I should really be studying or taking a nap right now but can't seem to do either one so I thought it was about time to post a new blog instead.
Autumn has hit full force now. I had been wondering when it would happen and I think it did this past week just over night. With the change came the process of putting away the summer clothes and pulling out the winter clothes. It's definitely not my favorite thing in the world to do but I was able to accomplish a lot. I got rid clothes that I continually shoved to the back of the closet or put in the bottom of the drawers, telling myself that I would wear it eventually if I found the right shirt or skirt to go with it. I gave up telling myself this and just did what I should have done a few seasons back- just put everything in a garbage bag and donate it to a second hand store.
My classes are going alright. I still am not fond of either one of my classes. I am learning to enjoy Mythology more but that is mostly because of the teacher. She is someone you can actually sit and listen to and find what she is saying interesting. My Humanities teacher, on the other hand, is completely opposite. I cannot handle listening to her. She is like the teacher on the Peanuts cartoon who continually just says, "Whomp whomp. Whomp whomp whomp!" I have come up with ways to pass the time in class though. I have read two novels in the past month and have started a third one I find to be very interesting. I can't wait until the end of these sixteen weeks!
Life has been pretty busy lately! I like it that way though. It seems to keep me on my toes and out of trouble. I applied for the RN program again about a month back but won't find out if I made it in until December sometime. If I do not get in the program for next semester I am going to change my plans a little bit. I have pinpointed what I wanted to do as my career. I knew I wanted to work in the Neonatal but after reading a book a few weeks back I have decided I would like to become a midwife. This is what I will start gearing towards if I don't get in the program in December. The only thing is I am not sure what my next step would be. I have tried getting a hold of a few midwives but neither one of them have returned my emails. I think my next step is going to be calling the OU Med Center and talk to one of their midwives. Hopefully they will point me in the right direction.
My dad put an offer on a house out in Newcastle a few weeks back. We have been trying to get out of the area we are living in now for a while and have been searching for a house for about 2 years. He found this one out in Newcastle and really likes it. I am still a little unsure about it. I am just so used to living in the city where everything I need is only maybe 10 minutes away. I am not sure what it will be like living out in the country when everything I do is right here where I live now. I know my parents have prayed about it and I have prayed about it as well. I have finally just asked God if He wants us to move out there then allow everything to go smoothly with the appraisals and inspections...etc. and if He did not want us to move out there something would happen to where we would not be able to. Either way I have decided I would be at peace with whatever happens and just leave it in His hands. I, being the human I am, do not like the unknown and the uncertainty that comes along with it. God, in his infinite wisdom, already knows what is going to happen and will allow it to happen all in his timing. I just have to do what I find to be one of the hardest things for me to do; that is be patient and wait for his leading.
I realize this was not one of my normal blog posts but this is what has really been going on in the last month. I hope all of you are having a great Autumn! This is my favorite season and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far! Before I close this blog out I would like to share the lyrics of a song I heard the other day that really spoke to my heart.
"What Faith Can Do"
Everybody falls sometimes
You gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you’re stronger, stronger than you know
And don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
You may decide to take that step
Out on the water
But it’ll be all right
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
Overcome the odds
When you don’t have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)When the world says you can’t
It will tell you that it can -Kutless
A little bit of faith always goes a long way. Remember nothing is impossible with God!
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Valley and Mountain Tops
September is already come and just about over. I have been so busy lately; I cannot believe how fast this month has gone by. Can I just say I am not a big fan of Mythology. Studying the different stories and trying to keep them straight is one thing but the stories themselves are just preposterous and from a Christian perspective, disgusting at times. I think I will come out of the class with an A but I don't recommend the class to anyone unless you are interested in that kind of stuff.
Well, once again with a new month comes a new thought to be posted. One of my favorite sayings is, "For every valley there are always two mountain tops." Isn't that so true?! The sad thing is sometimes we forget. We love it when we are on the mountain top of life looking down but when we are down in the valley pushing forward to the next mountain top we forget to keep our eyes up and look for the mountain top. Instead we are looking around the valley and everything in it. I am speaking in metaphores but you know what I mean. When going through a 'valley' in our life all we see is the negative around us. We don't always look back at the mountain top we just conquered or forward to the mountain top we are preparing to climb to the top of. The valleys of life get to be too much for us at times and we get tired. We get tired and we sit down where we once stood. Those are the hardest times in life; when it seems we can't go any farther. I have some exciting news for you though!!
The Bible says in: Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
Isaiah 41:10 " Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Psalm 20:1-2 "The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from thy sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion."
John 14:16-17 " And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
These are just a few of the hundreds of verses in th Bible that show us the promises of God. He promises that even when we do go through the valleys of life He will be right there by our side pushing us to keep trudging along; to go just a little farther than we did before. See, He knows what the future holds. He knows just how far the next mountain top is and He will give everything you need to get there.
"Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
but I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand."
Whatever you may be going through in life; Whatever valley you seem to be sitting in; just remember God holds tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next. Look for the next mountain top in life. He is pointing it out just keep searching for top.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Well, once again with a new month comes a new thought to be posted. One of my favorite sayings is, "For every valley there are always two mountain tops." Isn't that so true?! The sad thing is sometimes we forget. We love it when we are on the mountain top of life looking down but when we are down in the valley pushing forward to the next mountain top we forget to keep our eyes up and look for the mountain top. Instead we are looking around the valley and everything in it. I am speaking in metaphores but you know what I mean. When going through a 'valley' in our life all we see is the negative around us. We don't always look back at the mountain top we just conquered or forward to the mountain top we are preparing to climb to the top of. The valleys of life get to be too much for us at times and we get tired. We get tired and we sit down where we once stood. Those are the hardest times in life; when it seems we can't go any farther. I have some exciting news for you though!!
The Bible says in: Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
Isaiah 41:10 " Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Psalm 20:1-2 "The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from thy sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion."
John 14:16-17 " And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
These are just a few of the hundreds of verses in th Bible that show us the promises of God. He promises that even when we do go through the valleys of life He will be right there by our side pushing us to keep trudging along; to go just a little farther than we did before. See, He knows what the future holds. He knows just how far the next mountain top is and He will give everything you need to get there.
"Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
but I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand."
Whatever you may be going through in life; Whatever valley you seem to be sitting in; just remember God holds tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next. Look for the next mountain top in life. He is pointing it out just keep searching for top.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Friday, August 21, 2009
Goodbye Summer
It's the beginning of another school year and I am not really looking forward to it. Classes start Monday and I don't even have my books yet. That's how much I am dragging my feet. I guess I need to get on the ball this weekend and get my things together. I am only taking two classes this semester and studying for a COMPASS test to get my math score higher. I think that will keep me busy enough. I hope you all are more excited about the coming semester than I am. Many of you have started your school year already and there are some who are still waiting to get started. May God be with us all!
Well, a new month and a new thought in mind....
Sometimes you don't fully realize how your testimony affects other people and how many people are watching you. Working at the pool as a lifeguard I am around very secular people. I try very hard to have others there see Jesus through me without me having to say anything at all. They all know I have my values and beliefs and they respect that. There are a few people I am thinking of right now who work there that -although they don't want to show their interest- are curious to how I, as a Christian, would react to certain things. Let me be a little more specific and try to explain because I am sure that made no sense at all.
