I wrote a whole blog entry about 2010. Month by month.
I deleted it because I wanted to write what God has put on my heart. This is my year of 2010, and God is not finished working in my heart.
2010: God is bringing me back to the man he intended me to be. A man filled with his passions. A man after his own heart. A sensitive man. (that goes against our culture so much as a guy). A man who fights for the King's heart. A man who weeps for what God weeps for. A man made to love (unconditionally, like Jesus). A man with character and values. A man that walks in Truth.
The closer I get to God, the more I learn about me. God is so faithful.
I hope your 2010 was a great year.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas time
I am sitting here. Its Christmas soon. The last three of my christmas celebrations have been in different countries. That is pretty cool. Thailand. Scotland. Norway.
I also turn 21 soon. I turned 18 in the States. 19 in Australia. 20 in Spain. This time on my birthday I will be in Germany. I am super blessed.
Update time? I guess so. I have not sent out a news letter in two months. That is quite a long time. I was aiming for once a month. Time goes by sooooo fast. I have been out of town every other week. But I should be able to prioritize this as something I can do.
We had two teaching weeks on relationships and world view. Then I had a week off on one of the weeks in November, and then a team week to Ålesund. Then December rolled around. We had one team week, and one teaching week. The teaching week was on prayer and spiritual warfare. On this team week I went back to Drammen, which was great. Now I have two weeks off. That is a cool blessing. Here are some recent pictures.
That is a very general update. I guess I can be more personal next time...
I also turn 21 soon. I turned 18 in the States. 19 in Australia. 20 in Spain. This time on my birthday I will be in Germany. I am super blessed.
Update time? I guess so. I have not sent out a news letter in two months. That is quite a long time. I was aiming for once a month. Time goes by sooooo fast. I have been out of town every other week. But I should be able to prioritize this as something I can do.
We had two teaching weeks on relationships and world view. Then I had a week off on one of the weeks in November, and then a team week to Ålesund. Then December rolled around. We had one team week, and one teaching week. The teaching week was on prayer and spiritual warfare. On this team week I went back to Drammen, which was great. Now I have two weeks off. That is a cool blessing. Here are some recent pictures.
That is a very general update. I guess I can be more personal next time...
Monday, December 13, 2010
John 5:19
"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." -John 5:19
Do what the Father would do in every situation, and you will be fine. That is what I have been learning lately. Sometimes its painful though. Sometimes it goes against our nature. It is really hard. I know this in my head, but a lot of the times my heart does not want to do this.
It will always be better for you to do this. God only has whats best for you. Its so simple. Just ask Him.
That is something on my mind. God really really really only wants whats best for you. Always. Sometimes its painful though.
God I really want intimacy with you.
Do what the Father would do in every situation, and you will be fine. That is what I have been learning lately. Sometimes its painful though. Sometimes it goes against our nature. It is really hard. I know this in my head, but a lot of the times my heart does not want to do this.
It will always be better for you to do this. God only has whats best for you. Its so simple. Just ask Him.
That is something on my mind. God really really really only wants whats best for you. Always. Sometimes its painful though.
God I really want intimacy with you.
Monday, November 22, 2010
I like this
A muslim asked me what my relationship with God is like. This is what I told him.
"Intimacy. He talks to me through his Word, the Bible. He talks through other people, he speaks into me by pictures, through nature and so on. I talk back with him. He shares his secrets with me. He shows me Love. Grace .Mercy. He is Holy, he is Righteous. He gives me a hug when I need it, and he delights in me. I delight in Him. I walk with him daily. Talking back and forth. He gives me a peace that is full, beyond all knowledge and understanding. He shows me how to love in a way that I can not do without Him. He is a holy God that desires to have a relationship with me."
I just really like that answer for some reason.
see ya in a week.
"Intimacy. He talks to me through his Word, the Bible. He talks through other people, he speaks into me by pictures, through nature and so on. I talk back with him. He shares his secrets with me. He shows me Love. Grace .Mercy. He is Holy, he is Righteous. He gives me a hug when I need it, and he delights in me. I delight in Him. I walk with him daily. Talking back and forth. He gives me a peace that is full, beyond all knowledge and understanding. He shows me how to love in a way that I can not do without Him. He is a holy God that desires to have a relationship with me."
