One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists.
Mat Kearney released this song on his album "Nothing Left to Lose" in 2006.
One of the first full songs I learned on the guitar. Great lyrics and phenomenal music video
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Deal with Me
Last night on campus, there was a night of worship and prayer. Honestly, I was slightly hesitant to go because you never quite know how campus wide situations are going to play out. I was greatly encouraged to see the openness to the spirit of the Lord.
Basically, in a nutshell, it was a bunch of 20 somethings coming together to stand in the gap for our campus before the Lord.
There was a guy that spoke, who was very good by the way, about how college students are specifically under a pseudo-assumption that something is owed to us. You can really replace "college students" with our whole generation. The sense of entitlement is clouding compassionate hearts and inhibiting us to run and seek after the Lord with abandon.
It's very interesting what the Lord puts on hearts because not just 3 hours before the meeting I was undone for that very reason. The Lord has been so clearly putting on my heart the need to lose my pride. Pride is interesting because bottom line: there is NO need for it!
Seriously, I am in no way where I need to be. I have in no way arrived. Sheesh, I have a long way to go. Who am I that I should have such a haughty spirit? It makes no sense! Unfortunately, it is something that permeates the spirit unknowingly at times. Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit.
The gifts and talents I have are in no way reflective of Jacob Michael Glose. They are not a direct product of what I've done or accomplished.
To realize this is a humbling process. However, it's a much needed process.
As I read over what I've just written above, it may carry the appearance that I am simply too critical of myself. However, being real with myself and with the Lord brings about freedom and growth to the fullest extent. I fully believe it's the only way for Him to work in your life. Be real
I think growing has been a common theme for the past few posts.
2010...the year for the Lord to work on me in a greater way.
To allow Him to cut out what is displeasing
My prayer in this season...
Psalm 139:24 (The Message)
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about...
I love the NLT
Psalm 139:24 (New Living Translation)
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life
WOW, "Point out anything that offends You"
I want the Lord to deal with me. Point out anything that is getting in the way of how He wants to use me. He's a loving father; He'll be faithful to lead us into new seasons of growth
Be encouraged
Thanks for reading!
Basically, in a nutshell, it was a bunch of 20 somethings coming together to stand in the gap for our campus before the Lord.
There was a guy that spoke, who was very good by the way, about how college students are specifically under a pseudo-assumption that something is owed to us. You can really replace "college students" with our whole generation. The sense of entitlement is clouding compassionate hearts and inhibiting us to run and seek after the Lord with abandon.
It's very interesting what the Lord puts on hearts because not just 3 hours before the meeting I was undone for that very reason. The Lord has been so clearly putting on my heart the need to lose my pride. Pride is interesting because bottom line: there is NO need for it!
Seriously, I am in no way where I need to be. I have in no way arrived. Sheesh, I have a long way to go. Who am I that I should have such a haughty spirit? It makes no sense! Unfortunately, it is something that permeates the spirit unknowingly at times. Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit.
The gifts and talents I have are in no way reflective of Jacob Michael Glose. They are not a direct product of what I've done or accomplished.
To realize this is a humbling process. However, it's a much needed process.
As I read over what I've just written above, it may carry the appearance that I am simply too critical of myself. However, being real with myself and with the Lord brings about freedom and growth to the fullest extent. I fully believe it's the only way for Him to work in your life. Be real
I think growing has been a common theme for the past few posts.
2010...the year for the Lord to work on me in a greater way.
To allow Him to cut out what is displeasing
My prayer in this season...
Psalm 139:24 (The Message)
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about...
I love the NLT
Psalm 139:24 (New Living Translation)
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life
WOW, "Point out anything that offends You"
I want the Lord to deal with me. Point out anything that is getting in the way of how He wants to use me. He's a loving father; He'll be faithful to lead us into new seasons of growth
Be encouraged
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Words Matter
Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose.
I love the translation of this verse. It puts the purpose/consequence of our words in such a simplistic way.
The words we speak are impactful.
People I talk to will tell me at times that there are things people have said to them as a child/teenager that still have a relevant impact in their lives. The very essence of the remark, threat, praise, word of affirmation, or encouragement has a profound impact on who they are currently.
