For many, one of the hardest things to do in life is say "goodbye" to those whom you love especially when you don't know when or if you'll ever see them again. You often feel that those individuals whom you've said "goodbye" to are gone to never again return. Many "goodbyes" leave a void in your heart and in your life that cannot be filled by anyone but the individual that you have parted ways with. But those idividuals who are gone from your life through death or other circumstances are gone physically but are they gone forever? No my friend. Each individual leaves some kind of an impact on your life so much so that the things that you do today, the way that you think, today, the way you talk, today, has been formed by those that have had a part in your past. Remember that good friend you had back in the day or that family member you paid your respects to? Even though you may no longer be in communion with them, a part of them, it could be great or small, is still living through you and other lives that they have impacted.
How are you living through the lives of those around you? Are you the kind of person that sparks a bad memory because of the way you act circumstances out? Do individuals look at you and say "my life is different because this person spoke truth into me...my life is different because this person wasn't nosy and didn't ask a million questions, but they were there.....my life is different because this person let me into their personal space when I had no where else to go and no one else to turn to....my life is different because this person didn't just say they would pray for me but they actually did...my life is different because when everyone else had doubts, this person saw my potential and stood up for me....my life is different because this person stuck by me during my highs and my lows....my life is different because this person allowed themselves to be the hands and feet of God. I challenge you and I challenge myself to not ignore all that those around you have to offer because in order to pour into individuals, you too have to be poured into. What may be gone in the visual is still present in more ways than one.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Post 17
Hello!
It has been a little while since I last gave an update on life. I was able to celebrate a birthday the end of last month so I'm very thankful to be on earth for another year; as I get older I realize even more so how being in my 20's means nothing-death is not defined by age.
This past week has been interesting. I participated in a "walkathon" to help support those struggling with homelessness. But....the "walkathon" was more of a tour of organizations in Boston that minister to those that are homeless. I must say that I had to stop myself at many times during the "walkathon" from laughing. I'm pretty sure my group looked like a pre-school class following around our guide (we all were wearing the same colored shirts (except for me-I was late) and the leader had a big yellow sign with our groups number on it). Oh well....it made a good story. BUT...the church that I have been attending supports social justice so we were able to split up into groups today and go into the community and minister in various ways. My group did a prayer walk around Cambridge which was a blessing to participate in. If this is the church that I'm to be at, I'm excited about the ways I can become involved in it in the future.
God has been giving me the opportunity to invest in the lives of students, which I LOVE! I had a dorm-wide event last week, with the emphasis being on women dealing with fantasizing, porn, and struggling to sustain a healthy mind in a sexually saturized world. About ten people showed up and the lady that came and spoke to the ladies of my dorm did a good introduction session so I'm hoping we can do follow-up ones in the future. One student recently told me that she wants to do a movie night in my apartment with a bunch of ladies, so I'm looking forward to that. I've also been able to cook with a couple of students and show them my very limited knowledge of what can take place in the kitchen (one student thinks that apple sauce is the best thing in the whole world; so I was able to show him how to cook it).
Work does have its challenges. Maintaining harmony amongst office mates can be difficult at times-but we're human so having tention is bound to happen.
A highlight of this month is that I'm going to VA this week!!!!!!! And I'm VERY excited! I need some country air and the fellowship of old friends. :) Well I'm off!
~JGB
It has been a little while since I last gave an update on life. I was able to celebrate a birthday the end of last month so I'm very thankful to be on earth for another year; as I get older I realize even more so how being in my 20's means nothing-death is not defined by age.
This past week has been interesting. I participated in a "walkathon" to help support those struggling with homelessness. But....the "walkathon" was more of a tour of organizations in Boston that minister to those that are homeless. I must say that I had to stop myself at many times during the "walkathon" from laughing. I'm pretty sure my group looked like a pre-school class following around our guide (we all were wearing the same colored shirts (except for me-I was late) and the leader had a big yellow sign with our groups number on it). Oh well....it made a good story. BUT...the church that I have been attending supports social justice so we were able to split up into groups today and go into the community and minister in various ways. My group did a prayer walk around Cambridge which was a blessing to participate in. If this is the church that I'm to be at, I'm excited about the ways I can become involved in it in the future.