I just really like that answer for some reason.
see ya in a week.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Ålesund
I will be going there for the week. I had a great week off and then we had lectures for a week on Biblical World View. It was such a good week.
Week off was good. Learned a lot.
I have learned TONS about myself and the people around me. Learning to walk more in the fullness of who God created me to be, and its amazing. Life is amazing to say the VERY least.
http://amongthewildflowersajr.blogspot.com/2010/11/healing-and-encouragement.html
This is something I have learned a lot about lately. My role as a son, friend, and brother in Christ in relation to girls.
I hear girls always mention the fairy tale stuff...and never understood. Now I do. Its pretty real.
I read this somewhere that the heart of a girl is the treasure of God's kingdom. To put it short...every girl deserves to be fully pursued. No half hearted stuff. BUT, to only pursue when you have the Holy Spirit's permission. If he does give it to you, pursue the girl with Him...not just yourself. Its an adventure. The girl deserves it sooooo so so so so much. They are so special, and so beautiful.
Thats just me rambling. I guess I could put more...but I will leave it there.
see ya in a week : )
Week off was good. Learned a lot.
I have learned TONS about myself and the people around me. Learning to walk more in the fullness of who God created me to be, and its amazing. Life is amazing to say the VERY least.
http://amongthewildflowersajr.blogspot.com/2010/11/healing-and-encouragement.html
This is something I have learned a lot about lately. My role as a son, friend, and brother in Christ in relation to girls.
I hear girls always mention the fairy tale stuff...and never understood. Now I do. Its pretty real.
I read this somewhere that the heart of a girl is the treasure of God's kingdom. To put it short...every girl deserves to be fully pursued. No half hearted stuff. BUT, to only pursue when you have the Holy Spirit's permission. If he does give it to you, pursue the girl with Him...not just yourself. Its an adventure. The girl deserves it sooooo so so so so much. They are so special, and so beautiful.
Thats just me rambling. I guess I could put more...but I will leave it there.
see ya in a week : )
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Yup!
I have a week off.
I have 4-5 main things I am aiming to do.
1. Go through the Sozo Prayer teachings.
2. Read a few books.
3. Go through the Spiritual Leadership for Prayer teaching.
4. Hang out with 3-4 particular people.
5. Fill in the blank....
All to be done with Jesus.
Eat food.
Norwegian course.
It will be a good week.
The real question is, can I do it?
I will let you know.
I have 4-5 main things I am aiming to do.
1. Go through the Sozo Prayer teachings.
2. Read a few books.
3. Go through the Spiritual Leadership for Prayer teaching.
4. Hang out with 3-4 particular people.
5. Fill in the blank....
All to be done with Jesus.
Eat food.
Norwegian course.
It will be a good week.
The real question is, can I do it?
I will let you know.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Blog Post #1,000,000
Not really....it will be actually number 37.
Should I talk about what is happening here with what I do or with what God is doing in me?
I will give you a cool testimony: I tell you this story in humility, transparency, and wanting to encourage you. I was completely broken and at the end of the rope. It has nothing to do with my family, with my friends, or with my work here. It is God doing some hard work in me. Really taking me through a refining process, and it HURTS. You may not understand it, but when God's Spirit is in you, he starts to get rid of the bad stuff. "Whatever is in the darkness will be exposed by the light" (Not verbatim).
So...back to the story...I was walking home from a friends house after picking up a movie to watch for later. On my way home, I was asking God, " What is happening in my life? I don't understand, it hurts!" To be honesty, I was crying and in tears, at the end of my rope. Some of my friends passed by me, on the way to go get a movie for themselves. They picked on me a little bit, and I didn't answer them. I just kept walking, I didn't have the capability to talk. I walk home and just stop and cry...."God, what is happening?!" I get back to my room and open the door. On my bed is a note, it says: Trust me.
