8 Years

Today Tasha and I celebrated 8 years of marriage. Where in the world has the time gone? It's been a very relaxing couple of days here at Kure Beach, NC. We were incredibly blessed to be able to get this place "rent free" so to speak.

Check out Tasha's blog to see some shots of this ridiculous house!

Eight years ago, I said "I Do" to my best friend, Tasha Joy Litke. And I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. I'm excited about the next 8 years and to see where we'll be. I love you, my dear Tasha Joy. Thanks for taking a chance on me!

Call for Prayer

Pray for my dad this week. He's somewhere in the middle east (I can't disclose exactly where) preaching the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that hearts would be open and receptive to gospel, that the Holy Spirit would begin to soften hearts and that dad will have many great conversations with these dear people who need to hear the truth about Jesus.

Who Holds Your Heart?

Inasmuch as one has undertaken to compile an account of the things that transpired yesterday among us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having experienced them myself and investigated carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order most excellent blogosphere.

Yesterday I took my 5-year-old daughter, Areyna, (well, she turns 5 Sunday, but she might as well be 16 for crying out loud) out for an amazing day of father-daughter bonding. Tasha and I have been praying and seeking the Lord on ways to creatively reach her heart. It just so happened that on the way down to Georgia last week, we began reading a book together called, Raising a Modern-Day Princess. The authors list many creative ways to help to begin teaching your daughter what biblical womanhood is all about. So, I can't take total credit for what I'm about to tell you.

We both got dolled up and went to IHOP for one of her favorite meals ... pancakes. And it was there that I presented her with two gifts containing one significant meaning. I gave her a necklace with a silver key on it, as well as a charm holding a key and a heart. After presenting them to her over pancakes, I explained that right now Daddy holds the keys to her heart. Which means that I'm going to do everything in my power to protect her heart, to love her heart, to care for and cherish her heart. Until the day that the Lord brings a young man into her life who will become her husband—her new heart protector. And when that day comes (100 years from now), those keys will be handed over to that man (unless I kill him first) and he will then be the one who holds the keys to her heart. BUT until that day, it’s Daddy alone who holds those keys and who will make decisions that are in the best interest of protecting her heart.

After explaining all of that I asked her to repeat what I had said, to see if she understood. After a few blank stares, I asked it another way. I said, “Rainy, whenever you look at these keys worn around your neck, what will you think of?” She answered with a smile, “That you hold my heart!” I about melted like strawberry butter right there all over the IHOP dining room floor. That was it exactly. Even if she can’t explain all the nuances of love and marriage and what all that stuff means, she knows what really matters. She knows whose responsibility it is now, and whose responsibility it will be one day to protect, and care for, and cherish her heart. And that’s exactly what I needed her to understand.

After IHOP we gallivanted around Raleigh the rest of the afternoon, took in The Princess and the Frog at the $1.50 movies and just enjoyed being together. (Seriously, when you get her away from Zeke or other kids, she’s about as grown up as they come. Crazy.)

By the end of the afternoon, we were both spent, but we were also very much beaming from ear-to-ear with the events that had just transpired. Let’s just say it was a very special day for both Daddy and daughter--the first milestone along her path to maturity and her rite of passage. I’m a blessed man.

Happy Birthday Tasha Joy Via

On this day 31 years ago, a beautiful little baby girl was born to Larry and Robbie Litke on a snowy day in Toledo, Ohio. Her name was Tasha Joy Litke, and she became my wife 23 years later on a gorgeous spring day in Charleston, SC. This woman has become my closest friend, my biggest fan, (and nicest critic) my partner in ministry and my traveler in this life's journey. She is faithful, loving, caring, selfless, and a passionate pursuer of the heart of God. I love this woman and I'm incredibly grateful to God for the privilege of sharing our lives together. Thank You, Lord. And happy birthday, Tasha Joy.

