Merry Christmas

Yes it's the 26th... but better late than never. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!!! Mike dressed up as Santa every night of the Jars of Clay Christmas Tour, and we had a little chat with him one night.

Thanks everyone for all of your support this year. We're very thankful for it.

Merry Christmas,

Leeland

Leeland Lands On Plymouth Rock!!

Hey guys Mike here!! I want to let you guys in on a little bit of our history lesson today!! We are in Plymouth, Massachusetts today!! The boys and I went on a walk about town to see what we could discover, and less than a few blocks away we stumbled across the Mayflower.....well a replica of the original Mayflower but equally as cool!! I have to say I was a little bummed because they were closed when we showed up, normally you could go aboard!! Thanks a lot seasonal tourist!! Beyond that we found the resting place of one of the most famous stones in the rich & very vast history of stones....The Plymouth Rock!! The Rock of Plymouth which was once an ordinary stone before December 21, 1620 is now a staple in our nations history!! According to James Thatcher, who wrote a history of Plymouth in 1835, Plymouth Rock was identified by Elder Faunce, whose father had known some of the Mayflower passengers. In 1741, at the age of 95, Elder Faunce was informed that a wharf was going to be built over the top of the rock. He was carried in a chair three miles to the rock, where he "bedewed it with his tears and bid to it an everlasting adieu." According to Plymouth tradition, Elder Faunce had placed his children and grandchildren upon the rock every year, and told them about their forefathers. (Thanks to MayflowerHistory.com) In all seriousness after walking around today in the chilly 27.0 °F weather I don't know how the pilgrims did it...I was freezing!!

P.S. Of the one hundred and two passengers to make the voyage over, three of them were pregnant ladies, one of which gave birth on the way over! The babe was apply named Oceanus Hopkins!!

Vlog 6 - WalMart

Shopping at the King of Prussia Mall...

Me and lee came into the apple store really quick and bummed off their computer... We're at the mall doing some Christmas shopping for our wives. Getting really good stuff!

Random Road Pix

Captions please... :-)

Vlog 5 - DC

Last Friday, Leeland and I had the opportunity to go to our nation's capitol and speak at the 'Compassion in Action Roundtable'. It was an event hosted by the White House Office for Faith Based and Community Initiatives.

We got to meet some amazing young people who have risen to the world's challenges. They've chosen to get their hands dirty and do the hard stuff... not just be passive observers. It was truly inspirational to hear their stories. We got to see our good friend Zach Hunter, who is doing so much to mobilize our generation to action. On the panel were young people sharing their passion for solutions to the biggest social issues of our time. Everything from basic human rights, fighting malaria, feeding the poor, micro-economics, the sex & slave trade, keeping kids off the streets, and even providing soldiers with the means to call home from abroad.

We got to share from our perspective as a band in being involved with our generation in helping inspire people to action. We would challenge you today to pray about your place in the world. What can you do to help? God's given each and every person the ability to do incredible things when we rely on Him. It doesn't matter how young (or old) you are, God can give you unique ideas and solutions. Or he can give you a passion to work with an already established organization. The point here is that if we're in real relationship with Jesus... it must produce outward action of love to the world. Be encouraged today and know that we're praying for you. Micah 6:8

Merry Christmas!

jack

Here's a video of our day...

Yukon Cornelius

Does this picture remind you of a certain drummer from a certain band?

Grammy Nomination

Hey Guys and Gals,

We found out last night that "Opposite Way" has been nominated for a Grammy in the category of 'Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Album'. We're so excited about this. We realize a record is made up of more than a few months in the studio. It's God that has breathed life into the process... the people that helped shape the songs... our families that support our ministry... our partners in the music industry that work so hard... and our amazing fans that helped make this record happen. A big thanks to everybody! It's a very high honor just to be nominated!

Blessings,

the leeland boys

A message from all of us here... (jake's missing because he was taking a jog)