God has been giving me the opportunity to invest in the lives of students, which I LOVE! I had a dorm-wide event last week, with the emphasis being on women dealing with fantasizing, porn, and struggling to sustain a healthy mind in a sexually saturized world. About ten people showed up and the lady that came and spoke to the ladies of my dorm did a good introduction session so I'm hoping we can do follow-up ones in the future. One student recently told me that she wants to do a movie night in my apartment with a bunch of ladies, so I'm looking forward to that. I've also been able to cook with a couple of students and show them my very limited knowledge of what can take place in the kitchen (one student thinks that apple sauce is the best thing in the whole world; so I was able to show him how to cook it).
Work does have its challenges. Maintaining harmony amongst office mates can be difficult at times-but we're human so having tention is bound to happen.
A highlight of this month is that I'm going to VA this week!!!!!!! And I'm VERY excited! I need some country air and the fellowship of old friends. :) Well I'm off!
~JGB
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Post 16
Here lately I've been feeling like one of those mothers you read about in children's stories, being able to find a biblical application in small everyday events. I even find myself quoting scriptures at students or applying verses to my own life as I experience things that I've never run into before. I'm going to try and enable you to get into my head in what I've been thinking about lately.
With great anticipation I watch my oldest brother on live TV as he's about to enter the octagon for a big fight. He puts on his gear, hugs my dad (yes, I saw my dad on LIVE TV for the 1st time EVER), and gets encouragement from coaches and the like around him. He enters the octagon, fans are cheering like there's no tomorrow. I too start to cheer, even though he can't hear me. My heart rate begins to quicken and I begin to pray "dear Lord, keep my brother safe, enable him from power from within, help him to win, at the very least, do well during this fight." Round one starts and both my brother and his opponent go after it. I pray that God gives my brother an in to take this guy down. Round two; his opponent is pounding my brothers face. I begin to yell at the guy, telling him to punch somewhere else. None the less, my brother remains on his feet, blocking as many punches as he is able. His face begins to swell before the fans eyes, his opponent keep striking. My brother remains on his feet. Round three; same thing takes place only the punches and the kicks intensify. His eyes begin to swell shut yet my brother still remains on his feet; his opponent taken back as to why he has yet to fall down. He eventually puts him in a head lock, my brother bent over, yet still remaining on his feet. Round three ends, my brother's opponent wins yet the hosts of the show are shocked by the endurance that my brother portrayed. They spoke of him as having a "chin of steel and the heart of a lion." His opponent even praised him, saying he doesn't know how my brother stayed on his two feet.
I'm used to seeing my brother win fights and so are his fans but while watching all of this, the Lord reminded me of something. No matter how hard the enemy attacks, no matter what he throws at me; stand. No matter how simple it would seem to sit down, to give in; stand. No matter how painful the blows are, even when I loose sight as to what is before me; stand and God will see me through.
I love you my brother! I'm pretty sure I would have fallen after the first blow, but you endured with the heart, the will, and the mind of a champion. You are the definition of a fighter.
With great anticipation I watch my oldest brother on live TV as he's about to enter the octagon for a big fight. He puts on his gear, hugs my dad (yes, I saw my dad on LIVE TV for the 1st time EVER), and gets encouragement from coaches and the like around him. He enters the octagon, fans are cheering like there's no tomorrow. I too start to cheer, even though he can't hear me. My heart rate begins to quicken and I begin to pray "dear Lord, keep my brother safe, enable him from power from within, help him to win, at the very least, do well during this fight." Round one starts and both my brother and his opponent go after it. I pray that God gives my brother an in to take this guy down. Round two; his opponent is pounding my brothers face. I begin to yell at the guy, telling him to punch somewhere else. None the less, my brother remains on his feet, blocking as many punches as he is able. His face begins to swell before the fans eyes, his opponent keep striking. My brother remains on his feet. Round three; same thing takes place only the punches and the kicks intensify. His eyes begin to swell shut yet my brother still remains on his feet; his opponent taken back as to why he has yet to fall down. He eventually puts him in a head lock, my brother bent over, yet still remaining on his feet. Round three ends, my brother's opponent wins yet the hosts of the show are shocked by the endurance that my brother portrayed. They spoke of him as having a "chin of steel and the heart of a lion." His opponent even praised him, saying he doesn't know how my brother stayed on his two feet.
