This is uncharted territory my friends!! You are reading these words sent from.....
My iPhone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm WAY too excited about this.
Anyway, this is really more of a test to see if I can indeed blog from my phone but I did start the spring semester on Monday so I suppose we can talk about that.
After a bit of a bruhaha (excellent word) regarding my roommate, classes officially, and thankfully, began.
Let's just say that I'm pretty confident that this is going to be a great semester. I think I've been in the college game long enough to predict that.
Having great professors is by far one of the biggest things that can make or break a class for me and I have some excellent ones this spring. I finally feel like I am taking great strides toward graduation and graduate school!
It's just an awesome feeling!
Jamison and Justin left on their mission trip to Arizona with the Midwest Movement team. It's weird not having them around even though it's only 10 days. I am so excited to see how the Lord will minister through the team!
That's about it for now so signing off from the first official iPhone blog. (cheesy ending)
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Audience of ONE
"If you don't live from the praises of man, you won't die from the criticism of man"
Stop and think about this.......
It is our human nature to desire validation, affirmation and receive appreciation for who we are and what we do. We seek gratification and we try to find it in many different ways. It is fine to be recognized for our strengths but in the same breath, can we be corrected for our weaknesses?
I believe as a society we are seeking validation and affirmation in all the wrong places. We see relationships fall into disarray because two people are looking for false affirmation through the other person. Relationships that are only founded on a self-serving motive are bound to crumble. We find people sacrificing their values and integrity to gain the approval of others.
Can we find true value and worth in ourselves regardless of others approval?
Any athlete (or FORMER athlete in my case) can speak from experience and tell you that affirmation and approval of our value sadly comes through success in our particular athletic endeavors. This can be dangerous as we hinge our worth on performance. Our identity is formed through what we do. Not who we are.
I fell into this false sense of affirmation. My performance severely dictated how I saw myself and the value I held in my worth. My identify was Jacob, the football player. Not just Jacob.
I sought approval through this title. I didn't know exactly who I was without it.
When we look to the world for approval, we are often times disappointed. The true and lasting approval that comes from the Lord can propel us into our destiny.
Jesus states it so plainly and boldly...
John 5:41 (NLT)
41 “Your approval means nothing to me...
The Amplified Bible adds a little more...
41I receive not glory from men [I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame]...
Jesus rejected all approval of man!
He wasn't simply indifferent to it but He rejected it completely! He didn't want it, didn't need it.
His audience was His Father
Can we fight our selfish, self gratifying nature and only desire to gain the approval of the Lord? Is His satisfaction and pleasure in us the one thing that drives us when nobody is looking, when the world doesn't see? How about when the whole world is watching? Is He the only one we care sees?
Father,
Our only desire is to honor You and to be honored by You. We shake off the world's approval and seek your approval alone. We look to You Papa for the affirmation in who we are. Our ONE goal, ONE focus is to do Your will and be found faithful. We want to know that only You are pleased with us Lord and pleased with what we say and do. Thank you for singing Your love and affirmation over us. We find our worth in You, in the approval You speak over us.
An audience of ONE.......the most important one
Stop and think about this.......
It is our human nature to desire validation, affirmation and receive appreciation for who we are and what we do. We seek gratification and we try to find it in many different ways. It is fine to be recognized for our strengths but in the same breath, can we be corrected for our weaknesses?
I believe as a society we are seeking validation and affirmation in all the wrong places. We see relationships fall into disarray because two people are looking for false affirmation through the other person. Relationships that are only founded on a self-serving motive are bound to crumble. We find people sacrificing their values and integrity to gain the approval of others.
Can we find true value and worth in ourselves regardless of others approval?
Any athlete (or FORMER athlete in my case) can speak from experience and tell you that affirmation and approval of our value sadly comes through success in our particular athletic endeavors. This can be dangerous as we hinge our worth on performance. Our identity is formed through what we do. Not who we are.