One day I was sitting behind the desk and I had some Christian music playing. One of the swim instructors said," What group is that? I haven't heard them before." I told him it was DCTalk and probably not a group he would have heard before unless he listened to that music. He said, " Here is my take on it all.... I don't mind the people who go to church and all that. It is not something for me though. I just had a bad experience a while back and I don't care to know a whole lot about it." Note that up to this point I had never said one word to him about Christianity or my being a Christian or anything and he already knew. I could tell he wanted to continue the conversation so I asked him what had happened that made him 'turn off' to Christianity. He then explained to me how a few years back he was sitting in class and a few girls were listening to a song and he said,"Hey, I know that song!" The girls looked at him and told him that he didn't. He swore he did and told them the lyrics, and who sang it. They told him he was confused because they didn't listen to 'worldly music', they only listened to 'Christian music'. When in fact he had the song right. He pulled out his mp3 and played it for them. They still argued with him that he wouldn't really know the song because he listened to secular music and they listened to Christian music. After telling me that story he continued by saying," I had been interested for a little while about being a Christian and stuff like that but after talking to the girls and their acting the way they did with me, I wasn't interested anymore." I just looked at him and said," I'm sorry. Christian's who have a chip on their shoulder and think they are better than everyone else are the one's who give Christian's who really mean it and are trying a bad name." I then continued by saying," I don't want to force Christianity on you but I hope that you can see I am on of the one's who are trying and don't think I am any better than anyone else." He said," No, you're cool." He then asked, " You aren't gonna preach to me now?" I told him I wasn't going to. I said,"I'd love to talk to you about it sometime and answer questions that you might have but I am not gonna stand up and preach to you. I'll wait til you are interested again." Since then he has talked to me some about Christianity and the church I go to and what I do. I just hope he continues asking questions and I can find the right opportunity to tell him about Christ. I know it isn't the right time yet but I hope it's soon.
This story is a little bit different and this guy has a different background all together but let me tell you what happened that also caused me to remember people are watching and listening even when you don't realize it sometimes. The two of us had made a bet a while back and decided that whoever won the bet would be bought dinner by the other person. Well, I lost the bet and thus had to buy him dinner in the near future. He reminded me almost every day and if I wasn't working he was sure to text and let me know I owed him a dinner. After just a few days he text me and said, "I really want some cheesecake." I told him I'd make him a cheesecake instead of buying him a dinner if that's what he wanted. I ended up doing that and taking it to him just the other day. He text me later to say thank you and told me he had shared with a few other people at work. I text him back and said," Omg! You shared!" Now in my head the abbreviation 'omg' is 'oh my gosh' and after I sent the text I realized that not everyone sees omg the same way I do. He text back and said,"Ya know when I read your last text and saw you put 'omg' I read it as 'oh my gosh' because it was coming from you and not someone else." I text him back and said," yeah, I realized after I had sent it what people usually see it as but yes, you're right; i see it as 'oh my gosh." He said,"I figured you probably did but it was just funny because I have never read it that way before and I did this time without even thinking about it because it was coming from you." At that moment I was glad that I try to watch what I do and say around people because I was shocked that this person in particular even payed attention to me or the kind of person I am.
Now don't get me wrong. There are many times I fail in the area of my testimony and look back and wish I would have done something differently, whether it was something I said or something I did but it's always a good reminder to know people are watching you and many times they're curious. Try not to be a stumbling block to others. I am sure you have stories of your own that you could share about how your testimony helped someone else or caused them to ask questions and want to know what it is you had that they didn't!
I realize this post is not very in depth but hopefully it was a good reminder that people are always watching, especially if you are a Christian. They watch how you act, what you say, what you do, where you go, where you don't go, and so much more.
Before I end this post I want to leave you with a quote. "The single greatest cause of Atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Well, a new month and a new thought in mind....
Sometimes you don't fully realize how your testimony affects other people and how many people are watching you. Working at the pool as a lifeguard I am around very secular people. I try very hard to have others there see Jesus through me without me having to say anything at all. They all know I have my values and beliefs and they respect that. There are a few people I am thinking of right now who work there that -although they don't want to show their interest- are curious to how I, as a Christian, would react to certain things. Let me be a little more specific and try to explain because I am sure that made no sense at all.
One day I was sitting behind the desk and I had some Christian music playing. One of the swim instructors said," What group is that? I haven't heard them before." I told him it was DCTalk and probably not a group he would have heard before unless he listened to that music. He said, " Here is my take on it all.... I don't mind the people who go to church and all that. It is not something for me though. I just had a bad experience a while back and I don't care to know a whole lot about it." Note that up to this point I had never said one word to him about Christianity or my being a Christian or anything and he already knew. I could tell he wanted to continue the conversation so I asked him what had happened that made him 'turn off' to Christianity. He then explained to me how a few years back he was sitting in class and a few girls were listening to a song and he said,"Hey, I know that song!" The girls looked at him and told him that he didn't. He swore he did and told them the lyrics, and who sang it. They told him he was confused because they didn't listen to 'worldly music', they only listened to 'Christian music'. When in fact he had the song right. He pulled out his mp3 and played it for them. They still argued with him that he wouldn't really know the song because he listened to secular music and they listened to Christian music. After telling me that story he continued by saying," I had been interested for a little while about being a Christian and stuff like that but after talking to the girls and their acting the way they did with me, I wasn't interested anymore." I just looked at him and said," I'm sorry. Christian's who have a chip on their shoulder and think they are better than everyone else are the one's who give Christian's who really mean it and are trying a bad name." I then continued by saying," I don't want to force Christianity on you but I hope that you can see I am on of the one's who are trying and don't think I am any better than anyone else." He said," No, you're cool." He then asked, " You aren't gonna preach to me now?" I told him I wasn't going to. I said,"I'd love to talk to you about it sometime and answer questions that you might have but I am not gonna stand up and preach to you. I'll wait til you are interested again." Since then he has talked to me some about Christianity and the church I go to and what I do. I just hope he continues asking questions and I can find the right opportunity to tell him about Christ. I know it isn't the right time yet but I hope it's soon.
This story is a little bit different and this guy has a different background all together but let me tell you what happened that also caused me to remember people are watching and listening even when you don't realize it sometimes. The two of us had made a bet a while back and decided that whoever won the bet would be bought dinner by the other person. Well, I lost the bet and thus had to buy him dinner in the near future. He reminded me almost every day and if I wasn't working he was sure to text and let me know I owed him a dinner. After just a few days he text me and said, "I really want some cheesecake." I told him I'd make him a cheesecake instead of buying him a dinner if that's what he wanted. I ended up doing that and taking it to him just the other day. He text me later to say thank you and told me he had shared with a few other people at work. I text him back and said," Omg! You shared!" Now in my head the abbreviation 'omg' is 'oh my gosh' and after I sent the text I realized that not everyone sees omg the same way I do. He text back and said,"Ya know when I read your last text and saw you put 'omg' I read it as 'oh my gosh' because it was coming from you and not someone else." I text him back and said," yeah, I realized after I had sent it what people usually see it as but yes, you're right; i see it as 'oh my gosh." He said,"I figured you probably did but it was just funny because I have never read it that way before and I did this time without even thinking about it because it was coming from you." At that moment I was glad that I try to watch what I do and say around people because I was shocked that this person in particular even payed attention to me or the kind of person I am.
