Thursday, January 15, 2009
YAY!!!!
LIKE AHH!! ITS A GOOD DAY!! Jesus is the Rememdy...yesterday was really hard. I dunno why but I felt distant and dry. but I went to worship, and WHOO!! I got a reminder oh how much Jesus Loves me!! Its Joy to know He is my Remedy for this passing world!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The shattered jar now spills its perfume
Brokeness....its as rough as it sounds.
I have been facing many personal issues alone. Ones I need to have my heart changed for. In fact, the more I look at what CHrist wants the more Im convinced it requires a heart change. What I cant believe is how much I need changing, but Thank God Im not alone!!
So...these past couple of days have been very breaking. Work, new room, everything. Even how I act is being critiqued...its good but not always the best thing to hear, especially after 5am workouts in 22 degree weather. But oh well, persevere and strangth comes.
Im actually grateful Im here. I met great people. I have a great female friend named Kayla Chappell...(yes the same pronounciation as Dave Chappell) she's from Oregon. In liberty personality terms...i believe SCD...in a personality test (if you know what this means) Flagmatic Melancholly....ya look it up if you know. its too long to explain.
dont freak out I...also meet some great dudes as well. I cant date for a year, so its OK!! sheesh, next thing i know people will be asking about kayla... There's Chuck, Danny, Tyler, Eric, Zack, Zech(pronounced zach), Josh, Tony, and Paul...all but the first are my roommates/core team. They are hilarious!! There is also Andrew and Cheerios...they are so funny!!
Me and Kayla are just sitting here. She is a Vegeterian...so she doesnt eat meat. And after a "we have no time to fully cook the chicken due to wednesday night service going so late" i wont eat chicken for a week...haha.
We are very opposite in personality we found out. Like Im very "HI!" and meet everyone and get out there and just....AHH!!!!...haha. But Kayla is very reserved. She is shy, in fact when I first met her, she was like.."oh.........hi" its hilarious. But we are coffee buddies so its cool.
So ATL....I dont want to see her name on banners when I visit!! OH im planning to visit during easter! YAY!!!!!
I have been facing many personal issues alone. Ones I need to have my heart changed for. In fact, the more I look at what CHrist wants the more Im convinced it requires a heart change. What I cant believe is how much I need changing, but Thank God Im not alone!!
So...these past couple of days have been very breaking. Work, new room, everything. Even how I act is being critiqued...its good but not always the best thing to hear, especially after 5am workouts in 22 degree weather. But oh well, persevere and strangth comes.
Im actually grateful Im here. I met great people. I have a great female friend named Kayla Chappell...(yes the same pronounciation as Dave Chappell) she's from Oregon. In liberty personality terms...i believe SCD...in a personality test (if you know what this means) Flagmatic Melancholly....ya look it up if you know. its too long to explain.
dont freak out I...also meet some great dudes as well. I cant date for a year, so its OK!! sheesh, next thing i know people will be asking about kayla... There's Chuck, Danny, Tyler, Eric, Zack, Zech(pronounced zach), Josh, Tony, and Paul...all but the first are my roommates/core team. They are hilarious!! There is also Andrew and Cheerios...they are so funny!!
Me and Kayla are just sitting here. She is a Vegeterian...so she doesnt eat meat. And after a "we have no time to fully cook the chicken due to wednesday night service going so late" i wont eat chicken for a week...haha.
We are very opposite in personality we found out. Like Im very "HI!" and meet everyone and get out there and just....AHH!!!!...haha. But Kayla is very reserved. She is shy, in fact when I first met her, she was like.."oh.........hi" its hilarious. But we are coffee buddies so its cool.
So ATL....I dont want to see her name on banners when I visit!! OH im planning to visit during easter! YAY!!!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
the stream of tears creates a river of life, but it must carve the rocks first
So, I changed Cores. Core is a group of people who is in your room, and a nother room. Basically like Accountability partners. I grew super tight during Gauntlet to my temporary core. I was hoping Id stay with them.
I didnt. It was hard. I almost cried. I grew close FAST to the guys. They grew fats with me. I know its for the best, but its one of the realizations that you think you know until your there...That God knows best. He does whats best. If He didnt, Im pretty sure nothing would exist. Its one of those "needed but rough" lessons. Its kinda ironic.
But Im growing into the new core. I have a middle bunk, as opposed to a top bunk...leaves a nice bruise on my head when I sit up in the morning. :)
I get my Ministry placemen, ie my job, tomorrow. Im pumped.
Im also considering doing an Adventure Trip (HA interns and alumni only) trip to Haiti. Its stinkin cool!
Ok, its dinner time, steak, potatoes, and for seconds...PB&J! WHOO!!!
Peace, Love, Joy!
I didnt. It was hard. I almost cried. I grew close FAST to the guys. They grew fats with me. I know its for the best, but its one of the realizations that you think you know until your there...That God knows best. He does whats best. If He didnt, Im pretty sure nothing would exist. Its one of those "needed but rough" lessons. Its kinda ironic.
But Im growing into the new core. I have a middle bunk, as opposed to a top bunk...leaves a nice bruise on my head when I sit up in the morning. :)
I get my Ministry placemen, ie my job, tomorrow. Im pumped.