These words can undoubtedly be positive in nature, as seeds of confidence and affirmation blossom into self-worth and a high level of self-efficacy as a young adult.
However, there are cases where words tear down, dismantle self identity, and produce a sense of incompetence. It is astounding and frankly quite bewildering to me to see how we pass on words, remarks, and statements so haphazardly, without a conscious awareness of what they are actually doing to the person. That casual statement about somebodies appearance, performance, characteristic, or intelligence sticks so much longer than we realize.
We may have heard stories or even better, have experienced a situation where a parent, coach, teacher, influential figure speaks a word of praise, encouragement, confidence, or admiration into our lives. What a life giving experience that can be! As we take that and let it edify us, we often see it manifesting itself later on in our lives.
However, the adverse effect of bitter, hateful, cynical criticism/remarks can have a detrimental backlash on the identity and esteem of an individual.
Honestly, I can think back to things people have said to me and even as a 22 year old man, still feel the flight of encouragement it gives to my spirit and heart. However, I can also still feel that sting of certain things spoken over me. My heart burns for people who are lost in their identity and in their self-worth. Those who don't see any value in their lives, in their future. Those who have let the words of man corrode their worth.
The good news is that we/me/us/everybody can change and charge the atmosphere with what we say. Think about the verse above: Our words can KILL (the spirit, mind, emotions, will) or can bring LIFE.
Are we fully aware of what we say? Who we affect? What ONE encouraging word has the potential to do!
It's a powerful thing to realize. Even more powerful is to put it to practice!
I'd encourage everybody to take this verse to heart with the people in their life
Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Stay sweet.
I blow it and mess up with my words at times, we all do but remind yourself to stay sweet. Be an encouragement and speak life to those around you.
Thanks for reading.
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose.
I love the translation of this verse. It puts the purpose/consequence of our words in such a simplistic way.
The words we speak are impactful.
People I talk to will tell me at times that there are things people have said to them as a child/teenager that still have a relevant impact in their lives. The very essence of the remark, threat, praise, word of affirmation, or encouragement has a profound impact on who they are currently.
These words can undoubtedly be positive in nature, as seeds of confidence and affirmation blossom into self-worth and a high level of self-efficacy as a young adult.
However, there are cases where words tear down, dismantle self identity, and produce a sense of incompetence. It is astounding and frankly quite bewildering to me to see how we pass on words, remarks, and statements so haphazardly, without a conscious awareness of what they are actually doing to the person. That casual statement about somebodies appearance, performance, characteristic, or intelligence sticks so much longer than we realize.
We may have heard stories or even better, have experienced a situation where a parent, coach, teacher, influential figure speaks a word of praise, encouragement, confidence, or admiration into our lives. What a life giving experience that can be! As we take that and let it edify us, we often see it manifesting itself later on in our lives.
However, the adverse effect of bitter, hateful, cynical criticism/remarks can have a detrimental backlash on the identity and esteem of an individual.
Honestly, I can think back to things people have said to me and even as a 22 year old man, still feel the flight of encouragement it gives to my spirit and heart. However, I can also still feel that sting of certain things spoken over me. My heart burns for people who are lost in their identity and in their self-worth. Those who don't see any value in their lives, in their future. Those who have let the words of man corrode their worth.
The good news is that we/me/us/everybody can change and charge the atmosphere with what we say. Think about the verse above: Our words can KILL (the spirit, mind, emotions, will) or can bring LIFE.
Are we fully aware of what we say? Who we affect? What ONE encouraging word has the potential to do!
It's a powerful thing to realize. Even more powerful is to put it to practice!
I'd encourage everybody to take this verse to heart with the people in their life
Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Stay sweet.
I blow it and mess up with my words at times, we all do but remind yourself to stay sweet. Be an encouragement and speak life to those around you.
Thanks for reading.
Friday, February 19, 2010
FINALLY!!!!!
What the heck?!?
I have been trying to get this blog out for about a week!!! Every time I go to write, I am just stumped.
So I am just going to write and barf my thoughts on here. That seems to be a good idea.
This week was interesting. If anybody is like me, they have bouts of discouragement at times. This week was weird in that aspect for me. Although I am 100% confident that I am on the right path, that hint of doubt and discouragement tries to make its way in. Not a chance I feed into that nonsense. Don't give doubt and discouragement your time and energy and let it manifest in your life!