This is not the first time this has happened. Many times lately, I have cried out to God, "what is happening?!?!" He has been very faithful to me. Telling me in many ways to trust him. Whether with his own voice, or a note, or a scripture from a friend who doesn't know anything. God is faithful. Hands down.
I am still learning as I go through this, but this is God. God whom I serve, love, and desire. He is the God, who created everything, but still has all the time in the world to spend on me. Telling me his secrets and working in my heart. Refining me. He is more of a reality then anything else I know.
Psalm 27:4 "The one thing that I ask of from the Lord, and that I shall seek: Is to be in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Beholding the beauty of the Lord, and meditating in His temple."
Psalm 25:14 "The Secrets of the Lord are for those who fear Him, and he will make them know his covenant"
These verses are beautiful. On the second verse....replace fear with love...its the same thing.
Have a blessed day
Ps....this note is to encourage you. I am not a depressed person, this is my life with a faithful God, taking me through a season of taking the bad things out, and making me his.
Should I talk about what is happening here with what I do or with what God is doing in me?
I will give you a cool testimony: I tell you this story in humility, transparency, and wanting to encourage you. I was completely broken and at the end of the rope. It has nothing to do with my family, with my friends, or with my work here. It is God doing some hard work in me. Really taking me through a refining process, and it HURTS. You may not understand it, but when God's Spirit is in you, he starts to get rid of the bad stuff. "Whatever is in the darkness will be exposed by the light" (Not verbatim).
So...back to the story...I was walking home from a friends house after picking up a movie to watch for later. On my way home, I was asking God, " What is happening in my life? I don't understand, it hurts!" To be honesty, I was crying and in tears, at the end of my rope. Some of my friends passed by me, on the way to go get a movie for themselves. They picked on me a little bit, and I didn't answer them. I just kept walking, I didn't have the capability to talk. I walk home and just stop and cry...."God, what is happening?!" I get back to my room and open the door. On my bed is a note, it says: Trust me.
This is not the first time this has happened. Many times lately, I have cried out to God, "what is happening?!?!" He has been very faithful to me. Telling me in many ways to trust him. Whether with his own voice, or a note, or a scripture from a friend who doesn't know anything. God is faithful. Hands down.
I am still learning as I go through this, but this is God. God whom I serve, love, and desire. He is the God, who created everything, but still has all the time in the world to spend on me. Telling me his secrets and working in my heart. Refining me. He is more of a reality then anything else I know.
Psalm 27:4 "The one thing that I ask of from the Lord, and that I shall seek: Is to be in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Beholding the beauty of the Lord, and meditating in His temple."
Psalm 25:14 "The Secrets of the Lord are for those who fear Him, and he will make them know his covenant"
These verses are beautiful. On the second verse....replace fear with love...its the same thing.
Have a blessed day
Ps....this note is to encourage you. I am not a depressed person, this is my life with a faithful God, taking me through a season of taking the bad things out, and making me his.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Muslims
I am thinking about two things.
If you have real truth. Solid Truth. Him. King of Truth. You can see the fruits of the truth. Freedom. Joy. Peace. Patience. Gentleness. Love. Kindness. Goodness. These are things you can see. Experience.
Muslims. They live a life of fear. Where is the freedom? Where is the joy? Where is the relationship? My heart brakes for them. They are living a life of bondage.
This guy in Florida, what he is doing is wrong, but the Muslim's response to this does not make much sense either. All I see is anger and hatred. I know not all Muslims are like this, and its easy to stereotype them all.
But what is the fruit of your life? "Your" truth?
Jesus, I am so thankful you ARE Truth.
If you have real truth. Solid Truth. Him. King of Truth. You can see the fruits of the truth. Freedom. Joy. Peace. Patience. Gentleness. Love. Kindness. Goodness. These are things you can see. Experience.
Muslims. They live a life of fear. Where is the freedom? Where is the joy? Where is the relationship? My heart brakes for them. They are living a life of bondage.
This guy in Florida, what he is doing is wrong, but the Muslim's response to this does not make much sense either. All I see is anger and hatred. I know not all Muslims are like this, and its easy to stereotype them all.