Im also considering doing an Adventure Trip (HA interns and alumni only) trip to Haiti. Its stinkin cool!
Ok, its dinner time, steak, potatoes, and for seconds...PB&J! WHOO!!!
Peace, Love, Joy!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Honor Academy Update 1
15 min a day...its all im allowed on here this week.
I cannot txt mon-fri for the month of january.
Made new friends quite quickly. Abbey, Chuck, Cheerios, Andrew, Matt, Terry, Oob, Mal,Zack, Bobby...the list expands daily.
GOD IS MOVING SO MUCH! Its so powerful.
Im in a time called Gauntlet. Its intensive orientation. 5:30 mornings...ha.
Its the first week of something called orange block. Its where I limit my sweets intake. i get one free day a week. I also cannot txt mon thru fri. I can only listen to worship music. And I am only allowed 15 min of interent. Im almost up on time. Love everyone...I dont regret this decision...it will def. make an impact on me. Im awaiting my decision on School of Worship. Find out tomorrow. Some found out today, and made it. only becasue they accidently ran into the audition dude.
Prayer is great right now.
I cannot txt mon-fri for the month of january.
Made new friends quite quickly. Abbey, Chuck, Cheerios, Andrew, Matt, Terry, Oob, Mal,Zack, Bobby...the list expands daily.
GOD IS MOVING SO MUCH! Its so powerful.
Im in a time called Gauntlet. Its intensive orientation. 5:30 mornings...ha.
Its the first week of something called orange block. Its where I limit my sweets intake. i get one free day a week. I also cannot txt mon thru fri. I can only listen to worship music. And I am only allowed 15 min of interent. Im almost up on time. Love everyone...I dont regret this decision...it will def. make an impact on me. Im awaiting my decision on School of Worship. Find out tomorrow. Some found out today, and made it. only becasue they accidently ran into the audition dude.
Prayer is great right now.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Sincerely, Biblo Baggins
Yes, we have just arrived in Lindale, TX about....20 min ago.
When we arrived...shoo we just laid in the beds and rested...driving for 11 hours in a tiny car(or any vehicle) is rough on the body. Props to dad...he drove most of it. 9 hours. He got tired and I took over...I probably could have handled 8 hours easily with my music. I barely survived keeping the volume low with David Crowder Band...I like that and it barely worked low volume.
Well...The adventure starts. Im relating too much to The Hobbit recently. Its quite scary how its occurances of adventure and fear of the unknown are ever-true...Thank God J.R.R. Tolkein wrote the book.
I was reading Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. It's a great book. One part talks about slowing our lives down to the day-to-day ministry that goes on in our lives. And that we really shouldn't focus so much on the BIG long-term ministry as much as we should on the day-to-day ones. For instance the Good Samaritan...Im pretty sure he had things to do, but he took the time out of his "busy" schedule and helped a man. And Mark used an illustration of Jesus and the blind man who wouldnt stop crying to Him. He continues to say how "Jesus stopped" and saw this man, not as a "human interruption", but a "divine apppointment".
Long-term ministry is a great plan to have in mind. Those were key words too. Having a plan is great. It guides you and it helps you stay focused. But Im saying here is a "tentative"(loosely used) plan is better. Not something that its "This way or else", but rather a "This way until God says to do otherwise" one. There is a big difference. The first puts man in control, while the latter is man's limited control understanding an all-powerful God who IS in control. Its humbling when you think about it.
By far...Im excited to see why God wants me here, to chase the heart of Jesus, and enter into a time of growth beyond my imagination.
When we arrived...shoo we just laid in the beds and rested...driving for 11 hours in a tiny car(or any vehicle) is rough on the body. Props to dad...he drove most of it. 9 hours. He got tired and I took over...I probably could have handled 8 hours easily with my music. I barely survived keeping the volume low with David Crowder Band...I like that and it barely worked low volume.
Well...The adventure starts. Im relating too much to The Hobbit recently. Its quite scary how its occurances of adventure and fear of the unknown are ever-true...Thank God J.R.R. Tolkein wrote the book.
I was reading Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. It's a great book. One part talks about slowing our lives down to the day-to-day ministry that goes on in our lives. And that we really shouldn't focus so much on the BIG long-term ministry as much as we should on the day-to-day ones. For instance the Good Samaritan...Im pretty sure he had things to do, but he took the time out of his "busy" schedule and helped a man. And Mark used an illustration of Jesus and the blind man who wouldnt stop crying to Him. He continues to say how "Jesus stopped" and saw this man, not as a "human interruption", but a "divine apppointment".
Long-term ministry is a great plan to have in mind. Those were key words too. Having a plan is great. It guides you and it helps you stay focused. But Im saying here is a "tentative"(loosely used) plan is better. Not something that its "This way or else", but rather a "This way until God says to do otherwise" one. There is a big difference. The first puts man in control, while the latter is man's limited control understanding an all-powerful God who IS in control. Its humbling when you think about it.
By far...Im excited to see why God wants me here, to chase the heart of Jesus, and enter into a time of growth beyond my imagination.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
To Begin the Journey...