A Look Back - Part 4

The top 5 events/happenings/highlights of 2009 for the Via Family

#5 – God Be Praised live worship CD – As if the move itself were not enough, that very same week Tasha and I were privileged to be a part of the first live worship recording of Journey Church’s 4-year history on October 30. It was definitely a night to remember and the Spirit of the Lord descended upon us in a very special way. But the week leading up to the recording was about as chaotic and eventful as a McCallister family Christmas (refer to Home Alone 1 and 2). Since I was given the role of a co-producer of the project, every night of the week was occupied with rehearsals, meetings and final arrangement and writing sessions. During the day we would unpack boxes and transform the Hambrick’s basement into a temporary dwelling—a family purgatory, if you will. And every night, we’d make the 45-minute trek to Journey, wondering what to do with our youngins. The kids more resembled pin-balls than human beings as we bounced them around from family member to friend, from playgrounds to playrooms, from McDonald’s to Chick-fil-a. Micaiah became a big fan of being a stage-prop. Lying him on the stage to feel the rumble of the bass in his tiny frame was just as soothing to him as any vibrating baby seat out there. Oh, how blest ‘tis the innovative mind of a young mother! I love that woman! All in all, God Be Praised turned out better than any of us could have ever imagined. And for a 4-year old church using their own volunteer musicians, it’s pretty amazing. Thank you, Lord. May You continue to be honored through this project and more to come.

To say that 2009 was a year of transition and changes for the Via Family would be the understatement of the year. And yet the Lord continues to prove Himself faithful and steadfast on our behalf. Our prayer for ourselves and for you in 2010 is that it will be a year where we experience the overwhelming love, grace and faithfulness of Christ. That it will be a year where we embrace the twists and turns of life, which never exist outside of the sovereign hand of God. And that it will be a year marked by increased growth in our spiritual and personal lives, for the sake of His Kingdom, His fame and His renown. God bless you and happy new year.

-Josh

A Look Back - Part 3

4. The Move – Moving is always a pretty big transition, no matter what stage of life you’re in. For us, having three children increased our load exponentially since our last move. (Seriously, how do you pack space-hogging junk like exersaucers and Little Tykes yard ornaments without going completely insane? The devilish inventors of such toys probably chuckle to themselves on a regular basis imagining the poor saps like me losing their religion while trying to cram them in the remaining nooks and crannies of the rental van.) In addition to the added junk (in spite of our countless trips to the Goodwill drop-off), we actually had to move twice. When our house sold in Charlotte, we still had not found one in Raleigh. So, we put everything in storage and moved in with some wonderful longtime friends, the Hambricks, in north Durham. Their finished basement became our humble abode for the next month while we continued house hunting. They were incredibly gracious to us and we were grateful to God for their hospitality. After four weeks, we finally landed on a great little house in north Raleigh in the quiet little Mayberry-type town of Rolesville—the kind of town where you know everyone on a first-name basis and the yocals in their pickup trucks insist on honking obnoxiously with every pass of your house. And heaven forbid you’re trying to check your mailbox on their way by, for the honking will surely not cease until you wave back. And I’m not talking about a friendly little courtesy wave. It’s gotta be the whole-body wave to shut them up. The kind that gives you an ice-cream headache afterwards. Anyway, we love where we live. It’s quaint and perfect for us. And my new argyle sweater I got for Christmas fits perfectly with the feel of the town. Thanks Santa.

So, why did we move? Well, I can think of several reasons.

A. Primarily so that I could take a position at Journey Church as an artist-in-residence. Journey has been a God-send for us and the partnership that we began with them almost two years ago blossomed into a very organic and natural relationship. Journey is one of the most kingdom-minded churches that I’ve ever known or been a part of. What they care about most is making the name of Jesus famous in our city, not the name of Journey or any of the peripheral issues that are so easy to get caught up in. That, among many other things, is what led us to Journey. They allow me to be gone two weekends out of the month (how many churches do that?!!) to continue pursuing this ministry of worship that God has given to Tasha and me for this season of our lives—to continue helping other churches develop their own worship ministries—to continue leading worship for student events and conferences—to continue writing and creating—to continue being the father and husband that I am called to be.

B. Family Support – There’s nothing in the world like having family close by. My three brothers and their wives and kids are all here in the RDU area. That's something we greatly missed in Charlotte. And now our kids get to grow up with their cousins, I get to work side-by-side my brother, Smooth, the student pastor at Journey, and we get free date-nights. Sweet heavenly savings!!