Now don't get me wrong. There are many times I fail in the area of my testimony and look back and wish I would have done something differently, whether it was something I said or something I did but it's always a good reminder to know people are watching you and many times they're curious. Try not to be a stumbling block to others. I am sure you have stories of your own that you could share about how your testimony helped someone else or caused them to ask questions and want to know what it is you had that they didn't!
I realize this post is not very in depth but hopefully it was a good reminder that people are always watching, especially if you are a Christian. They watch how you act, what you say, what you do, where you go, where you don't go, and so much more.
Before I end this post I want to leave you with a quote. "The single greatest cause of Atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Why We Do What We Do
It's July! I would just like everyone to know, this past 4th of July I lit a firework and played with a sparkler for the first time in my life. It was the morning of the 4th when I came to the realization that I was almost 20 years old and had never done either of those things before. Luckily, I have friends who made sure I was no longer going to be 'deprived' of those things. One had me light a firework out at his house and I did alright. I lit a roman candle and accidentally hit one at his basketball hoop but don't worry, it didn't catch on fire. Just a few days later my best friend from Missouri came down and brought quite a few sparklers with her and we lit those on my back porch. It was quite an experience! I think I like the sparklers but I will leave the lighting of fireworks to someone else.
As usual, with a new month comes a new thought or story of some kind. Here is my thought for this month...
Why do we do what we do? I know we have all asked ourselves this question one time or another. We hit those walls sometimes, take a step back, and wonder why we even take the time, effort, and patience to do whatever it is we do. Maybe it's being a mom, a teacher, a worker at a job where no one seems to appreciate your work, whatever it is- we have asked ourselves the question.
For a few weeks I had been asking myself that same question. In this case, I was asking myself why I was even teaching on Wednesday nights to the 5-7 yrs. Now, I was not planning on quitting or anything of that nature but I was really discouraged because it seemed that none of the kids really cared. They weren't remembering their Bible verses, they didn't seem to care about the Bible story, - now I will say, the Bible story was partially my fault for not being better prepared.- but overall I thought it was kind of a lost cause. Here's the funny thing though, it's always about that time when something big happens to remind you of why. Almost as if God looks down, sees your discouragement, and says,"Wait child, wait and see what's about to happen."
My questions were answered this past week. Let me rewind back to Sunday and get to Wednesday. Sunday morning I was teaching with Mrs. Copeland in the 3-5 yrs class. Little Jackson has been saved for a while now and I had really been praying about his older brother, Drew. Drew seems to analyze everything and most any decision he makes takes thought and consideration. That morning we had been talking about salvation and Drew seemed to understand everything, all he needed to do was say the prayer. I had asked him about it and he said he didn't want to yet. I left it alone and hoped God was working on his little heart. Now let's fast forward to Wednesday. I am in the jr. church room when Drew and Jack run in. Jack is all excited and says," Ms. Jackie, Drew has something to tell you!" I said,"You do, Drew? What is it?!" He looks really shy and says,"I want to tell you in our classroom." When we got in the class room Jack said," Tell her, Drew!" Drew looked at me and said," I got saved this morning." I was so glad and gave him a big hug, told him how proud I was, and made a big deal about it. The story doesn't stop there. I can just imagine God saying, " You don't even know what's going to happen next." I really didn't either. Right after Drew told his story about talking to his mom and getting saved another little boy a little older than Drew said, " What's getting saved and salvation?" Before I could get a chance to answer Drew said," It's when you ask Jesus to come in your heart and forgive you of your sins and then you can go to heaven!" Tyres said, " I want to get saved." From the mouth of a child came truth and caused another child to want what he had. During the lesson time I had Leann teach while I took Tyres back in another room and led him to Christ. To see his face when he realized he was a child of God and he had a heavenly Father was enough. God seemed to say, "See? It's not in vain." Those few weeks I had of asking myself why I was even doing what I do was answered with a short and simple answer. The answer-Because it is the little things that make it all worth while. Every snotty nose, dirty hand, selfish tear, scream, or shout is all met with something good. Those things are met with a child's smile, hug, kiss on the cheek, thank you's, laughter and giggles, I love you's, and sometimes; not very often but often enough, a child will come to the Lord and become part of a whole new family.
So when you are feeling discouraged about your call in life- maybe it's not a life long call but something you know you are supposed to be doing for a season- don't give up. Hang on just a little bit longer because something amazing is soon to happen. Something you probably never expected. Something that reminds you God is still in control of everything even when you aren't so sure.
Why do we do what we do? Because one little thing will happen that will make everything worth it. Break through the wall that is seemingly stopping you and see what God has waiting for you on the other side. You might be surprised!
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
As usual, with a new month comes a new thought or story of some kind. Here is my thought for this month...
Why do we do what we do? I know we have all asked ourselves this question one time or another. We hit those walls sometimes, take a step back, and wonder why we even take the time, effort, and patience to do whatever it is we do. Maybe it's being a mom, a teacher, a worker at a job where no one seems to appreciate your work, whatever it is- we have asked ourselves the question.
For a few weeks I had been asking myself that same question. In this case, I was asking myself why I was even teaching on Wednesday nights to the 5-7 yrs. Now, I was not planning on quitting or anything of that nature but I was really discouraged because it seemed that none of the kids really cared. They weren't remembering their Bible verses, they didn't seem to care about the Bible story, - now I will say, the Bible story was partially my fault for not being better prepared.- but overall I thought it was kind of a lost cause. Here's the funny thing though, it's always about that time when something big happens to remind you of why. Almost as if God looks down, sees your discouragement, and says,"Wait child, wait and see what's about to happen."
My questions were answered this past week. Let me rewind back to Sunday and get to Wednesday. Sunday morning I was teaching with Mrs. Copeland in the 3-5 yrs class. Little Jackson has been saved for a while now and I had really been praying about his older brother, Drew. Drew seems to analyze everything and most any decision he makes takes thought and consideration. That morning we had been talking about salvation and Drew seemed to understand everything, all he needed to do was say the prayer. I had asked him about it and he said he didn't want to yet. I left it alone and hoped God was working on his little heart. Now let's fast forward to Wednesday. I am in the jr. church room when Drew and Jack run in. Jack is all excited and says," Ms. Jackie, Drew has something to tell you!" I said,"You do, Drew? What is it?!" He looks really shy and says,"I want to tell you in our classroom." When we got in the class room Jack said," Tell her, Drew!" Drew looked at me and said," I got saved this morning." I was so glad and gave him a big hug, told him how proud I was, and made a big deal about it. The story doesn't stop there. I can just imagine God saying, " You don't even know what's going to happen next." I really didn't either. Right after Drew told his story about talking to his mom and getting saved another little boy a little older than Drew said, " What's getting saved and salvation?" Before I could get a chance to answer Drew said," It's when you ask Jesus to come in your heart and forgive you of your sins and then you can go to heaven!" Tyres said, " I want to get saved." From the mouth of a child came truth and caused another child to want what he had. During the lesson time I had Leann teach while I took Tyres back in another room and led him to Christ. To see his face when he realized he was a child of God and he had a heavenly Father was enough. God seemed to say, "See? It's not in vain." Those few weeks I had of asking myself why I was even doing what I do was answered with a short and simple answer. The answer-Because it is the little things that make it all worth while. Every snotty nose, dirty hand, selfish tear, scream, or shout is all met with something good. Those things are met with a child's smile, hug, kiss on the cheek, thank you's, laughter and giggles, I love you's, and sometimes; not very often but often enough, a child will come to the Lord and become part of a whole new family.