"I'm the desperate and you're the savior" - Breathing In A New Mentality Underoath
Truly amazing lyrics by Spencer...This is Underoath's newest release...and the entire album is (in how I see it) in the perspective of a New Christian taking on the Cross, facing persecution, emptiness of the world, chasing God, finding the Love of God, and knowing Jesus personally.....truly awe-inspiring.
I love underoath because they say things most Christians are afraid to admit. And they say it and say, "ya I know what is happening isnt right...but I want answers. I want them enough to express this!" Their music and lyrics inspire me. Not the most inspiration as the Holy Spirit, but He has unctioned me to write in a similar way as they have...and its freeing.
Ok...So I leave for Texas in....7 hours...My Journey/Adventure is beginning, and I take it on as a man.
AH I could go on, and on, and on, and on...Im excited to see where this adventure goes now. And yes, Im still pumped. Its an adventure.
Will it be fun? Yep, but not always.
Will be rough? Yep, but not always.
Will it almost seem like I cant make it? Hearing that the ESOAL (its a boot camp) its 3 days with no food(but there will be water) and little sleep...OH YES, but thankfully not always. But Im soaking it all in.
My updates will be long like this one. I wont be able to get on for about a week. The orientation week is called Gauntlet...its gonna be a blast! So afterwards things will be written. And I have to be watched for the first 6 months...just so no pornography is being viewed. they are smart lads.
Be blessed!
The adventure overtakes the surrendered traveler's expectations
Im packing my suitcase and just preparing my mind for whats about to happen this up-coming year. I get a call around 6:10 today from Teen Mania. Already thoughts of "What did I forget?" and "What's wrong now?!" flooded my head. it was very rough, but I answered...surrendered to the consequences (good or bad) that this phone call brings.
I answer like I always do, calling myself JT. I didnt think it through really. After I explain that JT is also my name, they lay it on me. They ask if I want to do the School of Worship, or was still interested.
Of course I'm interested. I wanted to go SO badly, but two things prevented me: 1) I didnt have any means of recording myself for the audition to post it on Youtube. 2) I didnt think my parents could afford it. So I accepted the fact God probably didnt want me there yet. She then told me something I couldn't believe.
She said, there is an audition on arrival day for School of Worship. And that it only costs about $150 extra a month. The extra part didnt excite me, but as she talked about the audition..i get SO EXCITED. I told her I'd love to do it. She asks what instrument...i say guitar (cuz its what I do). Then she asks if I do vocals. I say Im learning...but I will try the audition...its an audition not a performance...so im down being told no on vocals. Im still learning, and if i dont get in with vocals, i can always learn from singers how to :)...its a nice trade.
Now granted...it's an audition. I have no clue what to expect. Its prestigeous. The dude who wrote 'Open the eyes of my Heart" leads this....ya...and my work load increases.........ya. But its worth it. God opened an opportunity. He never gives us things that He knows we cannot handle through Him (and in my Bible, my God is the one who does miraculous signs, wonderous "coincidences", and gives strength to the weak; so Im pretty confident anything that life throws our way isn't something we cannot survive through with God).
I am humbly walking into it, and will enjoy God regardless the outcome. I still have my guitar while Im there anyways, so my guitar playing wont die. Im honored to be seen by such a God, and for Him to be mindful of me. What a reminder.
Friend of God
Who am I that you are mindful of me?
That you hear me when I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me, its amazing!
I am a friend of God x3
He calls me friend!
God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend
I answer like I always do, calling myself JT. I didnt think it through really. After I explain that JT is also my name, they lay it on me. They ask if I want to do the School of Worship, or was still interested.
Of course I'm interested. I wanted to go SO badly, but two things prevented me: 1) I didnt have any means of recording myself for the audition to post it on Youtube. 2) I didnt think my parents could afford it. So I accepted the fact God probably didnt want me there yet. She then told me something I couldn't believe.
She said, there is an audition on arrival day for School of Worship. And that it only costs about $150 extra a month. The extra part didnt excite me, but as she talked about the audition..i get SO EXCITED. I told her I'd love to do it. She asks what instrument...i say guitar (cuz its what I do). Then she asks if I do vocals. I say Im learning...but I will try the audition...its an audition not a performance...so im down being told no on vocals. Im still learning, and if i dont get in with vocals, i can always learn from singers how to :)...its a nice trade.
Now granted...it's an audition. I have no clue what to expect. Its prestigeous. The dude who wrote 'Open the eyes of my Heart" leads this....ya...and my work load increases.........ya. But its worth it. God opened an opportunity. He never gives us things that He knows we cannot handle through Him (and in my Bible, my God is the one who does miraculous signs, wonderous "coincidences", and gives strength to the weak; so Im pretty confident anything that life throws our way isn't something we cannot survive through with God).
I am humbly walking into it, and will enjoy God regardless the outcome. I still have my guitar while Im there anyways, so my guitar playing wont die. Im honored to be seen by such a God, and for Him to be mindful of me. What a reminder.
Friend of God
Who am I that you are mindful of me?
That you hear me when I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me, its amazing!
I am a friend of God x3
He calls me friend!
God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend
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