So it’s been a little bit since my previous post.  Wanted to give you a quick update in the world of Jones:

• As you can see in the post below, our house is on the market.  It has now been listed for a little over a month.  We’ve had a good bit of traffic, especially over the last several weeks.  Selling a house is WORK!  Here’s hoping that July is our month.
• Kim started a job working for the Aiken County Government last month.  She’s really enjoying what she’s doing so that is a plus!  While it’s been an adjustment for everyone, the family seems to be doing well with it.
• We took our family vacation earlier than usual this summer.  It was really kind of an odd one in that Kim was only able to be there for about 3 days before having to head back to work.  So, for much of the week it was me, my kids and my parents.  It was good to get away, and I’m already wanting to hit the beach again soon…maybe a day trip to Kiawah Island in July?
• This is about the time of year I start seriously craving some college football…and the cooler temps with it!  Don’t know how my DAWGS are going to do this year.  Tons of potential there, but you have to get it done on the field.  Another year like last year and there will be some changes at the top.  Just the nature of things.
• Really excited about the direction that Alive Media and 4Thought Media are going.  Got some cool projects that I’m working on right now and some exciting things coming down the road.
• Speaking of projects, one of the things I’m wanting to do more of is videography for events and weddings.  If you know of someone that is getting hitched in July or August, let me know.  I’m looking for a couple of weddings that I can video and edit to expand the portfolio, and it won’t cost them a dime.  Hit the contact me for details or message me on Twitter/Facebook.
• Kim and I were talking today and she said, “Can you believe that in two years Spencer will be in middle school?”  I about fell out.
• Well, that’s all for now.  l8r

Well, blogging has been sketchy as of late.  Just really been a lot of things here and there going on that have kept me away.  This will probably be pretty random:

• Loving the fall, even more than usual this year.  I was trying to think of why, and I think I’ve nailed down several reasons.  Last year this time I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed because I was trying to get the remaining media, lighting and other pieces together to help launch the West Campus at Cedar Creek.  That and I was also beginning an online start up side business which I had to lay to rest this summer (that’s another post for another time).  It was a crazy time last year.  Plus, it seems that in this area we’re actually having a fall with some cooler temps here and there this year.  The trees have been pretty brilliant, too, in all their colors.
• Kind of along with that, I think this year I’ve actually taken the time more to “breathe” and enjoy the fall and Thanksgiving season.  I’ve had a chance to really think through how blessed I am…and we are.  God forgive me for the times I haven’t told You enough just how grateful I am for everyone and everything in my life.
• Can I be real?  Is it okay here to do that?  This past year has been an incredibly dry time in my life spiritually.  It’s been difficult.  Just been going through a lot on the inside and for a guy that usually wears his emotions on his sleeve, that’s not always a good thing.  I sit here now, not having a whole lot of “answers” about the things I’ve been praying about.  I think that is how life is sometimes, that it is not so cut and dry and we don’t always understand why we go through those times…not on this side of Heaven anyway.  That said, I am hopeful.
• Been working on several web projects over the past several months.  Here are a few that have gone live: Symphony Orchestra Augusta (previously the Augusta Symphony), Gateway Community Church, relaunch of 4Thought Media and the Swank Co.
• Feeling like I really want to become an After Effects guru.  I’ve pretty much run the gamut in Final Cut Pro, but am still kind of a novice in After Effects even though I’ve done a good many projects in it.  Looking to spend some time over the next several months learning more.
• Heading to Macon, GA for Thanksgiving this year.  Haven’t been there in 3 or 4 years so it will be good to see everyone there on my mom’s side of the family.  Looking forward to hanging out with my sister, too.
• My Christmas List: 1. Gift cards to go shopping for some clothes 2. chocolate 3. a new defensive coordinator and linebacker coach for my DAWGS………..and World Peace.
• Speaking of the DAWGS, really sad to hear that UGA VII passed away yesterday.  Wasn’t very old at all and died of a heart attack.  Came across this short video put together with Larry Munson below.  The word is now that they won’t get another UGA until after the season.
• That’s about it for now.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is possibly one of the scariest costumes I’ve seen…except it’s not a costume.  Gators Wear Jean Shorts!  Go Dawgs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Been a while since I’ve blogged, with any consistancy anyway.  Here’s the latest in the world of Jones:

• This past Sunday I preached at the Banks Mill campus at CCC.  It had been close to a year since I preached last due mainly to having to focus on multi-site media development.  Was good to speak again.
• Felt pretty raw at times during the message.  As I shared in my message, it has been brewing for a while out of all that’s been going on in my life.  Came out of some things that I’ve been through….and still going through.
• Had a chance to speak at Christian Heritage Church in Graniteville last Wednesday to some students there.  Bobby and Angie Sanders are good friends that go there and invited me to speak.  Love them and their heart for students.
• Whatever happened to lazy summer days?  It has been flat out non stop this summer.
• We’re about 3 to 4 weeks from launching our second multi-site campus at CCC: Cedar Creek – On The Ridge.  The campus is located in Ridge Spring-Monetta.  They have been meeting in small groups for a while, but we’re about wrap up the building for Sunday worship.  I’m going to post some photos of the new campus later on this week probably.
• Am seriously ready for football.  UGA starts off the season playing Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK.  Let the big DAWG eat!   Can’t wait to be HERE.
• I think Kim is ready for the kids to go back to school.  Spencer got bored today so he just started breaking the heads off of his army men…yeah, he does best with some structure.  Although, we use to blow them up with fireworks so I can’t really talk.
• Saddened seeing so many people that I know seem to be struggling in their marriages.  People that you “never would have thought” would have gotten divorced are exactly there.  Been thinking through ways to strengthen my own because of it.  Wes mentioned this book so I grabbed a couple of copies for Kim and I today on Amazon.
• My A/C in my car doesn’t work except when it wants to.  Not fun when you’re about to hit August.
• All for now.

Wanted to shoot a quick note as my body is dead tired, but I have a ton on my mind.  Been a while since I’ve done an update, too.  Will probably be pretty random.

• The West Campus open house went really well tonight.  We were able to do about 4 run throughs of most of the media components and I really think Kenny and the media team are doing a great job.
• Multi-Site has really consumed a lot of my energy and time, and I’m really excited to see it about to launch for several reasons: 1. I think it is going to blow up and be at two services by April 2. I have a lot of projects that I need to address that I haven’t had the time to do so and am really looking forward to tackling
• I really think January is going to be a big month for my family and I personally.  Not sure why or what exactly, but I just think that God is at work on some things that are going to blow us away.
• How about my Dawgs? Finished out the year well by beating Michigan State after a disappointing loss to GT.
• Speaking of college football, there are two teams that you will never see me pull for: GT and Florida.  I just can’t bring myself to do it. Nothing personal against anyone, but I just can’t do it. Next week in the National Championship, I’m all Boomer Sooner…go OU.
• I’ve had a lot on my mind lately that I’m praying about.  Would really covet your prayers.  Just really trying to seek God’s desire and direction.
• Do people actually buy Snuggies?  That has to be the goofiest looking article of clothing I’ve seen in a while.  Looks straight out of Star Trek or something.
• Back is doing better. Went to chiro twice and rested it a lot this past week. Now I’m feeling a cold coming on….bleh.
• Kim is blogging now. We just set it up so she’ll be blogging soon: http://www.kimjonesblog.com/
• I need some new books that will challenge me. Saw one by Andy Stanley that I think I’m going to grab. Love some suggestions.
• Had a chance to meet with some friends from high school right after Christmas. Kim and I had a great time. Amazing how much you change and how much you stay the same.
• Set some goals for the year a few weeks ago. Wrote them down and am planning on fleshing out how I’m going to achieve them a little more this coming week.
• Going to veg for a bit with some TV and then bed.

We had a great weekend at the Jones house.  We pretty much chilled, hung out, ran some errands, watched the Dawgs hang 52 on LSU, and watched some movies.  Love this time of the year.  For a Sunday post, thought I’d post a story that I saw yesterday on ESPN Gameday on Coach Mark Richt and the story of their adoption of two children from Ukraine.  I’ll say this, Coach Richt is a very good coach, but he is an even better man.  Check it:

Well, it was an ugly, ugly ball game, but a win is always a beautiful thing.  Rather have an ugly win vs a pretty loss any day.  I have to admit, I probably get way too much joy out of watching Steve Spurrier squirm.  And while I didn’t see him throw his visor yesterday, I did see that he threw his headset three times.  3-0, 1-0 in the SEC.  I’ll take it.  Go Dawgs!