I'm used to seeing my brother win fights and so are his fans but while watching all of this, the Lord reminded me of something. No matter how hard the enemy attacks, no matter what he throws at me; stand. No matter how simple it would seem to sit down, to give in; stand. No matter how painful the blows are, even when I loose sight as to what is before me; stand and God will see me through.
I love you my brother! I'm pretty sure I would have fallen after the first blow, but you endured with the heart, the will, and the mind of a champion. You are the definition of a fighter.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
100 things I'm thankful for:
- Family
- Friends
- Flowers
- Trees
- Clouds
- Stars
- Fireflys
- The Ocean
- Rain
- Autumn
- Sunrise
- Sunset
- Children
- Butterflys
- Chocolate
- Peanut Butter
- Protein
- My legs
- My arms
- My feet
- My hands
- My fingers
- My toes
- My eyes
- My eyelids
- My eyelashes
- My belly button
- The ability to hear
- The ability to see
- The ability to smell
- God's word
- The Father
- The Son
- The Holy Spirit
- Soul Food
- Italian Food
- Accents
- Culture!
- The ability to think
- The ability to process
- The ability to speak
- The ability to critique
- Mistakes
- Unanswered prayers
- Answered prayer
- Oatmeal
- The ability to feel
- The ability to touch
- The ability to taste
- Laughter
- Tears
- Pain
- Joy
- Morning
- Mourning
- Evening
- Dusk
- Dawn
- Deer
- Dew
- Snow
- Speech
- Actions
- Love
- The rich
- The poor
- The middle class
- electricity
- Running water
- Cell phones
- the ability to read
- Doc and Ms. Judy
- Corrie ten Boon
- Elisabeth Elliott
- Dannah Gresh
- Shannon Ethridge
- The Mangan's
- Marlena and Shawn Graves
- Crossroads Bible College
- Cedarvillle University
- Eastern Nazarene College
- Carmille Akande
- Corey MacPherson
- Jewel Johnson
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Frederick Douglas
- Teeth
- Tongue
- Christmas!
- Birthdays!
- Caterpillars
- Education
- Donors
- Grants
- Scholorships
- Roommates
- Difficult people
- Clean clothes
- Chapstick
- MUSIC!
All these things I am grateful for and so much more
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Post 14
Why is New England known for being spiritually dead..........or is America in general becoming spiritually dead (I had church-searching problems in OH too...people weren't as odd though)?
You go to one church and they emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Christ and why we need to take care of the body of Christ; yet the opportunity to shine the light of Christ to the neighborhood where the church is located in is not seized.
You go to another church and they emphasize the importance of being the hands and feet in the local community, yet nothing is done to nourish those that are within the church.
You go to another church where the people are sweeter than southern style sweet ice tea, yet there's really no meat to the service.
And you go to another church where worshiping God is emphasized yet there is no teaching involved.
And then you go to another service where they teach and preach deep truths of Christ, yet they're as cold as ice at the north pole.
So the question is; where do I go? Do I go to the "sweet" church or the community outreach church and try and find a Bible study elsewhere? Do I go to the cold but solid church and try to find friends elsewhere (oh wait, one of the reasons I'm looking for a church is to have fellowship and find friends)?
And so my church journey continues. I've been told this process takes about a year. "Lord help me to be patient"
You go to one church and they emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Christ and why we need to take care of the body of Christ; yet the opportunity to shine the light of Christ to the neighborhood where the church is located in is not seized.
You go to another church and they emphasize the importance of being the hands and feet in the local community, yet nothing is done to nourish those that are within the church.
You go to another church where the people are sweeter than southern style sweet ice tea, yet there's really no meat to the service.
And you go to another church where worshiping God is emphasized yet there is no teaching involved.
And then you go to another service where they teach and preach deep truths of Christ, yet they're as cold as ice at the north pole.
So the question is; where do I go? Do I go to the "sweet" church or the community outreach church and try and find a Bible study elsewhere? Do I go to the cold but solid church and try to find friends elsewhere (oh wait, one of the reasons I'm looking for a church is to have fellowship and find friends)?
