whoa, it's been a while since I updated this. Here's a quick update on the family.

LaNea finished her nursing school last fall, passed her certification, and is now working as a nurse at the Ada County Jail. She has interesting stories, but is enjoying it a lot. I can truthfully tell people now, "yeah, my wife is in and out of jail quite a bit."

The kids are doing great. Callie has continued clogging for Boise Cloggers and played Basketball at Foundation's Academy. She loves both and has a reputation for being excited and good at defense. She is 14 years old and is looking foward to driver's ed this spring! Dad is holding his breath. Callie helps teach the 3 year olds at Calvary Chapel sunday school and loves that too.

Cody has been playing football and is now playing basket ball in the local Upwards program. He's excited and doing a great job. Cody is 11, but soon to turn 12. He's a big guy and I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for him. Cody helps with another 3 year old class at Calvary Chapel sunday school as well.

Corban turned 5 last November. He is going to pre-Kindergarten and enjoying having friends in class and loves crafts, reading, and show-n-tell. He's doing wonderfully so far and we anticipate him joining his brother and sister at Foundations next year.

I left HP to work at BodyBuilding.com as an Agile ScumMaster (kind of like an IT Project Manager). I'm enjoying it and doing my best to learn new things and make a contribution. I completed my BS in Project Management last year (finally) and started my MBA (finally). So that will be done in a couple years and I will be only about 10 years behind my educational goals (better late than never though).

My parents moved to Boise to be near to Julie and her family and me and my family so that's been nice to see them regularly. Julie and Dan and their kids are all doing well, the boys are growing fast!

The Old Paths

I received an email from SermonIndex.net the other day with a link to "The Old Path" magazine. An online (pdf available) magazine whose main focus is to "propagate and promote the message of genuine biblical revival to this generation. This chief aim is expressed through many voices from Christian history." The Lord confronted me on the first article I read and I will attempt to recount that experience here. (Please read the article first.)

The title of the article is "The Godly Person Weeps!" and was written by Thomas Watson (1620-1686), who was a non-conformist preacher in England. His basic premis is this, a godly heart runs out at the eye. That is, a "godly heart grieves that it is not more holy," that we are troubled because we fall short of the rule that we should love Christ with all our hearts. It is also the idea that a "godly person weeps because the sins he commits are in some sense worse than the sins of other men," which brings a "sorrow of heart" and a humility before the Righteous God.

The core of revival is a broken and contrite heart. We often desire to do great things for God, yet do not attain them because our heart is still full of us; our desires and our agenda. We want to see the Glory of God and yet we want to see it from the seat next to Jesus (like James and John) and not looking up from His feet (like Mary). When we have a broken heart, that sees our sin for what it is and sees the true extent of our ability to even Love our master back, then and only then will we have a heart that melts before the King and "runs out at the eye."

Thomas Wilson takes us to the passage in John 21 where Jesus, after His resurrection, waits for Peter and the disciples, making a breakfast of fish. After Peter had denied Jesus, an act of unkindness in the face of all that Jesus had done for him, the Lord still loved Peter and desired to heal him. As the women found Jesus at his Resurrection, He said specifically to tell Peter. He knew that Peter had wept bitterly over his sin, that Peter had as Watson puts it "baptized himself...in his own tears." Peter was broken, he knew the reality of his own commitment, that he was weak and self centered.

Now in John 21, as Peter recognizes the Lord from his boat and jumped in and swam to shore, we see Jesus once again, reaching into the heart of Peter. With kindness and love the Lord again reveals Peter's weakness, but again meets Peter where he is. As peter swims to shore, the Lord is cooking food and ask that the disciples might bring fish from their overflowing catch. Then the Lord looks at Peter as asks, "Do you agape me more than these?" Peter, do you truly love and give yourself to me completely? Do you give me Lordship in your life over that which you have previously trusted in for your provision? Peter, though met my Jesus' kindness at His resurrection, is a broken man. He knows that He does not love his Lord the way he should. He knows that he is weak. He knows that He is in need. Peter's response is given in the realization of the truth of his need, "You know that I phileo you." You know Lord that I love You as a brother, as a friend - but I am an unclean man! I do not deserve to be in Your presence! You know Lord that even though my mouth has spoken great courage, that I, in truth, am a wretched and weak man.