C. College sports are pandemic in the Triangle! Thank you, Jesus.

A Look Back - Part 2

The top 5 events or happenings of 2009

#3. Selling a House – They say that selling a house is one of the most stressful events of one’s life. Whoever “they” is, is right! If you’ve never sold a house, I envy you and will pray daily for your soul that you never have to go through this experience. In fact, I think I’d rather have my bottom lip gnawed off by a pack of rabid muskrats then to have to go through that agony again. Granted, it wasn’t the worst experience of a lifetime, but it definitely ranks right up there on the top of the list somewhere. Don’t get me wrong. Our realtor was great about showing the house and getting the word out. And considering the current national housing crisis, the very fact that it sold in under 45 days was a huge blessing in itself. But I don’t think that Tasha and I were prepared for just how emotionally taxing it would be. From the initial preparation of getting the house painted and the roof replaced (not to mention the countless chiropractor visits and co-pays after my falling off our roof experience), to the ongoing negotiations and mind-games with our first bidders that rivaled any game of World Series Poker, the whole experience was about as mentally exhausting as Paris Hilton on Jeopardy. But, by the grace of God, the house sold and we moved on to Raleigh where some great things awaited us, not the least of which was the fact that I would be serving on staff with my brother at a really great church called Journey.

A Look Back - Part 1

2009 was a big year for the Via Family. Tasha asked me a few minutes ago what I thought were the top 5 events or happenings of 2009 for our family ... and we listed off the exact same five. She'll be blogging them as well, but here they are now in several installments from my perspective.

#1. Having Baby #3 - Micaiah Joel Via was born on August 6, 2009. As third children go, he pretty much fits the mold. Totally laid back. Cries very little. Sleeps through everything. Goes with the flow. And eats everything within his limited line of sight. I love this little guy so much. He's so fat and cuddly, and makes it very hard to walk out the door many mornings. His name means "Who is like Jehovah?" And our prayer for him is that he will be such a prophetic mouthpiece for God that when people observe his speech and his life, they will begin asking for themselves, "Who is like the Lord?" That by this very question, they will be pushed to seek out a relationship with their Creator.

#2. ATG (All That Glitters) evangelistic CD - Though it seemed to be the project that would never end, the end did finally come. We've already begun to see the Lord use it in some pretty cool ways. In fact, here's one brief story of what will hopefully be many more to come. About two weeks ago, a young college girl strolled in the church where my brother Jared serves as the college pastor. Jared recognized her from previous events that they had held at their church, but hadn't seen her in a long time. After reconnecting briefly, she began to pour out her heart to Jared, confessing that she had given up on God, abandoned her faith to atheism, and had recently been suicidal. Jared said what he could to her in those brief moments, but by all accounts she talked as a woman with her mind made up--her heart totally hardened. As she walked away, in one last-ditch effort, my brother handed her a copy of ATG and asked her if she would just take a few minutes to listen to it. At first she declined and said that she was done trying--done searching out the God-thing. But after a few moments of going back-and-forth she said that she would take a listen. Later that night, Jared received a phone call from her. Her tone of voice had totally changed. She told Jared that she had listened to the CD and read the tract that he had also given her. And then she said, "I think that I was wrong about God. And I'm not sure what I believe now, or even what to think. Can you help me? Where do I go from here?"

Prayerfully, this girl will be following Christ very soon.

Surviving Via Christmas #3

One Incredible Meme

She goes by Meme. I'm not sure if our little girl, Rainy, came up with that name or not. But it stuck from day one. There would be no surviving Via Christmas (or any Via get-together for that matter) without her. She keeps things in order. She keeps things rolling. She keeps all 9 grandkids entertained for hours without end. She's the best. Thanks, Mom, for all you do to make these occasions so special. You're the best.

Surviving Via Christmas #2

#2 - Creative distractions

Since there are 9 grandchildren this year at the Via house (4 more than last year), the choas factor has exponentially grown beyond what any of us ever saw coming. As volume levels grow louder and attention spans grow shorter, and the exploding tree of presents seductively beckons our children, the dads have to jump in and save the day ... or at least we try. My little brother, Baikes, came up with this great idea--turning an Amish fireplace box into a restaurant (or is it a submarine? or a lemonade stand? or a ...)

Surviving Via Christmas

At my house in Virginia, holiday family togetherness has a tendency to get out of control. Intentional or not, inevitably we all begin eating and drinking after each other, spreading cooties, H1N1 and the like. With an average of 25 people in the house at any given moment, chaos can ensue at the drop of a hat. My lovely wife has literally tried everything to protect her precious beverages over the last 8 years of marriage. And until this morning, I thought I had seen all her tricks. I was wrong. Way to go, babe! I guess the next step would be duct tape.

Ridiculous Week

Monday and Tuesday we were back in the studio at Jake Hunter's tracking three more tunes to add to the growing album. If all goes well we should have 11 tracks for the new record, and if we can raise some significant funds, we should have it early 2010. We'll see. Anybody know any millionaires wanting to give to a good cause? :) (All That Glitters is another project altogether and should be done really soon. Thanks for your patience!)