But what is the fruit of your life? "Your" truth?
Jesus, I am so thankful you ARE Truth.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Yes!
Well
I am in the mood to write a tad bit.
I started Norwegian class last thursday. Its so good to be there and finally be able to understand sentence structure and learn what the words mean. I am looking very much forward to when I can be able to talk at a decent level. My heart really wants that.
God is showing me a lot of different things. I guess things that have been sticking out a lot to me lately:
1. There is so much noise in the world. I was laying in bed and just outside my door 6 people talking, one playing the guitar. My room mate beside me talking to his girlfriend and I can hear her muffled voice. Music in the background. The loud vehicles driving by. The club across the street with its crazy loud music. Then I thought about King David. When he was a shepherd, out and alone with his sheep. Or when he was in his big palace and he was alone in his room. It must of been so quiet. No airplanes flying over. No helicopters. Just stillness and quietness. I think its hard for us to be in a place like that because its so rare. We are not used to it. I imagine it to be easy to hear God's voice. It would be crystal clear. "Be still and know that I am God" "In the stillness you are there." (the second one is a song...but I wouldn't be surprised if it had been takin from the Psalms somewhere.
2. ALL I have been reading Colossians, a detailed study. Something that sticks out to me is the word "All." Its everywhere in this book. About God. About the fullness of Him, His plan, Jesus, his presence. Its all. Everywhere. Nothing missing. Every detail. All all all all. Nothing goes unnoticed.
Speaking of Norway. Its expensive. I am going to buy two pairs of ear plugs. 50 Kroners. Also known as about 10 dollars. Yes!
So, as we all know. I staff the DTS...its great. I could tell you about some of the staff. I don't know all of them that well...but the ones I do know, I will write a short thing about:
Markus: The leader, amazing guy. He has tons of wisdom, a great leader, and is form Norway.
Theresa: Co-leader (leader)...Norwegian. Still getting to know her. Engaged to Magnus
Oyvind: Co-leader, he is a great guy. I think of him when it comes to the verse, "they will know us by our love for each other" Norwegian
Magnus: Norwegian. Still getting to know
Eva: Norwegian. She is really cool. She has a big heart for discipleship and worship. She gets really excited to see people connect with God.
Ragnhild: Norwegian. She is also really cool. She has a huge heart, with lots of joy and passion for God.
Guy Helge: Norwegian. Don't know him all that well, but you can see he has passion for God and his word.
Hannah: The Dane (danish). She is really cool. She has a ton of wisdom and can really speak into peoples lives. She is a real person, who is good at listening to people. You can tell she delights in the small things out of love for God.
Elisabeth: German. From the dts last year. She has a lot of knowledge...very smart. Still getting to know her.
Katharina: German. From the dts last year. Don't know her all that well. Look forward to seeing how God has made her.
Jaanika: Estonia. From the dts last year. I don't know her all that well. She seems to be prophetic though. I will get to learn some about her this year.
Jo Yngva: Norwegian. He is a new staff like me. Cept this is not my first year at the base. He is really cool. I am still getting to know him. He is pretty funny, he seems to listen very well.
Annalisa: Norwegian. She has a heart for people getting hearts for missions. She wants to see the young people's hearts wrecked for God.
Ana: Norwegian. Still getting to know her. But she is also really funny.
This is just what I have seen of the people. They are who I will be working with all year. I am excited. We will see what happens.
I have typed a lot. I did not check for errors. so forgive me.
Bye
I am in the mood to write a tad bit.
I started Norwegian class last thursday. Its so good to be there and finally be able to understand sentence structure and learn what the words mean. I am looking very much forward to when I can be able to talk at a decent level. My heart really wants that.