This is the heart of a broken and godly man! The Lord didn't leave him there however, He asked again, "Peter do you agape me?" Peter's hear is likely bearing again a load, this time it's a different load - the Lord has put the yoke of his responsibility of love upon him. Peter, feed my lambs, tend my sheep. For a last time the Lord asks Peter, but this time the Lord does what He is so very good at. He meets Peter exactly where he is. "Peter, do you phileo me?" The Lord's intent was not to put upon Peter a burden he could not bear. It was instead to help Peter understand that though he was weak, his brokenness before God was accepted and that God desired to use even him! Peter was grieved at the Lord's step down to phileo, yet it was necessary. But our amazing Jesus didn't leave Peter in a wretched state. Though Peter's weakness was apparent to both of them, the Lord still called Peter to feed His sheep! What? Would the Lord want to use a weak man? Would the Lord want to use a man who had rejected Him and cannot love Him the way He deserved? Yes, the Lord in His amazing love, still called Peter. He was calling Peter to leave behind his own ability to serve, and to accept brokenness before God and willingness to simply act out of love for his Master.

What was the result of Peter's brokenness? We see in the book of Acts as the Holy Spirit filled him, that he led THOUSANDS to Christ at the preaching of the Cross! What a transformation! The power and Glory of God was seen at and through the hands of a broken man.

May we be honest and broken before our King today!

December Update

Maranatha (Our Lord Comes)!

The Lord has continued to bless us this past month as we have made several changes in our lives. Through all the change, the Lord has been showing us that He is our purpose and that as things and ideas come and go, He remains the same: faithful and ever-present. We are all excited to celebrate our Lord’s birth this month. We desire that He be pleased with our daily worship of Him. He is worthy to be praised everyday!

I (Jason) have just finished up with the End Times class I was teaching for the Calvary Chapel School of the Bible. We had a great time with 40-70 adults as we walked through the entire Bible seeking to know what God has to say about the return of His Son. The class was a blessing and privilege to teach and by God’s grace I think we all learned a few things. My heart will be blessed if I was simply able to stir people to love Jesus more and study His Word. The lessons are online at http://www.jasonleedean.com/endtimes for further review. My job continues to improve. I’m now the Team Lead for a small group of Requirements Engineers and have really enjoyed directing the work flow and planning for the future. It’s also now official that I’m signed up for classes at George Fox University to complete a degree in Project Management. Lord willing the financial aid will come through and I’ll start class in the spring semester, beginning January second.

The kids are excited about Christmas as it gets closer. Their final day of school before the break was December 15th and they were excited about that as well. They had been practicing for a school wide Christmas program to be held that evening and they did a marvelous job. They sang praises to the Lord, recited scripture, played in the orchestra, and led us in Christmas carols. It was a great program!

Callie finished up her Basketball season. They didn’t have many wins but they tried hard and learned a lot. I’m sure she will be even better next year. She plans on working on dribbling and running and shooting over the summer. She does an excellent job with defense, keeping her arms up and in between the opponent and the basket. She continues to learn about getting in position for rebounds and shooting. She had a great time! She has also done an excellent job catching up in school since she was not at her school last year. Her grades are much better than at the beginning, and as usual, is doing A work.

Cody has been doing well in school also. He has brought home several A’s in a row in Science and is doing better in all his subjects. He’s doing much better in Latin too. Cody has also been participating in Kajukenbo, a cross between Karate, Jujitsu, Judo, Tai-Kwan-Do, and Kempo Karate. Both of the kids are taking breaks from their extra curricular activities this month to allow for more family time, but Cody is really enjoying learning the Martial arts and because it’s being taught by a Christian, the instruction is free of worldly martial arts philosophy. Cody loves to kick and punch and wrestle and is considering Wrestling as a sport to try next year.

Corban is doing well. He is really becoming a little boy now, fast moving past his baby days. He’s about half potty trained, still hanging on a little, but it’s just a matter of time. His personality continues to get funnier. Whenever you ask him questions about numbers his answer is always three (since that’s his age). He is constantly making up funny sayings and likes to sneak up and jump on you when you’re not looking. He loves to play rough and tumble with his brother. He likes rocket rides from Dad (getting tossed in the air) and is generally a very agreeable boy. He still loves to pretend he’s Superman and walks around humming the theme song from the Superman movie.

My incredibly gorgeous wife Lanea continues to be the love and support of my life. She has been doing a great job with all things going on in our life, keeping us in line, keeping us fed and taken care of. She has been the Class Mom for the kid’s classes at school, coordinating activities, driving kids to and fro, and ensuring that details are taken care of.

She is also quite excited about the fact that we’re moving into a new home. We have been renting for the past 6 months since we returned from Canada and the Lord has provided a home that is closer to work and school and kids activities. We are moving this weekend in fact, and Lanea has been working hard getting the house boxed up for the move while I’ve been at work.