So when you are feeling discouraged about your call in life- maybe it's not a life long call but something you know you are supposed to be doing for a season- don't give up. Hang on just a little bit longer because something amazing is soon to happen. Something you probably never expected. Something that reminds you God is still in control of everything even when you aren't so sure.
Why do we do what we do? Because one little thing will happen that will make everything worth it. Break through the wall that is seemingly stopping you and see what God has waiting for you on the other side. You might be surprised!
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Monday, June 29, 2009
Summertime!
Wow, it has been over a month since my last post. This summer has been going by extremely fast but here I am again with new stories and adventures to tell you about.
At the beginning of June I began lifeguarding at Rose State College. I wasn't sure how I would like working under a boss and taking orders and things of that nature but I don't really mind it. I really enjoy my job and like the idea that I watch over people in case they start drowning. Just two weeks into the job I was able to do that. A little girl had started going under and could not bring herself back up. Since I was guarding at the time I was able to jump in and get her.
Some people can't stand the place they work at. They can't stand the people they work with, their boss, or their job in general. Other people say the people they work with are just like family, and they would do anything for their co-workers. Since I have started working there I have come to see what people talk about when they say the people they work with are like a type of family. The people I work with are really like a type of family. We all seem to get along very well. We may not all agree on everything or believe the same but we all mesh together, respect eachother, and help eachother out whenever and however we can. So far I have had a blast and to top it all off...tomorrow is payday!
Victoria's birthday was this past Saturday. I can't believe she is now 16 years old! She will be able to get her license next month and she has already found the truck she would like to buy and is just waiting for the person who is selling it to call my dad back with more information on it.
She is becoming a great young lady with great aspirations for her future. I personally can't wait to see the things God has for her in life and the things she will do with her future. I couldn't have asked for a better sister. God knew just what He was doing when He gave me a little sister. Sure, she gets on my nerves sometimes but over the last few years our relationship is not just a relationship between sisters, but has turned into a friendship.
I am glad I decided to not take any summer classes this go around. I think it was a break I really needed. I have been able to enjoy my summer and have not missed being out of school once. I am going in tomorrow though to talk to someone about the classes I should enroll in for the coming semester. I seem to be at a loss in that area. I know what I would like to take but don't feel peace about any of the classes. I should really pray for some guidance. My fall semester classes were not something that was on my prayer list but something I should start considering prayer for.
Along with enjoying my summer break I have also been able to enjoy time with friends. During school that is something I don't really get to do much of but it has been good to hang out with people and getting to know them better and form better friendships because of it. Going to the movies, going bowling, swimming, hiking, Frontier City, volleyball, cookouts, even a concert! It has all been really fun. I have met new people and enjoyed the company of all of them.
I know this was not a real in depth blog and it probably bored you to tears but this is what has been going on this past summer. All busy but fun at the same time. I hope your summer is going fantastic and you are doing all the things you were hoping to do during the warm weather season. Stay cool and drink plenty of water! Don't get dehydrated!
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
At the beginning of June I began lifeguarding at Rose State College. I wasn't sure how I would like working under a boss and taking orders and things of that nature but I don't really mind it. I really enjoy my job and like the idea that I watch over people in case they start drowning. Just two weeks into the job I was able to do that. A little girl had started going under and could not bring herself back up. Since I was guarding at the time I was able to jump in and get her.
Some people can't stand the place they work at. They can't stand the people they work with, their boss, or their job in general. Other people say the people they work with are just like family, and they would do anything for their co-workers. Since I have started working there I have come to see what people talk about when they say the people they work with are like a type of family. The people I work with are really like a type of family. We all seem to get along very well. We may not all agree on everything or believe the same but we all mesh together, respect eachother, and help eachother out whenever and however we can. So far I have had a blast and to top it all off...tomorrow is payday!
Victoria's birthday was this past Saturday. I can't believe she is now 16 years old! She will be able to get her license next month and she has already found the truck she would like to buy and is just waiting for the person who is selling it to call my dad back with more information on it.
She is becoming a great young lady with great aspirations for her future. I personally can't wait to see the things God has for her in life and the things she will do with her future. I couldn't have asked for a better sister. God knew just what He was doing when He gave me a little sister. Sure, she gets on my nerves sometimes but over the last few years our relationship is not just a relationship between sisters, but has turned into a friendship.
I am glad I decided to not take any summer classes this go around. I think it was a break I really needed. I have been able to enjoy my summer and have not missed being out of school once. I am going in tomorrow though to talk to someone about the classes I should enroll in for the coming semester. I seem to be at a loss in that area. I know what I would like to take but don't feel peace about any of the classes. I should really pray for some guidance. My fall semester classes were not something that was on my prayer list but something I should start considering prayer for.
Along with enjoying my summer break I have also been able to enjoy time with friends. During school that is something I don't really get to do much of but it has been good to hang out with people and getting to know them better and form better friendships because of it. Going to the movies, going bowling, swimming, hiking, Frontier City, volleyball, cookouts, even a concert! It has all been really fun. I have met new people and enjoyed the company of all of them.
I know this was not a real in depth blog and it probably bored you to tears but this is what has been going on this past summer. All busy but fun at the same time. I hope your summer is going fantastic and you are doing all the things you were hoping to do during the warm weather season. Stay cool and drink plenty of water! Don't get dehydrated!
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Where Do I Begin...
These last few weeks have been crazy! My family and I just got back from a vacation to the East coast. We went for a wedding but it ended up being more like a family reunion. That was the very first time all 17 cousins were together. We stayed with my uncle, aunt, and their 3 kids who live there in SC. I really enjoyed staying with them. I didn't know them very well because we aren't able to see them very often but by staying with them I learned so much about my cousins and became very close with them.
The wedding was beautiful! It was set up high in the mountains and the scenery was breath taking. The ceremony was held outside and it overlooked mountains on top of mountains filled with green trees. You know how it is when after a rain everything has this beautiful green color to it; that is exactly how it looked. Absolutely gorgeous!
After the wedding we stayed at a beach house in Beaufort, SC for a few days. The weather was cool the first few days we were there but on the last day the sun came out and we were able to take off our jackets, sweatshirts, and blankets we were running around with and get in our bathing suits and enjoy the sun. My dad, Papa, and uncles caught nearly a dozen shark so we were able to have shark for dinner one night. I had never eaten shark before but it was very good. I recommend it if you haven't tried it.
The Sunday night we were there we were able to visit the church my grandparents used to attend when they lived in SC. I remember going there as a little kid when we would come back to the states for a visit. It was neat seeing the church still going strong and on fire for God.
Sunday morning we went to church with my uncle. The whole service was moving and I want to share my experience with you!