God is showing me a lot of different things. I guess things that have been sticking out a lot to me lately:
1. There is so much noise in the world. I was laying in bed and just outside my door 6 people talking, one playing the guitar. My room mate beside me talking to his girlfriend and I can hear her muffled voice. Music in the background. The loud vehicles driving by. The club across the street with its crazy loud music. Then I thought about King David. When he was a shepherd, out and alone with his sheep. Or when he was in his big palace and he was alone in his room. It must of been so quiet. No airplanes flying over. No helicopters. Just stillness and quietness. I think its hard for us to be in a place like that because its so rare. We are not used to it. I imagine it to be easy to hear God's voice. It would be crystal clear. "Be still and know that I am God" "In the stillness you are there." (the second one is a song...but I wouldn't be surprised if it had been takin from the Psalms somewhere.
2. ALL I have been reading Colossians, a detailed study. Something that sticks out to me is the word "All." Its everywhere in this book. About God. About the fullness of Him, His plan, Jesus, his presence. Its all. Everywhere. Nothing missing. Every detail. All all all all. Nothing goes unnoticed.
Speaking of Norway. Its expensive. I am going to buy two pairs of ear plugs. 50 Kroners. Also known as about 10 dollars. Yes!
So, as we all know. I staff the DTS...its great. I could tell you about some of the staff. I don't know all of them that well...but the ones I do know, I will write a short thing about:
Markus: The leader, amazing guy. He has tons of wisdom, a great leader, and is form Norway.
Theresa: Co-leader (leader)...Norwegian. Still getting to know her. Engaged to Magnus
Oyvind: Co-leader, he is a great guy. I think of him when it comes to the verse, "they will know us by our love for each other" Norwegian
Magnus: Norwegian. Still getting to know
Eva: Norwegian. She is really cool. She has a big heart for discipleship and worship. She gets really excited to see people connect with God.
Ragnhild: Norwegian. She is also really cool. She has a huge heart, with lots of joy and passion for God.
Guy Helge: Norwegian. Don't know him all that well, but you can see he has passion for God and his word.
Hannah: The Dane (danish). She is really cool. She has a ton of wisdom and can really speak into peoples lives. She is a real person, who is good at listening to people. You can tell she delights in the small things out of love for God.
Elisabeth: German. From the dts last year. She has a lot of knowledge...very smart. Still getting to know her.
Katharina: German. From the dts last year. Don't know her all that well. Look forward to seeing how God has made her.
Jaanika: Estonia. From the dts last year. I don't know her all that well. She seems to be prophetic though. I will get to learn some about her this year.
Jo Yngva: Norwegian. He is a new staff like me. Cept this is not my first year at the base. He is really cool. I am still getting to know him. He is pretty funny, he seems to listen very well.
Annalisa: Norwegian. She has a heart for people getting hearts for missions. She wants to see the young people's hearts wrecked for God.
Ana: Norwegian. Still getting to know her. But she is also really funny.
This is just what I have seen of the people. They are who I will be working with all year. I am excited. We will see what happens.
I have typed a lot. I did not check for errors. so forgive me.
Bye
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Its so simple
I didn't want to work this week at Sonny's. I couldn't get a hold of my boss in time or catch him at a good time. I figured God had something planned for this week and the people I have been pouring into.
I was right. God loves these co-workers. He loves each detail in there life. He has called me to love them and to listen to them. By being willing, ready, and bold to follow Jesus, he has done some really great things in the Sonny's employees. Its so amazing to see.
"God, continue to work in each persons heart. Make them aware of your eagerness for them, your voice in their life."
How I love being a Jesus follower! Its so exciting. So full of love. grace.
"Lord, please continue to let people see Christ in me, Christ in my eyes, Your love for that person."
-speaking of that, every week so far, many times a week, people compliment my eyes. They see something is different. I am not afraid to declare that its all because of Christ, that I have changed. The glaze on my eyes is gone! The sadness is gone! A spark is in my eyes, and Oh Boy, its for YOU Jesus.
this is when I feel its every bit worth it. A light to the world. How I loveeeeee it.
Christ in me, the hope of glory!
I was right. God loves these co-workers. He loves each detail in there life. He has called me to love them and to listen to them. By being willing, ready, and bold to follow Jesus, he has done some really great things in the Sonny's employees. Its so amazing to see.