I fell into this false sense of affirmation. My performance severely dictated how I saw myself and the value I held in my worth. My identify was Jacob, the football player. Not just Jacob.
I sought approval through this title. I didn't know exactly who I was without it.
When we look to the world for approval, we are often times disappointed. The true and lasting approval that comes from the Lord can propel us into our destiny.
Jesus states it so plainly and boldly...
John 5:41 (NLT)
41 “Your approval means nothing to me...
The Amplified Bible adds a little more...
41I receive not glory from men [I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame]...
Jesus rejected all approval of man!
He wasn't simply indifferent to it but He rejected it completely! He didn't want it, didn't need it.
His audience was His Father
Can we fight our selfish, self gratifying nature and only desire to gain the approval of the Lord? Is His satisfaction and pleasure in us the one thing that drives us when nobody is looking, when the world doesn't see? How about when the whole world is watching? Is He the only one we care sees?
Father,
Our only desire is to honor You and to be honored by You. We shake off the world's approval and seek your approval alone. We look to You Papa for the affirmation in who we are. Our ONE goal, ONE focus is to do Your will and be found faithful. We want to know that only You are pleased with us Lord and pleased with what we say and do. Thank you for singing Your love and affirmation over us. We find our worth in You, in the approval You speak over us.
An audience of ONE.......the most important one
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Thankful
This isn't really going to be a long one
I really just have to brag on my brother(s).
I have been blessed with the most incredible older brother. If anybody knows Justin then you can agree I got a good one!
I am so thankful for an older brother that's only desire is the Lord. Who won't let me stay the same. Who sets an incredible example in integrity, humility, discernment, and wisdom.
To be honest, all 3 of my brothers are undoubtedly, without question the absolute best. What an awesome thing it is to call your brothers best friends.
I love them
Thank you Lord for THIS family.
For my brothers
I really just have to brag on my brother(s).
I have been blessed with the most incredible older brother. If anybody knows Justin then you can agree I got a good one!
I am so thankful for an older brother that's only desire is the Lord. Who won't let me stay the same. Who sets an incredible example in integrity, humility, discernment, and wisdom.
To be honest, all 3 of my brothers are undoubtedly, without question the absolute best. What an awesome thing it is to call your brothers best friends.
I love them
Thank you Lord for THIS family.
For my brothers
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Things I Like PART 1
OK, so once upon a time I had a plan for my blog. I thought to myself, "Hey Jacob, why don't you do a series of posts"? Serial posts?
I agreed with myself that I had indeed thought up a great plan so I promptly created the first post aptly titled "Things o' Jacob." Read here
It was a pretty novel idea. However, it fizzled out in a ball of flames and so in a fit of desperation to revive the series, I threw down one more "Things o' Jacob" Read here
This is a recreation of the series I suppose. The artist formally known as Things o' Jacob, now known as "Things I Like" (original and clever huh?)
I'll try to be more consistent with this because it has come to my attention that the general population is waiting with baited breath to find out the things that tickle my fancy (that's an awkward expression)
Alrighty...
Things I like...
I like....
1. College
Now this has taken my a good while to realize this. I have come to not just like college but LOVE it. However, I may not love it for the reasons most 18-20 somethings like college. Sure it's nice to be done with class at 10 am at times but honestly, I like college because of the knowledge I am presented with. I have a vast amount of knowledge, information, and experience at my finger tips. I came into college with an apathetic attitude towards school and learning and didn't fully appreciate the opportunity staring me right in the face. wow, things have changed.
2. Blogging
Obviously if you are reading this then you know that I have a blog. I like blogging. It is unique to each person who has one and that makes it so cool. What I write about is different than anybody else. My writing style is different. It allows an outlet to encourage, entertain, and engage with people. I dig it
3. Flannel shirts
OK so in one shirt, the wearer receives warmth and suave style. How could any other shirt provide that much? IT CAN'T!!! Flannel shirts are ultimately my go-to shirts when all else fails because they will never fail. Take crazy random combinations of colors, jumble them up, barf them on flannel, add a few buttons and you get perfection.