We went to church that morning with my uncle, his family, and other relatives. It was not like a service I personally have been to in a long time. The choir was enthusiastic about the song they sang. When it was time for the special a woman went to the front and sang, "The Wonder of it All" If you don't know that song here are a few lines: "And the wonder of wonder that thrills my soul, is the wonder that God loves me. The wonder of it all. The wonder of it all. Just to think that God loves me. Oh the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all. Just to think that God loves me." While this lady was singing she stopped in the middle of the song and began crying. She tried to continue singing but was so emotional she began gaving a testimony instead. She said," With everything I have gone thru the last few months. I sometimes wake up in the morning not wanting to do certain things I need to do. You know what I mean, we don't always feel like being as Christlike as we should be." She continued by saying," But it truly does amaze me that God could love me. He doesn't have to have anything to do with me but yet He chooses to love me and care for me. That in and of itself is a wonder!" People all around the church were saying their Amens and Hallujahs and shouting their agreements. It was beautiful! She finished the song, walked down, and the pastor went behind the pulpit to begin his sermon when a man in the congregation stood up and asked if he could give a quick testimony. He began saying how good God was and telling of the different things God had done for him over the last month. How God was always there for him and he just praised God for who He was. People again began agreeing and raising their hands in praise.
Let me pause right here and say, at this point I was already moved by the Holy Spirit. He had already begun working on my heart. I was amazed at how all these people were so on fire for God and was ready to share the flame.
The message was simple. The preacher spoke of the holiness of God. This is something we as Christians know but the way he brought the message across hit me right between the eyes. We all know Christ is holy but have we ever really sat and thought about his holiness? The preacher spoke of the the type of angels that surround the mercy seat crying,"Holy, holy, holy." How they are in such adoration of God and how they have 6 pair of wings they use to cover themselves when in the presence of God because He is so holy. The preacher brought many points home.
I left the church building that day in such a mix of emotions. I felt joy and peace, humility and pride, I felt lifted up but at the same time I was brought to my knees.
I mean really think about it with me a minute... Isn't it truly a wonder how the God of the universe; the Alpha and Omega, the One who is most holy, loves us? He loves us so much He knows the number of hairs on our head. He gives us life each and every day, He gives us breath, He allows us blessings and miracles we are so unworthy and undeserving of; He loves us. Think about it for a minute...if we were to stand before a king or queen here on earth would we not bow in reverence before them or show them high honor? But what do we do with God? He is the King of Kings but when is the last time we fell on our knees before Him? When is the last time we were in true adoration of God simply because He is God? He is the most holy and we are his children but many times, people would never know we represent such majesty Yet even though we don't act like a child of the Most High he loves us anyway. He wants us to be with Him. His mercy is everlasting and new every single morning. We don't deserve anything but look at what He has blessed us with! It truly is a wonder! I am proud to be called his Child but humbled because I know I don't deserve to be.
It seems as I have been going thru the motions of life lately. You know what i'm talking about. Where we just get in a routine- Sunday morning go to church, sings hymns we don't even pay attention to the words, Sunday night do the same thing, and Wednesday (even though we don't feel like it) we go to church and sit thru a Bible study.
I can't remember the last time a person in our church was moved to tears by a special in song. I can't remember the last time a member of the congregation just wanted to stand up and testify on how God was working in their life. I feel many of us are lukewarm and just going thru the motions of our faith. Can you imagine the possibilities if a whole church would catch a fire for God and let it burn with every fiber of their being?!
My prayer is that a fire would catch. I pray the Holy Spirit will blow on the hot embers and cause a fire to reignite not only within me but within our church. People would again become excited at the mere majesty and holiness of God!
This is probably a weird kind of post but something that has been with me for the last week. I needed to get it out and thought you might be able to get something from it as well.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
The wedding was beautiful! It was set up high in the mountains and the scenery was breath taking. The ceremony was held outside and it overlooked mountains on top of mountains filled with green trees. You know how it is when after a rain everything has this beautiful green color to it; that is exactly how it looked. Absolutely gorgeous!
After the wedding we stayed at a beach house in Beaufort, SC for a few days. The weather was cool the first few days we were there but on the last day the sun came out and we were able to take off our jackets, sweatshirts, and blankets we were running around with and get in our bathing suits and enjoy the sun. My dad, Papa, and uncles caught nearly a dozen shark so we were able to have shark for dinner one night. I had never eaten shark before but it was very good. I recommend it if you haven't tried it.
The Sunday night we were there we were able to visit the church my grandparents used to attend when they lived in SC. I remember going there as a little kid when we would come back to the states for a visit. It was neat seeing the church still going strong and on fire for God.
Sunday morning we went to church with my uncle. The whole service was moving and I want to share my experience with you!
We went to church that morning with my uncle, his family, and other relatives. It was not like a service I personally have been to in a long time. The choir was enthusiastic about the song they sang. When it was time for the special a woman went to the front and sang, "The Wonder of it All" If you don't know that song here are a few lines: "And the wonder of wonder that thrills my soul, is the wonder that God loves me. The wonder of it all. The wonder of it all. Just to think that God loves me. Oh the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all. Just to think that God loves me." While this lady was singing she stopped in the middle of the song and began crying. She tried to continue singing but was so emotional she began gaving a testimony instead. She said," With everything I have gone thru the last few months. I sometimes wake up in the morning not wanting to do certain things I need to do. You know what I mean, we don't always feel like being as Christlike as we should be." She continued by saying," But it truly does amaze me that God could love me. He doesn't have to have anything to do with me but yet He chooses to love me and care for me. That in and of itself is a wonder!" People all around the church were saying their Amens and Hallujahs and shouting their agreements. It was beautiful! She finished the song, walked down, and the pastor went behind the pulpit to begin his sermon when a man in the congregation stood up and asked if he could give a quick testimony. He began saying how good God was and telling of the different things God had done for him over the last month. How God was always there for him and he just praised God for who He was. People again began agreeing and raising their hands in praise.
Let me pause right here and say, at this point I was already moved by the Holy Spirit. He had already begun working on my heart. I was amazed at how all these people were so on fire for God and was ready to share the flame.
The message was simple. The preacher spoke of the holiness of God. This is something we as Christians know but the way he brought the message across hit me right between the eyes. We all know Christ is holy but have we ever really sat and thought about his holiness? The preacher spoke of the the type of angels that surround the mercy seat crying,"Holy, holy, holy." How they are in such adoration of God and how they have 6 pair of wings they use to cover themselves when in the presence of God because He is so holy. The preacher brought many points home.
I left the church building that day in such a mix of emotions. I felt joy and peace, humility and pride, I felt lifted up but at the same time I was brought to my knees.
I mean really think about it with me a minute... Isn't it truly a wonder how the God of the universe; the Alpha and Omega, the One who is most holy, loves us? He loves us so much He knows the number of hairs on our head. He gives us life each and every day, He gives us breath, He allows us blessings and miracles we are so unworthy and undeserving of; He loves us. Think about it for a minute...if we were to stand before a king or queen here on earth would we not bow in reverence before them or show them high honor? But what do we do with God? He is the King of Kings but when is the last time we fell on our knees before Him? When is the last time we were in true adoration of God simply because He is God? He is the most holy and we are his children but many times, people would never know we represent such majesty Yet even though we don't act like a child of the Most High he loves us anyway. He wants us to be with Him. His mercy is everlasting and new every single morning. We don't deserve anything but look at what He has blessed us with! It truly is a wonder! I am proud to be called his Child but humbled because I know I don't deserve to be.
It seems as I have been going thru the motions of life lately. You know what i'm talking about. Where we just get in a routine- Sunday morning go to church, sings hymns we don't even pay attention to the words, Sunday night do the same thing, and Wednesday (even though we don't feel like it) we go to church and sit thru a Bible study.