"God, continue to work in each persons heart. Make them aware of your eagerness for them, your voice in their life."
How I love being a Jesus follower! Its so exciting. So full of love. grace.
"Lord, please continue to let people see Christ in me, Christ in my eyes, Your love for that person."
-speaking of that, every week so far, many times a week, people compliment my eyes. They see something is different. I am not afraid to declare that its all because of Christ, that I have changed. The glaze on my eyes is gone! The sadness is gone! A spark is in my eyes, and Oh Boy, its for YOU Jesus.
this is when I feel its every bit worth it. A light to the world. How I loveeeeee it.
Christ in me, the hope of glory!
Friday, August 6, 2010
this isn't Norway
but this is part of the reason I like the South so much.
Biscuits.
This is what I told my Norwegian friend about them (bad grammer and corniness ahead): "Just they are sooooo good. They make me happy. Literally. Happy. When there is a biscuit I get this warm feeling of happiness inside me. All of the memories with family. Knowing its going to just be soft and warm on the inside! Its great with any kinda dinner. So good!"
I am lame. Dear South: I will miss you and your uniqueness.
Leave one week from today. :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
hello
Back to Norway
Lord you said you will bless whatever I choose to do
2 years.
I am excited.
Bless the Lord, Oh my SOUL.
Lord you said you will bless whatever I choose to do
2 years.
I am excited.
Bless the Lord, Oh my SOUL.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
yup
I really long for Heaven. How sweet it sounds.
Lord, you are so sweet.
There is a bird bath outside my window. I think its a small taste of heaven because I get so much Joy watching the birds come dance, play, and jump in the water.
I am praying about what to do next. Two years in Norway? Why can I not make a decision.
God is Love.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Hi
So its a new time.
Something amazing about grace is that I am forgiven, and its forgotten. Every time I lose a battle and every time I mess up...When I seek God's face, its a brand new start. Fresh.
Things have been bad lately. But God is bigger than that. He is Stronger! So what am I going to do with this time while I am home?
Praying for direction in the small things. and big things.
Thank you for rallying behind me with prayers. Its very encouraging to be supported.
I have learned a lot lately. Something I like a lot is that I am God's son. His son. I can't believe the devil even dares to mess with me or you. Son and Daughter of the Creator of the universe. Thank you Jesus.
Something amazing about grace is that I am forgiven, and its forgotten. Every time I lose a battle and every time I mess up...When I seek God's face, its a brand new start. Fresh.
Things have been bad lately. But God is bigger than that. He is Stronger! So what am I going to do with this time while I am home?
Praying for direction in the small things. and big things.
Thank you for rallying behind me with prayers. Its very encouraging to be supported.
I have learned a lot lately. Something I like a lot is that I am God's son. His son. I can't believe the devil even dares to mess with me or you. Son and Daughter of the Creator of the universe. Thank you Jesus.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
yup
The Joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh my Strength, I will watch for you.....
I don't want to be complacent. I don't want my experiences to be a mountain top experience.
I am in your hands O Lord. You are my Strength. You will never abandon me. I will worship you. I will stay steadfast. Even when its hard.
At the moment I hate being home. I feel like I have no purpose. No direction. No sense of being. Its real. Its culture shock. Its spiritual attacks. Its now. But God is bigger than that.
I would still love to have your prayers.
God, you are more of a reality than anything else.
I don't want to be complacent. I don't want my experiences to be a mountain top experience.
I am in your hands O Lord. You are my Strength. You will never abandon me. I will worship you. I will stay steadfast. Even when its hard.
At the moment I hate being home. I feel like I have no purpose. No direction. No sense of being. Its real. Its culture shock. Its spiritual attacks. Its now. But God is bigger than that.
I would still love to have your prayers.
God, you are more of a reality than anything else.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
I believe
in transparency and humility.
1) Its a testimony of what God is doing in your life.
-Which can encourage/teach others
2) It keeps the devil from having a foothold in your life.