I am not sure how to really articulate these next thoughts but here goes...
I have had some level of revelation about relationships in my life. I would say confidently that I am satisfied with where I am at right now. I think of 1 Corinthians 7:32 in this line of thinking.
Sometimes I think back to blogs I wrote in the past and expand on some thoughts I had. Almost a year or so ago, I wrote this...click. I mostly want to pick out ONE WORD in ONE VERSE in that old blog that until recently had not stood out to me. It's cool to get this kind of revelation!
Wow, these two verses completely and utterly changed my thinking. It is a responsibility of mine to find the wife the Lord has for me. She's not just going to magically appear! The prospect of that responsibility is exciting as I work hand in hand with the Lord regarding who that is. Testing, discerning, believing that He will give me the guidance. He's great like that!
So here is really been my consuming thought (finally!)
I always had a notion that I was trying to find somebody that was suitable for me (not in a stuck up, selfish perspective). However, I've realized that it's me that I need to work on!! (think about that) I need to be what she needs!!
It's me that needs to grow. It's me that needs to hear the voice of my Father even better. It's me that needs to learn to serve better. It's me that needs to be more patient and understanding.
That blew my world up!!
This year is about GROWTH. Working on me. Delighting myself in the Lord and fully focused on what He wants.
Things will fall into place at the right time.
Thanks for reading!!
I have been trying to get this blog out for about a week!!! Every time I go to write, I am just stumped.
So I am just going to write and barf my thoughts on here. That seems to be a good idea.
This week was interesting. If anybody is like me, they have bouts of discouragement at times. This week was weird in that aspect for me. Although I am 100% confident that I am on the right path, that hint of doubt and discouragement tries to make its way in. Not a chance I feed into that nonsense. Don't give doubt and discouragement your time and energy and let it manifest in your life!
I am not sure how to really articulate these next thoughts but here goes...
I have had some level of revelation about relationships in my life. I would say confidently that I am satisfied with where I am at right now. I think of 1 Corinthians 7:32 in this line of thinking.
1 Corinthians 7:32: I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
The early part of 1 Corinthians is heavy on marriage. I look at this verse and just have to agree wholeheartedly. I am not married obviously. Really, I am in no form of a relationship whatsoever. Like I said above, I am not saddened by this fact but perfectly content with where God wants me. The season of life I am in right now is exciting. It allows me to pour into people, grow deeper in my love for the Lord, work on myself and mature (much needed) It's all perspective!
However, I suppose it is time for a bit of self-disclosure here...
I honestly would love nothing more than to find out who I am supposed to marry. Who the Lord has ordained and created perfectly for me. The woman who possesses the very things that will complete who I am. That is an exciting proposition.
However, in this desire and in my questioning, I've realized that God is one of order and detail (I Corinthians 14:33) I look at His nature and know that in order for me to be in His perfect will, certain things must fall into place in His time. The key here is being in His perfect will, not simply His permissive will for my life. If I want His best, then I have to get myself out of the way.
So where does this leave me?
I am not sure if I am unusual in this aspect but I have a list I wrote out of attributes and characteristics that I am believing the Lord for in my wife. I have altered this list quite a few times and earlier this week as I was spending time with the Lord, I took a look at it. I crossed off a few things that I felt were unnecessary and then I was prompted to take about 90% of it and trash it!! I felt so strongly the Lord saying that "She will be what I need"
Sometimes I think back to blogs I wrote in the past and expand on some thoughts I had. Almost a year or so ago, I wrote this...click. I mostly want to pick out ONE WORD in ONE VERSE in that old blog that until recently had not stood out to me. It's cool to get this kind of revelation!
Proverbs 31:10: Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
Hmmm OK, so Proverbs 31:10 asks, "who can FIND a virtuous can capable wife?"
Wow, these two verses completely and utterly changed my thinking. It is a responsibility of mine to find the wife the Lord has for me. She's not just going to magically appear! The prospect of that responsibility is exciting as I work hand in hand with the Lord regarding who that is. Testing, discerning, believing that He will give me the guidance. He's great like that!
So here is really been my consuming thought (finally!)