The timing of this was ridiculous! We're smack in the middle of packing boxes and getting ready to make the move to RDU on Sunday afternoon. We're getting a brand new roof and preparing for the first Journey live recording next Friday, the 30th. What in this world were we thinking? The only thing that I can think of that would have made this even better is if Tasha were having a baby this week or if I were on a mission trip!! But hey, you can't have it all!

Here are some pics of the current craziness.

Flame Resistant

Zeke holds a special affinity for his superman jammies ... well, more accurately any kind of hero-related outfit. And when he puts them on, you better believe he takes his role of crime-fighting seriously. And since I've officially been dubbed the Green Goblin since his last stay at Meme and Poppie's house (hmmm...what did you guys watch while they were there?), I'm usually the target of his evil-thwarting escapades.

As I was helping him get ready for bed a few days ago, trying to fend off punches and kicks while simultaneously attempting to maneuver his flailing limbs into the tiny holes they call sleeves, I happened to glance down at the tag and laughed out loud. I guess I can find a little humor anywhere, and this was no exception. But I don't think I'll be letting Zeke know the power that lies in his little blue polyester pants. Because with great power comes great responsibility.

Hands Full

My sister-in-law, Kelly, caught me in action doing my best to console both Micaiah and his cousin Karis (1 month older) simultaneously. My heart goes out to the parents of twins.

Broken Things

Yesterday I went on a hot date with my little girl, Rainy. You can catch more details about where we went and what we did here on Tasha's blog. But let me share a quick highlight.

During our hike on one of the trails at Reedy Creek Park, our journey took us to the ruins of a stone house built in the 1700s. I must have seemed cold and heartless to the fact that these nice people's house was destroyed, because Rainy reiterated over and over to me how sad of a situation it was. After many failed attempts at trying to explain to my worried daughter why the house was destroyed (and already having failed at trying to explain why there were "frozen"animals in the nature center [--see pic below--] and how they got to be frozen in the first place), I finally clued in and realized that one of those teachable moments was staring me in the face. Usually I'm clueless to these moments, but yesterday the Lord was gracious and helped me see it for what it was. So, I tried another approach. It went something like this:

Rainy: That's sad that that house is broken. What happened to it?

Daddy: Well, Rainy. It just got too old and it fell down.

Rainy: That's sad that things get old. But what happened to the people who lived there?

Daddy: Well, they probably died.

Rainy: Oh, that's sad that they died. Why did they die?

Daddy: Well, that's the way this world is, Rainy. Things are born and things die.

Rainy: Oh, that's really sad.

Daddy: Yes, it is, but you know what? One day God is going to make everything new again!

Rainy: He is?

Daddy: Yea, He is. Everything will be brand new. And all the bad things about the world will be good again. You know how your Nanna and Grandpa and Paw Paw and Nena are getting really old? And they get sick alot?

Rainy: Yea.

Daddy: Well, one day God is going to give them brand new bodies. Isn't that cool?

Rainy: Yea!

Daddy: He's going to give all of us brand new bodies and we won't have boo-boos anymore and we won't get sick, and there won't be poison ivy (she was worried about poison ivy from the moment I first mentioned it on the hike--almost to the point of terror--way to go me for ever bringing it up!). And remember when I fell off the ladder the other day and got lots of boo-boos?

Rainy: Yea.

Daddy: Well, when God gives us our new bodies, that won't happen anymore. We can fall and not get hurt. And you won't even scrape your knee when you fall.

Rainy: I won't?

Daddy: Nope.

Rainy: Oh, that's cool, Dad. That's really cool ... Oh, Dad, let's go find the white flower and red leaf that's on the map.

Daddy: O.K. Rainy.

(2 hours later, we pull into our driveway and Zeke comes running out)

Zeke: Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! Wainy, Wainy, Wainy!

Rainy: Hey Zeke!

Zeke: Hey Wainy! I missed you!

Rainy: I missed you too, Zeke. Guess what Zeke? We saw lots of dead animals and a broken house!

Zeke: Oh, that's sad!

Rainy: Yea, it was, Zeke, but, but, one day God is going to make everything new again and bring everything back to life and fix everything that's broken!

Zeke: Yay!