This December 18th, we were also blessed to be celebrating our 14th Wedding Anniversary. We’re spent the evening together about town doing some Christmas shopping, eating some steak and ribs, and watching a movie together in our new home. It was wonderful to be together and we are so blessed to be able to truly be each other’s best friend. The Lord has continued to grow us closer together and our relationship now is the best that it’s ever been. Jesus continues to grow us up in Him, by His Grace!

Revelation 1:12-17 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, (13) and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. (14) His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; (15) His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; (16) He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. (17) And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

May God richly bless you as you seek Him with all of your heart!
The Dean Family (Jason, Lanea, Callie, Cody, and Corban)

Update on the Fam

Greetings in the Mighty Name of Jesus!

The Dean family has all been pretty busy in the last couple of months, from school to work to extra curricular activities to the ministry. The Lord continues to lead and we continue to seek His desires for our lives.

This last month my Grandfather, J.T. Casler of Weatherford Texas, whom we always called “Grandad” passed away a week before his 85th birthday. As a believer in Jesus we know that he is now with His Heavenly Father and enjoying His presence. My Mom (JT was her Dad), my Dad, my Sister and I all were able to travel to Texas for Grandad’s funeral. We were sad for us, but happy for Him. We had a nice time getting to see family as well. One thing the Pastor said stuck out in my mind. He said that all of JT’s life, with all of his brothers and sisters, were like farmers, all hoeing their row. JT reached the end of his row and, looking back with a smile, called to his family saying, “I’ve finished my row, I’ll be on up at the house awaitin’.” Grandad has finished his row and we look forward to seeing him again in the Heavenlies!

My kids are all getting acclimated once again to their school, Foundations Academy. Being gone for a year put them a little out of sorts with the curriculum there but they are fast gaining ground. They’ve also been enjoying getting involved in activities around school.

Cody has joined a Christian martial arts group that meets at the school and he has really enjoyed learning punches and kicks and being part of a team. He just finished up his (American) football season this year. It was his first year playing and playing with pads as well. He as a defensive Tackle for the most part. He got to enjoy having some good hearty contact with other young men.


Callie has joined the school the Basketball team and they’ve played several games now. She has consistently done better with each practice and game and is enjoying being part of a team. She does a great job at guard! She also just turned 12 years old! Wow, it’s amazing to me. It seems like yesterday she was just a little babe in my lap as I sang “Jesus Loves You” to her. She has grown up into a beautiful young girl.

Corban is just turning three years old this month so we had a Superman party for him as Superman is his favorite character these days. He really enjoyed the Superman toys and cake and is growing up strong and healthy. He loves to eat meat and we’re finally getting him to eat some veggies too. He loves to play with his cousin Danny Boy (as he’s called) who just turned 4. They love to wrestle and be rambunctious.

At work, my (Jason) job has just been rescoped from a Tech level “Engineering Writer” to an Engineer level “Requirements Engineer” (Software/Firmware Engineer III) contractor. Praise the Lord! This is the same level I was at, at HP before we left to Canada. I was also made the Team Lead and am responsible to direct work flow and act as a liaison between the contract employees and the Client (Hewlett Packard). Praise the Lord for his faithfulness and provision for my family. I am also currently teaching an “End Times” class at Calvary Boise where I attend church. It has consistently had 40-50 attending and people seem to be learning and gaining a good Biblical foundation and understanding of End Times events. How exciting it is to know that we are living in the days that the Lord will return! In the spring, Lord willing, I will be attending George Fox University to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management with hopes for a Master’s Degree in the same program after that.

My lovely wife Lanea has been holding down the fort at home, taking care of Corban, and acting as Chauffeur for the kids and hauling Callie around to her Basketball games. She has been looking for a house for us and found one that we like. We made an offer and it was accepted today!

John 17:20-23 [Jesus speaking] "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; (21) "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (22) "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: (23) "I in them, and You in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

May God richly bless you as you seek Him with all of your heart!

Oh what a flight...

What follows will be a series of posts about the India trip that I'm currently on. Because of work load I haven't been able to spend time blogging but I have been writing things down in a notebook and keep track of things the old fashion way, paper.

The flight to India from Boise takes about 24 hours. There are three legs of the flight that we went on. The first flight was from Boise to San Francisco, then to Frankfurt Germany, then to Bangalore India. The Frisco flight was only 1.5 hours, but the Germany and Bangalore flights were 11 hours and nine hours respectively. The first 12.5 hours (with layover) where not bad, I was excited and it didn't bother me that I was sitting in a rather small airplane seat. The last leg of the trip however was pretty brutal. I didn't sleep at all on the first legs (I was studying and reading and such) and by the third flight came around I was getting pretty tired but the seats were even smaller and it was more cramped so I was feeling my backside pretty good after about half way through the flight. On the bright side I was able to share my faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a Hindu man who had never read the Bible. He seemed interested. I asked him about his religion and he answered a few questions. I gave him a Gospel of John and told him to read it with diligence. When we were through taking, I noticed that he read some sitting there. I can't remember his name, but the Lord knows, pray for him.