I always had a notion that I was trying to find somebody that was suitable for me (not in a stuck up, selfish perspective). However, I've realized that it's me that I need to work on!! (think about that) I need to be what she needs!!
It's me that needs to grow. It's me that needs to hear the voice of my Father even better. It's me that needs to learn to serve better. It's me that needs to be more patient and understanding.
That blew my world up!!
This year is about GROWTH. Working on me. Delighting myself in the Lord and fully focused on what He wants.
Things will fall into place at the right time.
Thanks for reading!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thanks
I had thoughts about going through my blogs and possibly deleting a few early ones. I find it completely amusing to go back and read things I've written. I'm pretty simple like that.
So looking way back to early on in the blog, I find it interesting to see the topics I decided to write about. (Mustaches???) Seriously, mustaches....
As I was just about to go through the blog, which will be a year old next month, and delete some old posts, I stopped.
I didn't want to and for a pretty simple reason...
This blog, to some degree and capacity, has been a documentation of my life for the past (almost) year! Changes, growth, crazy stories, weird ideas, thoughts and happenings have all been included. Personally, I can go back and read things and remember the day and why I wrote it or what was going on in my life.
Obviously, every event is not recorded in the Life and Times but I've found myself to be pretty self-reflective and open which I certainly can appreciate.
In an unexpected way, I can see a change in my thoughts and perspective.
I guess I'm just in a weird reflective mood today (probably because it's Wednesday) and just always want to be very appreciative of things in my life. A thankful heart is a beautiful thing.
I really enjoy writing and especially writing about things I really enjoy which all equals this blog.
Thank you for reading
So looking way back to early on in the blog, I find it interesting to see the topics I decided to write about. (Mustaches???) Seriously, mustaches....
As I was just about to go through the blog, which will be a year old next month, and delete some old posts, I stopped.
I didn't want to and for a pretty simple reason...
This blog, to some degree and capacity, has been a documentation of my life for the past (almost) year! Changes, growth, crazy stories, weird ideas, thoughts and happenings have all been included. Personally, I can go back and read things and remember the day and why I wrote it or what was going on in my life.
Obviously, every event is not recorded in the Life and Times but I've found myself to be pretty self-reflective and open which I certainly can appreciate.
In an unexpected way, I can see a change in my thoughts and perspective.
I guess I'm just in a weird reflective mood today (probably because it's Wednesday) and just always want to be very appreciative of things in my life. A thankful heart is a beautiful thing.
I really enjoy writing and especially writing about things I really enjoy which all equals this blog.
Thank you for reading
Monday, February 8, 2010
Grad school
Recently the immediacy of grad school has come to my attention. I think in some strange way, I never could picture myself there.
After some calculations, I have discovered that I am a cool 24 credits away from graduation after the spring semester.
Naturally, this raised the question: What to do after undergrad?
I am excited about the prospect of graduate school and actually learning how to be a counselor (I hear they don't teach that in undergrad) However, it is a daunting next step to some degree. In many ways, I have absolutely no concept of what grad school requires. I doubt this is uncommon for most students who have yet to experience it but as you can tell, it leaves a lot to the imagination. A lot of pondering.
A friend of mine recently got accepted into the psychology graduate program at Mizzou. So I'm thankful she is willing to lend any advice/support/knowledge about the process towards grad school. She is definitely more than qualified!
Right now, I'd say Missouri Baptist or UMSL are the top two schools I am considering. I want to stay in St.Louis.
Nothing is set in stone by any means but I am excited for the next steps!
After some calculations, I have discovered that I am a cool 24 credits away from graduation after the spring semester.
Naturally, this raised the question: What to do after undergrad?
I am excited about the prospect of graduate school and actually learning how to be a counselor (I hear they don't teach that in undergrad) However, it is a daunting next step to some degree. In many ways, I have absolutely no concept of what grad school requires. I doubt this is uncommon for most students who have yet to experience it but as you can tell, it leaves a lot to the imagination. A lot of pondering.
A friend of mine recently got accepted into the psychology graduate program at Mizzou. So I'm thankful she is willing to lend any advice/support/knowledge about the process towards grad school. She is definitely more than qualified!
Right now, I'd say Missouri Baptist or UMSL are the top two schools I am considering. I want to stay in St.Louis.