Photos Galore

Tasha sneaks a photo opportunity











Tummy time











Tasha's mom (Nonnie) getting in some cuddle time









Tasha and Cai the day after he broke into our world










Zeke loving his little brother










My mom (Meme) loving her 7th grandbaby









My sister, Joy, coming in for a visit














Tasha's dad (G-Daddy) steals a kiss










Not a whole lot to do in the hospital except cuddle a lot

Micaiah Joel

We had our baby!! Micaiah Joel. He's a little guy weighing in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. and perfectly healthy. He and Tasha are both doing great. We couldn't have asked for a smoother labor and delivery. Tasha will give you more details on her blog, since she's the detail person in our family. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement over this past week. Now begins the tricky part of assimilating him into our family life, but a task that we're eager to take on since we view this little guy as an added blessing to our growing family.


His name means, "Who is like Yahweh?" Micaiah was one of the obscure prophets in the OT, one who stood for truth at the risk of his own life. In 1 Kings 22, when commanded by the servants of King Ahab to prophesy only good things about the king, Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, I will say whatever the LORD says to me." (v.14) Those words happened to be words of death and destruction regarding King Ahab, the King of Israel. And his words came to pass. He declared the truth, knowing that it could cost him his life. When false prophets were everywhere declaring victory and prosperity for the King, Micaiah spoke the truth.




And that's the prayer for our son, that he will be a man with strong convictions. A man with a strong backbone to stand for truth regardless of what the rest of the world is doing. To preach the truth of the Gospel whether it is convenient or not and whether people want to hear it or not. That the truth and power of the Gospel will be written all over his life, and that when people observe his life, they will ask in wonder, "Who is like God?" "Who is like Yahweh?"

The Wait

We're still waiting. Tasha's actual due date is tomorrow, but there's still not a whole lot of action to speak of. So, we wait ... and wait some more.

In other news:
Sunday was an awesome day. I led worship for the Richland Creek Community Church in Raleigh, NC where two of my bros serve on staff. RCCC is a biblically-solid, growing church and doing incredible things to reach that area with the Gospel. I led with their house band, a really solid group of players, Tim, Josh and Arianna.

We played:
1. Awesome is the Lord Most High (Tomlin)
2. Center (Charlie Hall)
3. Be Thou My Vision (Via version)
4. Yours Alone (Via - a new track that will be on "All That Glitters")
5. How Deep the Father's Love (I love this hymn - Stuart Townend is the stinkin' man!)

Another

We're about to have another one of these!!

Graduations, Splits and Suffering

We're in Orlando, Florida this weekend to support my brother-in-law, Andrew Litke, as he graduates from Reformed Theological Seminary. Consequently, my brother, Jared, also graduates from seminary (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) in Wake Forest, NC. I'm proud of these 2 guys. They're both men of God and they're seeking to follow His leadership for their family, ministry, and life. Way to go guys!

As is common in our family gatherings, conversations regarding theological ideas seem to rise to the surface frequently. This afternoon the issue was denominational schisms and points of division. Our conclusion? Most of them are superficial and completely non-essential. Though undoubtedly there have been theological issues such as the inerrancy of Scripture that have rightly divided us and have rightly warranted a separation, the majority are petty and superfluous.

With a tone of sarcasm and yet seriousness at the same time, one of Andrew's friends spoke up and said, "What we need in this country is a good dose of persecution!" And I think he's right. Our generation knows little, if not nothing of what it means to suffer for the cause of Christ. And without question, persecution among believers has been the great equalizer throughout generations and cultures, bridging ... no, eliminating the ridiculous barriers that we erect under the guise of faithfulness to the call. Again, sometimes faithful commitment to orthodoxy has been the case (i.e. the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago, or the Baptist resurgence 30 years ago). But most of the time, they've been merely a front for a misguided commitment to an apparent calling, but what is, in reality, one of the pinnacles of religious self-centeredness and pharisaism.

Ironically, this week I'm reading a compilation of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's sermons, letters and writings called Meditations on the Cross. One excerpt regarding suffering and persecution deserves to be quoted here for some much-needed food for thought. He says,

It is infinitely easier to suffer in obedience to a human order than in the freedom of one's own, personal, responsible deed. It is infinitely easier to suffer in company than alone. It is infinitely easier to suffer publicly and with honor than out of the public eye and in disgrace. It is infinitely easier to suffer through the engagement of one's physical being than through the Spirit. Christ suffered in freedom, alone, and out of the public eye and in disgrace, in body and soul, and likewise subsequently many Christians along with him.