As the time ticked away, I thought about what my family must be doing at that time of the day. I missed them already. I was also thinking of what lay ahead. I have been praying off and on for a while about going to India and never had the opportunity. Now here I was, working for a group that was planning to go to India. God is good! I also had just found out that another person on my work team was a believer too. We connected right away. He had actually talked to his church about his trip and they mentioned that he get in touch with Calvary Chapel as they knew they were doing some mission work in India. Then I showed up in his cube and we both felt like it was the Lord bringing us together for this trip. I knew that work was a priority on the trip, but still it was exciting to think about what the Lord might do. One thing was for sure though, I had just learned after going and returning from a Canada mission trip, that I needed to let go of what I wanted or hoped for and let the Lord guide me to His will and not my own. He was bringing me and I just needed to trust Him for what lay ahead.

The Lord had blessed me greatly at my United checkin at Boise airport. I was going to be using an e-ticket, although I didn't really know that for sure since the person that booked my flight never mentioned if I was flying with e-tickets or with paper tickets. As it turned out, it went very quickly and easily even though there was heightened security at the airport. I was also blessed as my brother and I found a place to pray right before the flight. It was actually a little too close to time as we barely made it back to get on the plane. Actually they had already closed the ramp door but they let us on and we were on our way. That was close!

I was curious as to how the "seat lottery" would go, you know, the lotto that determines who you get to sit next to and bless during your flight? I was praying that it would be someone who wanted to hear about Jesus. The couple I sat next to was an older couple who were traveling to German to go on a river cruise down the Rhine, and Danube. It sounded fun. I told them about India and going to visit the church there. They seemed to have an understanding of Christianity, though the gentleman course language revealed where he was. Midflight on the flight to Bangalore, a lady stood up started chewing out a mom in the front row of our section because her "kid was too loud". The child was about 1 and he was very cute and the lady correcting was being quite rude to her. The Mom got up a few minutes later and went back and dished up some antagonism herself. It was sad really. There were three kids in the compartment and as a Dad I think they did very well.

I was convicted of how selfish we can be sometimes, how one sided we see things. This lady, in a way, just seems like a microcosm of human nature. She was ready to come against what doesn't fit what we want, that doesn't acquiesce to our expectations of the moment. I aso prayed for myself that I would see when I act in such myopic way. I want to see broadly across the landscape and see what the Lord is doing that I might be involved where He is working and guiding and providing!

Morning in Germany. It's 1:30 am Boise time, Aug 20th. We had a great breakfast on the plane. It was a croissant with cheese and sausage, very naughty to my diet, but I'll have to pick my diet back up after I get back. :) We've flown about 5600 miles at this point, are at 39,000 ft, moving 570 mph, and it's -45 degrees F. out side the plane. We were late out of Boise, but because of favorable winds we are getting to Frankfurt on time roughly. We are beginning our descent.

5:00 am, we've made the transfer to the second flight on Aug 20. We barely made it as we had to treck across the airport to on bus and a tram, we were scootin' it along. This flight was about 11 hours long. I got Aisle seats the who way, which I hope to make a window so that I can sleep well. I was going to try to sleep on that last flight but it wasn't meant to be. :) My last record of where we were was at 33,000 ft, 595 miles

signin off for now!...

Speaking of India

I recently received a link from a friend to a video about traffic in some city in India. This is amazing. I can't believe anyone didn't get killed. Also her daughter wrote an article about walking across one of these streets! It follows...

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Tailor
By Myca Vickers

At the outset of a short-term mission to India with YWAM where Myca and her team later had the opportunity to meet Pastor Guna, his wife Victoria, and the children of the Home of Hope, Myca writes…

After a long day of walking, the team stopped near the shopping end of things to pick up some tailored clothes ordered the previous day. We’re dropped off on the corner of a busy street in even busier night time traffic. In India, there doesn’t seem to be such things as traffic laws – no signaling, no stopping, though I’m sure there are some – like, small vehicles better get out of the way of the big ones.