I can't remember the last time a person in our church was moved to tears by a special in song. I can't remember the last time a member of the congregation just wanted to stand up and testify on how God was working in their life. I feel many of us are lukewarm and just going thru the motions of our faith. Can you imagine the possibilities if a whole church would catch a fire for God and let it burn with every fiber of their being?!
My prayer is that a fire would catch. I pray the Holy Spirit will blow on the hot embers and cause a fire to reignite not only within me but within our church. People would again become excited at the mere majesty and holiness of God!
This is probably a weird kind of post but something that has been with me for the last week. I needed to get it out and thought you might be able to get something from it as well.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Life's Pathways
It has been nearly a month since my last post. Time goes by very quickly! I am here though with a new thought in mind.
The other day we went to a friend's house. While we were all sitting around talking the host told us he would be speaking at a Junior/Senior banquet and asked us to give him some input. He asked us to tell him things we would have wished we'd known around 16, 17, 18 years of age that we would have done differently had we just known. With my being only 19 I did not give much of an input because I am not really out of that age range just yet but it was very interesting to listen to everybody else give their input. I was truly amazed at some of the things people said. Now before I go on let me say this- I do not agree or disagree with any of their thoughts. I merely have my own opion on how they apply in my own life because I believe depending on a certain individual's life some, all, or none of these ideas will apply.
Here are some of the things people said:
1) Listen to your parents more
2) Don't think you have to find that one person to spend the rest of your life with right out of HS
3) Don't use credit cards
4) Give time to learn who you are before you start dating and bring someone else into your life
5) Don't have sex before you are married
6) Do what you set out to do in life before you get married and have kids because you may not get the chance to do what you wanted.
7) Don't stop going to college until you are finished because there is a big chance you won't go back and finish what you started.
8) Be content with where you are in life and don't think you have to live like your parents right when you get married.
9) Don't settle for the first person who comes along. Be sure he/she is everything you wanted
10) Continue to be moldable. Your life will not always turn out the way you planned for it to.
There were many more ideas and thoughts but those were just a few. Many people wished they would have done things differently. As I sat there listening to what everyone said and began looking back on my highschool/beginning college years I thought to myself, "I don't really regret anything that I did." Now, maybe it's because I really haven't hit that point in life yet where I really begin wishing I would have done something differently. The only thing I maybe wish I would have done more of is listened to my parents more. In doing that I would have saved myself alot of trouble.
People say all things happen for a reason and God is in control of everything. I agree with that statement but I also believe there is a type of 'loop hole' for lack of a better word. You reap what you sow. If you do wrong things in life it will eventually come back to haunt you. Now, if you do something wrong, whatever wrong it is, it did not happen because God intended for you to do it. It happened because you took it upon yourself to make the wrong decision. He is not in complete control of the decisions you make because He gave each and every one of us a free will. Now, you will bear the consequences of your actions. At the same time I believe God can use the decisions you made -no matter what they were- for his good and for his glory. When things happen for a reason it is not always because God allowed it to happen and He has a reason for it. Things also happen for reasons because we took it upon ourselves to make those things come to pass. Does that make any sense at all? It does in my mind but sometimes my words get jumbled together and end up becoming incoherent.
Anyway, the day after spending time at this friend's house I was talking to my mom about how I felt about it. I said, "Looking back, I don't regret anything I did. Is that wrong?" I continued by saying," Maybe because I am not completely out of that age range yet but I think everything that happened was a type of learing experience. Without those things happening in my life I would not be the person I am today and I am content with the person I am and continue to become."
I know who I am. I knew who I was my Junior year of highschool. I realize that I will continue to change and God may not want me to do everything in life that I set out and plan to do but why would I regret the things that made me the person I am today? I know I am not perfect and God still deals with my heart when it comes to the things I fail him in but just the fact of knowing that He is there and He is guiding my footsteps gives me reassurance.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
The other day we went to a friend's house. While we were all sitting around talking the host told us he would be speaking at a Junior/Senior banquet and asked us to give him some input. He asked us to tell him things we would have wished we'd known around 16, 17, 18 years of age that we would have done differently had we just known. With my being only 19 I did not give much of an input because I am not really out of that age range just yet but it was very interesting to listen to everybody else give their input. I was truly amazed at some of the things people said. Now before I go on let me say this- I do not agree or disagree with any of their thoughts. I merely have my own opion on how they apply in my own life because I believe depending on a certain individual's life some, all, or none of these ideas will apply.
Here are some of the things people said:
1) Listen to your parents more
2) Don't think you have to find that one person to spend the rest of your life with right out of HS
3) Don't use credit cards
4) Give time to learn who you are before you start dating and bring someone else into your life
5) Don't have sex before you are married
6) Do what you set out to do in life before you get married and have kids because you may not get the chance to do what you wanted.
7) Don't stop going to college until you are finished because there is a big chance you won't go back and finish what you started.
8) Be content with where you are in life and don't think you have to live like your parents right when you get married.
9) Don't settle for the first person who comes along. Be sure he/she is everything you wanted
10) Continue to be moldable. Your life will not always turn out the way you planned for it to.
There were many more ideas and thoughts but those were just a few. Many people wished they would have done things differently. As I sat there listening to what everyone said and began looking back on my highschool/beginning college years I thought to myself, "I don't really regret anything that I did." Now, maybe it's because I really haven't hit that point in life yet where I really begin wishing I would have done something differently. The only thing I maybe wish I would have done more of is listened to my parents more. In doing that I would have saved myself alot of trouble.
People say all things happen for a reason and God is in control of everything. I agree with that statement but I also believe there is a type of 'loop hole' for lack of a better word. You reap what you sow. If you do wrong things in life it will eventually come back to haunt you. Now, if you do something wrong, whatever wrong it is, it did not happen because God intended for you to do it. It happened because you took it upon yourself to make the wrong decision. He is not in complete control of the decisions you make because He gave each and every one of us a free will. Now, you will bear the consequences of your actions. At the same time I believe God can use the decisions you made -no matter what they were- for his good and for his glory. When things happen for a reason it is not always because God allowed it to happen and He has a reason for it. Things also happen for reasons because we took it upon ourselves to make those things come to pass. Does that make any sense at all? It does in my mind but sometimes my words get jumbled together and end up becoming incoherent.
Anyway, the day after spending time at this friend's house I was talking to my mom about how I felt about it. I said, "Looking back, I don't regret anything I did. Is that wrong?" I continued by saying," Maybe because I am not completely out of that age range yet but I think everything that happened was a type of learing experience. Without those things happening in my life I would not be the person I am today and I am content with the person I am and continue to become."
I know who I am. I knew who I was my Junior year of highschool. I realize that I will continue to change and God may not want me to do everything in life that I set out and plan to do but why would I regret the things that made me the person I am today? I know I am not perfect and God still deals with my heart when it comes to the things I fail him in but just the fact of knowing that He is there and He is guiding my footsteps gives me reassurance.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sameness or Choice
Another month and another thought in mind....