It just makes sense
Take a gander at all the flannel glory
OK that's all I'll toss out right now. Felt good to right this for some strange reason.
Stay tuned friends.
I agreed with myself that I had indeed thought up a great plan so I promptly created the first post aptly titled "Things o' Jacob." Read here
It was a pretty novel idea. However, it fizzled out in a ball of flames and so in a fit of desperation to revive the series, I threw down one more "Things o' Jacob" Read here
This is a recreation of the series I suppose. The artist formally known as Things o' Jacob, now known as "Things I Like" (original and clever huh?)
I'll try to be more consistent with this because it has come to my attention that the general population is waiting with baited breath to find out the things that tickle my fancy (that's an awkward expression)
Alrighty...
Things I like...
I like....
1. College
Now this has taken my a good while to realize this. I have come to not just like college but LOVE it. However, I may not love it for the reasons most 18-20 somethings like college. Sure it's nice to be done with class at 10 am at times but honestly, I like college because of the knowledge I am presented with. I have a vast amount of knowledge, information, and experience at my finger tips. I came into college with an apathetic attitude towards school and learning and didn't fully appreciate the opportunity staring me right in the face. wow, things have changed.
2. Blogging
Obviously if you are reading this then you know that I have a blog. I like blogging. It is unique to each person who has one and that makes it so cool. What I write about is different than anybody else. My writing style is different. It allows an outlet to encourage, entertain, and engage with people. I dig it
3. Flannel shirts
OK so in one shirt, the wearer receives warmth and suave style. How could any other shirt provide that much? IT CAN'T!!! Flannel shirts are ultimately my go-to shirts when all else fails because they will never fail. Take crazy random combinations of colors, jumble them up, barf them on flannel, add a few buttons and you get perfection.
It just makes sense
Take a gander at all the flannel glory
OK that's all I'll toss out right now. Felt good to right this for some strange reason.
Stay tuned friends.
Ocean
Only a few people can play a really short instrumental for us because they want to...
Brilliant
Brilliant
Tumblr?!?
Tumblr?
That's right...no E between the "L" and "R"....interesting....
What is it exactly?
I suppose it's kinda like a blog but different?
Maybe it's like a blog but better? I'm not sure
Either way, I'm thinking about starting one so I'll keep you updated on how that goes I guess.
In the meantime, check this one out
http://heatherchristian.tumblr.com/
Check out her blog too....
http://www.heatherchristian.blogspot.com/
That's right...no E between the "L" and "R"....interesting....
What is it exactly?
I suppose it's kinda like a blog but different?
Maybe it's like a blog but better? I'm not sure
Either way, I'm thinking about starting one so I'll keep you updated on how that goes I guess.
In the meantime, check this one out
http://heatherchristian.tumblr.com/
Check out her blog too....
http://www.heatherchristian.blogspot.com/
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tough Season
The good thing about this blog is more than anything it allows me to articulate to some degree what I'm feeling. I always love writing a goofy cereal blog (shameless plug) but the times of reflection are where I find this blog to be most valuable.
Anyway, I always appreciate the opportunity to be transparent. I believe self evaluation, correction, and growth can come about in a great way.
There have been studies that compare the number of words that a man speaks compared to a woman. In one study, woman are shown to have a "word bank" in one particular day to be about 25,000. Men on the other hand hit about 10,000. I find this study interesting in the context of communication. Men, in most cases, have a hard time expressing themselves verbally. Society projects men as unfeeling and unmoved by emotion with the inability to express at a heart level. What is wrong with a guy who is relational and can express himself on an emotional level?
I'd like to consider myself away from that norm and stereotype. Considering the profession I am striving for, I am thankful for the ability I've been blessed with to be sensitive to how I am feeling and subsequently other people. However, I've come to learn through a string of relationships that the Lord has brought into my life that I have a LONG way to go.