Okay, it’s Friday and since it is one of my days off, I thought I would catch you up on a few thoughts and happenings in the life of “Dr. Jones”:

• This Sunday at CCC could be one of those Sundays that will seriously rock some people’s worlds.  If you have people in your life that don’t know Jesus, invite them this Sunday….really.
• Artie adjusted the white balance on the cameras as well as some other adjustments and they look great!  We’ve got some other adjustments to make on our projectors to step up our production qualities, but he is knocking it out of the park.
• Finally am getting in another wireless mic.  Should make a HUGE difference in the audio of some of the vids we shoot.
• Wish I had it in this past week.
• Still trying to figure out the whole video delivery for multi-site.  Right now we’re looking at same day and our worse case is we have someone carrying over the sermon video to the other campus that is VERY good quality.  The best case is still being researched and worked through, but if it works out……will be VERY good quality and we COULD do live (not that we would necessarily) with the message in full broadcast quality.
• Been a long week.  Glad for the weekend.
• Hoping the DAWGS lay the smack down on the gamecocks this weekend.  We usually always play them close with the ocassional blow out.  I’m hoping this is the year that we blow them out.  Usually it is a close game because 1. While they are not one of our chief rivals, we are one of theirs.  2. They play us early in the year where depth is less of an issue.  The reason why SC starts out well usually but ends up fading is because of their depth.  Most first teams in the SEC can play with anybody across the country and compete.  It’s the second and third strings the separate the PLAYAS and the PRETENDAS.  3. Usually our offense doesn’t get in gear until about the 5th game of the season it seems.  So far, it is looking like it picked up where 2007 left off…close anyway.
• trying to find volunteers that are skilled in video editing, video shoots, web developing and the like is difficult.  We have a few folks that are stepping up that have some skills that I’m excited about but could really use some more.  We have a new web design waiting in the wings right now that I haven’t been able to touch yet between multisite research and phone calls, video edits, video shoots, meetings, IT issues with our staff, etc.  Hoping to have a Web day this coming week but don’t know if it’ll happen.  I think we’re going to intensify our search for some volunteer web and video people.
• Spencer and Hannah are doing really well so far in school.  Hannah is a good student, and studies hard.  Really proud of her.  Spencer is right on target with his academics.  Talked with one of the special ed admins/teachers today and got a good report (if you’re wondering, his diagnosis is PDDNOS )  Still have some work to do on his social skills, but that is typically where the bigger hurdles are.
• got a secret project that Kim and I are working on together for a new business.  I’ve been working on the development part of the website, and we’re hoping to launch mid to late October.  Hard part is trying to grab a chunk of time here and there to get it off the ground.  I’ll keep you posted on that but I can’t say what it is just yet
• ready for some fall weather.  We live in the armpit of the south…it is just SO hot and SO humid here.  If I could pick anywhere to live, it would be probably in this order: 1. North Augusta – why?  because I grew up there.  Weird but that’s one of those places.  Has a small town feel but is close enough to stuff in case you want to get into it.  Has nothing to do with the weather, but I just like the feel. 2. Okay, next would have to be the upstate of GA – grandparents and parents are all originally from the ATL area although my parents live in NA still.  Like the weather, it is usually at least 10 degrees cooler and is close to Athens 3. Upstate SC – great weather, a lot of greenery, foothills, still not far from the beach and the mountains 4. Raleigh-Durham-Cary NC area – visited there a good bit as we have friends there.  Place is beautiful, especially in the fall.  Cooler temps, metro area, mountains close by, beach not too far away.

Sorry for the long post…..ready to chill out, cheer on the DAWGS and hang with the family

Kim, Hannah and I went to Athens today. Spencer went to visit Nana and Pappy (Kim’s parents). Was a great game. Man, we have so much young talent on this team. We won the game 56 – 17. The highlight though had to have been this play. Yeah, he just did that. Check it!