I just recently read a fictional book about a community of people who were not given choices in matters. Everything about their life was regimented and controlled. From who they were going to marry, how many kids they were allowed to have, the names of their children, all the way to the occupation for their life. By the time a child was 12 years old he went with all other 12 year olds to the Elders of the community to be told their occupation and to begin training in the occupation chosen for them. Everyone was happy because no one knew anything else. This life was all they knew and it was believed anything beyond their known life and community was simply 'Elsewhere' and frowned upon. The thirty 12 year olds each went before the head Elder to receive his occupation in life. One child in particular -Jonas- was given the most honored and revered position. His position was the Receiver. The Receiver's job was to be sure memories from generations past never entered the community. Memories of birthdays, holidays, feelings of Love, Hatred, Sunshine, Snow, Wind...etc. The Community knew nothing of these things because they became part of the Sameness movement. Everything in their lives were bland. Everything was gray with no colors in life. Everything was the same.
The Receiver was to live a life of solitude because all the memories of the world was on his shoulders. He dealt with all feelings and all memories both good and bad. Warfare was unheard of in the community, Love was a foreign word. People who did not fit in with the community, or were too old, or a 'newchild' who was not developing properly were simply 'released' from the community. 'Released', Jonas soon learned from the Receiver before him, was the killing of the individual by lethal injection. All his life he had heard being released was something pleasant and not to be feared. Watching it with his own eyes and having the memory of death in his mind he knew it was killing and nothing else. He learned also of colors. The colors of the rainbow were not known because with Sameness everything was gray, literally. Through his year of training with the old man he learned so much and wanted to change things in his community. He realized nothing was right without the freedom of choice. He and the Receiver soon devised a plan to get memories and feeling back into the community; allowing each individual the freedom of choice.
As I was reading this book I found it very very weird. That is the only word I can find to describe it. I knew it was fictional but at the same time it sounded familiar. The more I read the more I realized many of those same things go on in our world today. Abortion, Euthanizing, China has a rule with the number of children a couple are allowed to have, other communist countries choose the occupations of their citizens; this book, however fictional it was, spoke volumes of truth. So many people around the world and many in our own country don't have the freedom of choice. The new born does not choose to live or die, just as the old, slow, or retarded. Many people are going through life not seeing the colors and vibrancy life has to offer. They are too caught up in other things while life passes them by taking the joys, sorrows, love, hatred, and everything we take for granted with it.
Here is the thought I want to bring you today: Life is before you, whether you are old or young. It is there and it is waiting for you. On the other hand... Sameness is also waiting for you. You can keep going through the motions of life with sameness as your guide. You can make a choice. It is our God given right to choose. Those who are trying to play God and choose life and death for others will be judged on Judgement Day. Here and now though, you do have a choice. Choose life, choose color, choose choice, choose all the things we sometimes take for granted. Make the choice while you still have it.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
I just recently read a fictional book about a community of people who were not given choices in matters. Everything about their life was regimented and controlled. From who they were going to marry, how many kids they were allowed to have, the names of their children, all the way to the occupation for their life. By the time a child was 12 years old he went with all other 12 year olds to the Elders of the community to be told their occupation and to begin training in the occupation chosen for them. Everyone was happy because no one knew anything else. This life was all they knew and it was believed anything beyond their known life and community was simply 'Elsewhere' and frowned upon. The thirty 12 year olds each went before the head Elder to receive his occupation in life. One child in particular -Jonas- was given the most honored and revered position. His position was the Receiver. The Receiver's job was to be sure memories from generations past never entered the community. Memories of birthdays, holidays, feelings of Love, Hatred, Sunshine, Snow, Wind...etc. The Community knew nothing of these things because they became part of the Sameness movement. Everything in their lives were bland. Everything was gray with no colors in life. Everything was the same.
The Receiver was to live a life of solitude because all the memories of the world was on his shoulders. He dealt with all feelings and all memories both good and bad. Warfare was unheard of in the community, Love was a foreign word. People who did not fit in with the community, or were too old, or a 'newchild' who was not developing properly were simply 'released' from the community. 'Released', Jonas soon learned from the Receiver before him, was the killing of the individual by lethal injection. All his life he had heard being released was something pleasant and not to be feared. Watching it with his own eyes and having the memory of death in his mind he knew it was killing and nothing else. He learned also of colors. The colors of the rainbow were not known because with Sameness everything was gray, literally. Through his year of training with the old man he learned so much and wanted to change things in his community. He realized nothing was right without the freedom of choice. He and the Receiver soon devised a plan to get memories and feeling back into the community; allowing each individual the freedom of choice.
As I was reading this book I found it very very weird. That is the only word I can find to describe it. I knew it was fictional but at the same time it sounded familiar. The more I read the more I realized many of those same things go on in our world today. Abortion, Euthanizing, China has a rule with the number of children a couple are allowed to have, other communist countries choose the occupations of their citizens; this book, however fictional it was, spoke volumes of truth. So many people around the world and many in our own country don't have the freedom of choice. The new born does not choose to live or die, just as the old, slow, or retarded. Many people are going through life not seeing the colors and vibrancy life has to offer. They are too caught up in other things while life passes them by taking the joys, sorrows, love, hatred, and everything we take for granted with it.
Here is the thought I want to bring you today: Life is before you, whether you are old or young. It is there and it is waiting for you. On the other hand... Sameness is also waiting for you. You can keep going through the motions of life with sameness as your guide. You can make a choice. It is our God given right to choose. Those who are trying to play God and choose life and death for others will be judged on Judgement Day. Here and now though, you do have a choice. Choose life, choose color, choose choice, choose all the things we sometimes take for granted. Make the choice while you still have it.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What if....
I know it has been a while since my last post but here I am again with a new thought in mind. Every person in this world has asked one common question at one time or another; "What if...?"
Those moments in life when we begin to wonder if that one decision we made was the right one... "If I had said something different would it have brought on a different response? What if I had said that one kind word? What if I had smiled when I frowned instead? What if I had put that extra dollar in the offering plate that I felt led to give Sunday morning but did not? What if I turned left instead of right? What if I said 'yes' instead of 'no'?" What if.... What if.... What if.... right? We always look back at these 'what ifs' with some regret. We think had we acted on the decision set before us differently it would have brought about a different/greater result.
Sometimes these 'what if...?' questions can be looked at in a different light and we do not have to look back on our decisions with regret or wonder. "What if I had never gone to church? What if I had never heard of Christ? What if I had never accepted Jesus as my Savior?" Can't we look back on these 'what ifs...' and not regret? If we imagined where our lives would be without God and His peace that passes all understanding our 'what ifs...' we sometimes have can turn into a prayer of thanks for not making the other decision; for not turning away; for not saying 'no'.
Let me go a little deeper now and get into something kind of bigger.
Think of this... "What if Adam and Eve had never sinned? What if the world was perfect? What if we never needed that blood sacrifice? What if Jesus never had to come as the Lamb who was sent to the slaughter?" I am sure these thoughts have crossed our mind at some point in time. Here is something I find amazing I want to share with you. These 'what ifs...' I believe led an even greater purpose than we could ever realize. What if Adam and Eve had never sinned? The world would be perfect. We wouldn't need that blood sacrifice. We wouldn't need Jesus to come to Earth to die for our sins. We could just be perfect and live in our perfect little world.