The night is filled with bright headlights, ceaseless horns, four lanes that become seven – easy. And all of this is what lay between me and my newly tailored sari top. I take a quick breath and hold it in, hoping that any reflexes my clumsy body possesses would manifest themselves now. One step, two, a quick sprint, an abrupt stop. I dodge the rickshaw, let the bus pass, weave between the bicyclists and arrive at the median. Blocking out the blaring horns, I exhale and try to clear my head of the exhaust fumes and headlights. Taking my life and my punjabi tails in hand, I swerve, spin and parry myself to the other side – adrenaline full to bursting.

I hit the sidewalk at a dead run and try not to let the headlight shadows and my pounding heart send me reeling. Immediately, four or five street peddlers rush to me, trying to sell me plastic airplanes. Apparently, it looked as though I could use a few. I look wildly around, eyes wide and unblinking. Slowly, I turn my attention to the shops and realize, quite crestfallen, that I needn't have crossed the street at all. My shop was two doors down from the place I once stood.

Used with permission. © 2006 Myca Vickers, Do not copy or use without permission.

Get Ready ... Get Set ...

Final preparations are underway for my trip to India. I'm hoping to get the right electrical adapter for my laptop before I go. I think the beauty to the right is the correct one, but I'm still looking (locally). We have a 10:18 departure time tomorrow morning and I'm excited to be finally going. I've prayed for a long time to visit India, and now the Lord is providing for it. I hope that I can useful to the Kingdom of God on my travels. Last night I stocked up on some New Testaments and Gospels of John to hand out as we talk to people about Jesus. It will be awesome knowing the Lord. I will miss my family, but I know He has them in His hands.

Cody has wound up his first week of full contact, padded football practice. How exciting! He's doing a great job and has been setting goals for himself each day to be better and learn more certain areas. He'd love to be able to carry the ball and has a pretty good arm, so we'll see. His size makes him an easy pick for a line position. Work outs have been difficult but he's doing better each day (high knees Buddy!) It's been a little hard for Dad to simply watch and encourage since I'm not an assistant coach. But that's ok, Cody is doing well and liking it, which is what he was a little worried about in the beginning.

Callie had two great clogging performances last night at Albertson's College in Caldwell and then at the Boise Train Depot. She danced three numbers and did great. She's getting much better all the time (high knees Punky!). The first audience was a bunch of hics (well we do live in Idaho) and their applause left a lot to be desired. The second audience was a little more high fa-lutin' and they really clapped and enjoyed the girls (and moms) dancing. You can really see the level of energy go up when the crowd gets involved. Callie will continue to do great I'm sure, I'd love to see her get into Irish dance. I won't be doing much coaching for that (I'll leave that to Uncle Dan - inside joke).

Corban is a good boy for being two. :) He likes to be thrown as high in the air as I can throw him, which is almost to the top of the cathedral ceiling at the house. Most of the time he has a Superman pose hanging at the top. He also really likes football, wrestling and motorcycles. Every time he sees a motorcycle he says, "Motorcycle! I want to ride it!" Which is funny considering we don't have a motorcycle, nor has he seen one in action other than in traffic. He's a cutey.

I'm really going to miss my wife!

Pro 12:4a An excellent wife is the crown of her husband...
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

Love you Near!

India, Chapel Missions, and Grand Prize

This coming Saturday I'll be trekking to Bangalore, in Karantaka India (Southern India - red state on map to left) on a business trip (unless we have to cancel due to the recent terrorist activity). We will be busy during the day for work, but we (another Brother and I) hope to connect with the outreach activity of Chapel Missions India that currently pastor churches, plant churches, run children's centers, orphanages, ministries to those suffering with leperocy and aids, among other ministries. We pray for the many many pastors and missionaries that are working all over India to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ, that people might be free from their sin and have eternal life.

This week there is a Christian music band called Grand Prize that is touring in India, especially at Universities and Colleges. They literally expect thousands to attend. They will be playing music and sharing the truth and reality of Jesus Christ. Our prayers are for significant fruit and many lives turned to Jesus for the first time. With roots in Idaho and Calvary Chapel Boise, this band is now on a national contract with Apostrophe Records (started by Christian singer Jaci Velasquez).

In the mean time, I'm trying to figure out what I'll be able take on my carry on (no liquids or gels) and praying about how the Lord would use us to further His glory and kingdom there.

By the way, Cody (my 9 year old) started Football practice last night. It was a good start and he seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. He'll do great! I'll get some pics posted soon of him in his pads, he's becoming quite the young man. Callie (my 11 year old) has a Clogging performance at the Idaho State Fair grounds coming up. Unfortunately I'll miss it and Cody's football Jamboree as I won't be back from India to attend. Mom will video.

I leave you with a final quote.

"The work we do is of no account when compared with the compelling purpose of God. It is simply the scaffolding surrounding His work and His plan." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest 8/3