Nothing is set in stone by any means but I am excited for the next steps!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Things I like Part 2
OK, folks
I'm back with another installment of.......
(dramatic, echoing voice) Thiiiiiiiiiiiings IIIIIII liiiiiike
That wasn't dramatic
Naturally the title gives away what exactly I am writing. Or I hope it does.
Just a few things that suit my fancy
1. Vans
Let me be more specific I suppose. The slip-on Vans
Absolutely, without question my shoe of choice other than flip flops.
Let's think about this: Extreme comfort, classy style, no laces
These shoes virtually go with anything and that is quite alright in my book
Downside? It seems that dirt and other unpleasant things have a magnetic attraction to these shoes.
Upside to the downside? I can throw them in the laundry and they are good as new
Just can't go wrong
2. Forest Park
I will make an assumption here and toss out the predication that most of the people who read this blog are either from the greater St. Louis/Peters/Charles region. I'm not sure how far reaching this blog is. Either way, if you are from St. Louis, I hope you like Forest Park.
I am most certainly a fan of Forest Park. I will say that the spring/summer time is the best time to go but really there are so many things to do that anytime is a
delightful time.
I am partial to the museums but the Muny or Zoo is also a solid choice.
I've lived here my whole life and really just think Forest Park is a unique place. Makes St. Louis unique.
One semester when I was at Central Missouri, I had to give a speech which persuaded my class to visit St. Louis. I hit on Forest Park as clean up and I think I won them over. Tough crowd when you are so close to Kansas City though.
It'll be one place guaranteed I'll be this summer
3. Getting out of class early
OK, now I know this probably contradicts my last "Things I like" installment. I love college and going to class but who doesn't like a well-timed, well-needed early end to a class?!? It's one of the joys of college. It is especially helpful when the class is dragging, it's getting hot in the classroom and somebody just decided they wanted everybody to smell what they had for lunch.
Even as a senior in college, I still feel like a young school boy (weird) whenever class ends early. It is especially dandy when the class is on Tuesday or Thursday. OR better yet, when it is a 3 hour+ night class. Those can be brutal.
I suppose having a class canceled is even better but this way I still can learn something.
I'm back with another installment of.......
(dramatic, echoing voice) Thiiiiiiiiiiiings IIIIIII liiiiiike
That wasn't dramatic
Naturally the title gives away what exactly I am writing. Or I hope it does.
Just a few things that suit my fancy
1. Vans
Let me be more specific I suppose. The slip-on Vans
Absolutely, without question my shoe of choice other than flip flops.
Let's think about this: Extreme comfort, classy style, no laces
These shoes virtually go with anything and that is quite alright in my book
Downside? It seems that dirt and other unpleasant things have a magnetic attraction to these shoes.
Upside to the downside? I can throw them in the laundry and they are good as new
Just can't go wrong
2. Forest Park
I will make an assumption here and toss out the predication that most of the people who read this blog are either from the greater St. Louis/Peters/Charles region. I'm not sure how far reaching this blog is. Either way, if you are from St. Louis, I hope you like Forest Park.
I am most certainly a fan of Forest Park. I will say that the spring/summer time is the best time to go but really there are so many things to do that anytime is a
delightful time.I am partial to the museums but the Muny or Zoo is also a solid choice.
I've lived here my whole life and really just think Forest Park is a unique place. Makes St. Louis unique.
One semester when I was at Central Missouri, I had to give a speech which persuaded my class to visit St. Louis. I hit on Forest Park as clean up and I think I won them over. Tough crowd when you are so close to Kansas City though.
It'll be one place guaranteed I'll be this summer
3. Getting out of class early
OK, now I know this probably contradicts my last "Things I like" installment. I love college and going to class but who doesn't like a well-timed, well-needed early end to a class?!? It's one of the joys of college. It is especially helpful when the class is dragging, it's getting hot in the classroom and somebody just decided they wanted everybody to smell what they had for lunch.
Even as a senior in college, I still feel like a young school boy (weird) whenever class ends early. It is especially dandy when the class is on Tuesday or Thursday. OR better yet, when it is a 3 hour+ night class. Those can be brutal.
I suppose having a class canceled is even better but this way I still can learn something.
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