Although I do not believe it was God's will for man to sin in the garden I do know He knew they would sin and He was going to use that to fulfill something greater than man would ever have expected. The day man sinned turned the whole world upside down. Everything, because of that one choice, was forever changed. We all know the story... in the end "He sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."- John 3:16 Did you notice, I left out a very important part of that verse? "For God so loved the world..." I believe God's plan was for us to see what true love really is. If we lived in a world with no sin, we would need no Savior. If we lived in a perfect world, we would not know pain? We would not know hurt? We would not know of a love that surpasses any love ever known.
When Jesus Christ was dying on the cross his Father had to turn away when the sins of the world were placed upon his Son because He was Holy and could not know sin. While the Roman soldiers were beating Christ and were nailing him on the cross God looked down and saw the greater price He was paying. Jesus died to show us a love we would never have known.
I have a shirt that says "Beauty is in the death of the Beholder" I love this shirt because it has brought about many questions that have led to greater discussions. I explain like this God saw the death of his Son and in his eyes the death was beautiful. He knew there was a greater purpose, God knew the death of his one and only Son would save the souls of countless people.It was this our Heavenly Father found so beautiful. Hell was meant for Lucifer and the fallen angels, not for the people of the world.
So, what if? What if God never sent his Son? What if we never knew true love? I mean real true love...not what you hear in the movies.
Sometimes we have these 'What if...?' questions that come in our head and we just have to ask ourselves. Try to remember 'what if...' questions can be something good for us too. Don't always see them as a negative but as a good thing as well.
Romans 5:10 "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
God never thought twice or asked "What if...?" when He sent his Son as the final sacrifice.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Those moments in life when we begin to wonder if that one decision we made was the right one... "If I had said something different would it have brought on a different response? What if I had said that one kind word? What if I had smiled when I frowned instead? What if I had put that extra dollar in the offering plate that I felt led to give Sunday morning but did not? What if I turned left instead of right? What if I said 'yes' instead of 'no'?" What if.... What if.... What if.... right? We always look back at these 'what ifs' with some regret. We think had we acted on the decision set before us differently it would have brought about a different/greater result.
Sometimes these 'what if...?' questions can be looked at in a different light and we do not have to look back on our decisions with regret or wonder. "What if I had never gone to church? What if I had never heard of Christ? What if I had never accepted Jesus as my Savior?" Can't we look back on these 'what ifs...' and not regret? If we imagined where our lives would be without God and His peace that passes all understanding our 'what ifs...' we sometimes have can turn into a prayer of thanks for not making the other decision; for not turning away; for not saying 'no'.
Let me go a little deeper now and get into something kind of bigger.
Think of this... "What if Adam and Eve had never sinned? What if the world was perfect? What if we never needed that blood sacrifice? What if Jesus never had to come as the Lamb who was sent to the slaughter?" I am sure these thoughts have crossed our mind at some point in time. Here is something I find amazing I want to share with you. These 'what ifs...' I believe led an even greater purpose than we could ever realize. What if Adam and Eve had never sinned? The world would be perfect. We wouldn't need that blood sacrifice. We wouldn't need Jesus to come to Earth to die for our sins. We could just be perfect and live in our perfect little world.
Although I do not believe it was God's will for man to sin in the garden I do know He knew they would sin and He was going to use that to fulfill something greater than man would ever have expected. The day man sinned turned the whole world upside down. Everything, because of that one choice, was forever changed. We all know the story... in the end "He sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."- John 3:16 Did you notice, I left out a very important part of that verse? "For God so loved the world..." I believe God's plan was for us to see what true love really is. If we lived in a world with no sin, we would need no Savior. If we lived in a perfect world, we would not know pain? We would not know hurt? We would not know of a love that surpasses any love ever known.
When Jesus Christ was dying on the cross his Father had to turn away when the sins of the world were placed upon his Son because He was Holy and could not know sin. While the Roman soldiers were beating Christ and were nailing him on the cross God looked down and saw the greater price He was paying. Jesus died to show us a love we would never have known.
I have a shirt that says "Beauty is in the death of the Beholder" I love this shirt because it has brought about many questions that have led to greater discussions. I explain like this God saw the death of his Son and in his eyes the death was beautiful. He knew there was a greater purpose, God knew the death of his one and only Son would save the souls of countless people.It was this our Heavenly Father found so beautiful. Hell was meant for Lucifer and the fallen angels, not for the people of the world.
So, what if? What if God never sent his Son? What if we never knew true love? I mean real true love...not what you hear in the movies.
Sometimes we have these 'What if...?' questions that come in our head and we just have to ask ourselves. Try to remember 'what if...' questions can be something good for us too. Don't always see them as a negative but as a good thing as well.
Romans 5:10 "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
God never thought twice or asked "What if...?" when He sent his Son as the final sacrifice.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
How Big is Your God
It has been quite a long time since I last posted a blog. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with quality time with family and friends. Did everyone stay up to bring in the new year? I was not able to finish my Bible thru like I was hoping to in 2008 so it is again my goal for this year along with a few other things.
With the beginning of this new year we also have something else new coming up this year- a new president for our country. Although I was not surprised when I saw that he had won the presidency, I was still very disappointed, to say the least. I do not know what this new year will hold. A change, that is for sure but the question is what kind of changes will be happening? With all these questions running thru our minds and all the uncertainty these questions bring there is one question that can be asked and answered matter of factly. How big is your God?
Here are just a few things that shows us just how great and mighty our Heavenly Father is-
1) His enemies will be conquered.
Revelation 19:11-21 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doeth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vestrue dipped in blood: and his name was called The Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
I am going to skip a few verses now and get to the best part...
(verses 19 and 20)- And I saw the beast, and the kinds of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Hebrews 10:13- From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
2) He rules over all the heavens and earth
Psalm 24:1- The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.
Joshua 4:24- That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all.
3)It doesn't matter when He comes back-
Romans 16:20a- And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly...
Matthew 5:5- Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:17-18- Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
4) He will be exalted and reign forever-
Psalm 47:1-9-
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
Revelation 20:1-6
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in the hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
As we look to this new year remember, we have a God that is greater than we sometimes realize. His coming is eminent and his power is sure. Even though we may be faced with some hard times as Christians this year God is still on the throne and no matter what goes wrong he has the final say and will rule with righteous judgment.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
With the beginning of this new year we also have something else new coming up this year- a new president for our country. Although I was not surprised when I saw that he had won the presidency, I was still very disappointed, to say the least. I do not know what this new year will hold. A change, that is for sure but the question is what kind of changes will be happening? With all these questions running thru our minds and all the uncertainty these questions bring there is one question that can be asked and answered matter of factly. How big is your God?
Here are just a few things that shows us just how great and mighty our Heavenly Father is-
1) His enemies will be conquered.
Revelation 19:11-21 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doeth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vestrue dipped in blood: and his name was called The Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
I am going to skip a few verses now and get to the best part...
(verses 19 and 20)- And I saw the beast, and the kinds of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Hebrews 10:13- From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
2) He rules over all the heavens and earth
Psalm 24:1- The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.
Joshua 4:24- That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all.
3)It doesn't matter when He comes back-
Romans 16:20a- And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly...
Matthew 5:5- Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:17-18- Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
4) He will be exalted and reign forever-
Psalm 47:1-9-
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
Revelation 20:1-6
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in the hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
As we look to this new year remember, we have a God that is greater than we sometimes realize. His coming is eminent and his power is sure. Even though we may be faced with some hard times as Christians this year God is still on the throne and no matter what goes wrong he has the final say and will rule with righteous judgment.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
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