And so my church journey continues. I've been told this process takes about a year. "Lord help me to be patient"
Monday, August 15, 2011
Post 13
One thing that I love about Monday's is that it's the beginning of a new week; a time to start afresh and begin a new. I'm not one to work out like there's no tomorrow but I don't mind exercising. SO this morning I got up a couple hours before work and walked alongside of the beach for about 45 minutes. AND...it was raining. Usually I'm not a fan of being outside in the rain but it was very refreshing this morning. This time enabled me to think on the goodness of the Lord, something I never do enough.
Things are getting busier at work. Students are beginning to move in early and want to talk about life. One thing that is SO valuable that I learned from my Youth Ministry minor is that so many young adults just want to be heard because they have no one to listen to them, no one to glean wisdom from, no one to wrestle through the serious issues of life. I think one of the greatest mistakes many parents make is not letting their children's voice be heard. Yes, a parent has the right to set guidelines and rules and standards and requirements but a child needs to have the freedom to respectfully express what's going on in their head without being cut off and thrown to the side like what they say isn't worth a penny, let a lone a dime. All that to say, I see my job as not only a job, but a ministry and I'm excited for what God's going to teach me and how he'll use me.
On a lighter note, my boss played a trick on me today by putting some flash drive in my computer to make the mouse go crazy and move about without me even touching it. SOOOOOOooooooo.....while he was at lunch I drenched his office in the scent of Amber Romance and then I even had a chance to spray his neck (and ear-but that was an accident). The funny thing about it, he didn't even smell anything until 3 hours after I sprayed everything down. Laughter is good for the soul. Until next time.
JGB
Things are getting busier at work. Students are beginning to move in early and want to talk about life. One thing that is SO valuable that I learned from my Youth Ministry minor is that so many young adults just want to be heard because they have no one to listen to them, no one to glean wisdom from, no one to wrestle through the serious issues of life. I think one of the greatest mistakes many parents make is not letting their children's voice be heard. Yes, a parent has the right to set guidelines and rules and standards and requirements but a child needs to have the freedom to respectfully express what's going on in their head without being cut off and thrown to the side like what they say isn't worth a penny, let a lone a dime. All that to say, I see my job as not only a job, but a ministry and I'm excited for what God's going to teach me and how he'll use me.
On a lighter note, my boss played a trick on me today by putting some flash drive in my computer to make the mouse go crazy and move about without me even touching it. SOOOOOOooooooo.....while he was at lunch I drenched his office in the scent of Amber Romance and then I even had a chance to spray his neck (and ear-but that was an accident). The funny thing about it, he didn't even smell anything until 3 hours after I sprayed everything down. Laughter is good for the soul. Until next time.
JGB
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Post 12
Today I've been feeling a little down. I think it's partly because I'm exhausted (and it's only the beginning of August, what am I going to do when the students get here?).
I miss human touch (it's my 2nd love language). So I'm asking the Lord to wrap his arms around me. So I've decided to take myself out to dinner tomorrow.....and maybe I'll buy myself some flowers.
Well I'm going to go get some shut eye so I'm not in the same place around this time tomorrow. But before I go, I've been doing some online shopping lately and you know how there's now a customer service rep. ready to "chat" with you help you with any of your questions? Well at the end of our little session I've begun to tell people about Jesus. Usually the rep. signs off rather quickly and doesn't respond to what I'm saying. But even though I haven't been receiving any responses I think I'm going to continue because if one person starts to search for the truth, it will be 100% worth it. Until next time! :)
I miss human touch (it's my 2nd love language). So I'm asking the Lord to wrap his arms around me. So I've decided to take myself out to dinner tomorrow.....and maybe I'll buy myself some flowers.
Well I'm going to go get some shut eye so I'm not in the same place around this time tomorrow. But before I go, I've been doing some online shopping lately and you know how there's now a customer service rep. ready to "chat" with you help you with any of your questions? Well at the end of our little session I've begun to tell people about Jesus. Usually the rep. signs off rather quickly and doesn't respond to what I'm saying. But even though I haven't been receiving any responses I think I'm going to continue because if one person starts to search for the truth, it will be 100% worth it. Until next time! :)
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