However, this new revelation of that aspect of my life has just been a small minute detail contained in an all-encompassing pruning season that Papa has been taking me through. Correction, instruction, humility. The exposing nature of just how far I have to go and how much I need to grow has been a stinging and sobering experience to the highest degree.
Humility ultimately is the key and having a humble heart is my cry.
I don't want to miss what the Lord is saying in this time. These times of instruction, correction, and altering are where I want to be.
This really sums it up in such a simplistic way.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid
I'm learning to love correction, to receive it without an offended heart.
Humility in everything.
I'm not who I thought I was and that's a tough thing to receive but I want to be everything He wants of me.
Learning, changing, correcting
Welcoming it
Thank you, Papa
Anyway, I always appreciate the opportunity to be transparent. I believe self evaluation, correction, and growth can come about in a great way.
There have been studies that compare the number of words that a man speaks compared to a woman. In one study, woman are shown to have a "word bank" in one particular day to be about 25,000. Men on the other hand hit about 10,000. I find this study interesting in the context of communication. Men, in most cases, have a hard time expressing themselves verbally. Society projects men as unfeeling and unmoved by emotion with the inability to express at a heart level. What is wrong with a guy who is relational and can express himself on an emotional level?
I'd like to consider myself away from that norm and stereotype. Considering the profession I am striving for, I am thankful for the ability I've been blessed with to be sensitive to how I am feeling and subsequently other people. However, I've come to learn through a string of relationships that the Lord has brought into my life that I have a LONG way to go.
However, this new revelation of that aspect of my life has just been a small minute detail contained in an all-encompassing pruning season that Papa has been taking me through. Correction, instruction, humility. The exposing nature of just how far I have to go and how much I need to grow has been a stinging and sobering experience to the highest degree.
Humility ultimately is the key and having a humble heart is my cry.
I don't want to miss what the Lord is saying in this time. These times of instruction, correction, and altering are where I want to be.
This really sums it up in such a simplistic way.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid
I'm learning to love correction, to receive it without an offended heart.
Humility in everything.
I'm not who I thought I was and that's a tough thing to receive but I want to be everything He wants of me.
Learning, changing, correcting
Welcoming it
Thank you, Papa
Thursday, January 14, 2010
IHOP
I sure am glad I didn't put down "more blogging" as a resolution for 2010.
Check out the prayer room out at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.
In a nutshell: Inspired by David’s tabernacle (1 Chr. 23:5; 25:7), where 4,000 singers and 288 musicians were employed as their full-time occupation to minister to the Lord and serve the community. The 24/7 schedule is divided into 12 two-hour prayer-with-worship meetings a day.
Scripture teaches that night and day prayer is crucial for the fullness of God’s power and purpose to be released (Lk. 18:7–8; Isa. 62:6–7). We are offering Jesus unceasing adoration, while contending for justice and the power of the Holy Spirit to be manifest and bring transformation in the seven spheres of society.
For over 10 years straight, non-stop, every hour of everyday, there has been prayer and worship interceding for this nation and for the world. Unbelievable.
Click right HERE for the link to the prayer room (which is now free by they way!!!)
OR simply watch at the bottom of the page!!
Hope you are blessed by it
Check out the prayer room out at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.
In a nutshell: Inspired by David’s tabernacle (1 Chr. 23:5; 25:7), where 4,000 singers and 288 musicians were employed as their full-time occupation to minister to the Lord and serve the community. The 24/7 schedule is divided into 12 two-hour prayer-with-worship meetings a day.
Scripture teaches that night and day prayer is crucial for the fullness of God’s power and purpose to be released (Lk. 18:7–8; Isa. 62:6–7). We are offering Jesus unceasing adoration, while contending for justice and the power of the Holy Spirit to be manifest and bring transformation in the seven spheres of society.
For over 10 years straight, non-stop, every hour of everyday, there has been prayer and worship interceding for this nation and for the world. Unbelievable.
Click right HERE for the link to the prayer room (which is now free by they way!!!)
OR simply watch at the bottom of the page!!
Hope you are blessed by it
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