I want to be honest and humble, but first a cool thought:
Have you ever wondered what a butterfly thinks? It goes from being this slow and fat insect to a breath taking beauty. What does it think when its just slowing losing all of its weight and growing beautiful wings? When it turns into a butterfly, does it have this past memory of what it used to be? What it was like? Did it ever get jealous of other butterflies or did it even know?
Just a random thought
Anywho, humility.
People wonder why I am home. Well I will tell you my testimony of how I got here.
I decided I was coming home to support my mom in her recent relational endeavors (good choice of words I would say). That is bottom line, but the thing that arose and caused constant stress in me is "What am I going to do afterwords?"
I was offered to stay in Skien, Norway for two more years as a Discipleship Training School staff. I would invest into people coming to do a DTS (what I did in Australia). My job in particular would be to make sure they get a heart for long term missions and a heart for evangelism. I would have been the "evangelist" on the team. But we will leave it as this....thats a very general description and it was actually a very exciting interest to me.
So I was torn between doing this, or coming home and following a peace God had given me in Berlin about finding out what I would do later. This peace, as described by Philippians 4:8, is a peace that can not be understood by men. An overwhelming peace. I loved that peace. Both seemed like very very good options, but one seemed a little silly. The silly one being going home and following this peace and now knowing what was going to happen. So this actually caused me TONS of stress. It was horrible and I made it much bigger than what it actually was. At one point my friend was telling me his hands were warm (Holy Spirit in his hands), and I had knots in my back. So he put his hand on my back and in the name of Jesus, he made the knots go away. I felt them, and he felt them ago away at that exact same moment (just a cool story). The devil is stupid.
I asked God to confirm with a small money donation if I was suppose to stay in Skien...and it never happened.
As I was sitting in my room one morning reading, I asked God to give me a verse about peace if he wanted me to follow this peace since he didn't confirm anything with money. I read and read and did not find anything about peace. I go out that day with Christian and do some evangelism. When I got back home, on my door was a note with a verse. John 14:27. A verse all about peace. So that was really cool. So Gods peace came flooding back into me that day. I was in the kitchen doing dishes and God showed up in the kitchen. I just stood there and cried because it was just so overwhelming to feel his peace and love. I enjoyed it so much.
So...if your still with me....I went to church retreat with a local church only knowing a couple of the people. Here is where I made the decision to just go home and follow this peace and something in me made me think I need to work things out with my family when I get home...whatever that might be. As I decide this, a man walked up to me and says "God wants you to go home and work things out with your family and then he will give you clear direction." Talk about confirmation. Then another man walks up to me, and God has been showing me tons about peace during this month and so on, and says to me "God has been showing you a lot about His peace, He plans on showing you and taking you even deeper into that." So that was way cool.
When I left, I really had a feeling for "two months" that I would be home and then I would leave again. I really am praying that this is true...but my timing is not always God's timing...I just hope it is God.
So here I am at home. Not knowing what I am doing. But thats okay, because when God tells you something, he will hold on to his word. I am in the right place, for sure. This is where I could use your prayers: for direction and for friends to have here while I am home that I can stay accountable to. I dont really know what I am suppose to do with my time, I guess God will show me. I dont want this to be a time of being lazy or irresponsible, that is not my heart at all. Oh, you can pray what I am suppose to do about a car as well. That would be great! :D
I guess that's about it. I usually like to make things short, but no cutting corners (although I probably did leave out some details, actually I just reread this, and I did, but you got the important stuff).
Have a blessed day!
1) Its a testimony of what God is doing in your life.
-Which can encourage/teach others
2) It keeps the devil from having a foothold in your life.
I want to be honest and humble, but first a cool thought:
Have you ever wondered what a butterfly thinks? It goes from being this slow and fat insect to a breath taking beauty. What does it think when its just slowing losing all of its weight and growing beautiful wings? When it turns into a butterfly, does it have this past memory of what it used to be? What it was like? Did it ever get jealous of other butterflies or did it even know?
Just a random thought
Anywho, humility.
People wonder why I am home. Well I will tell you my testimony of how I got here.
I decided I was coming home to support my mom in her recent relational endeavors (good choice of words I would say). That is bottom line, but the thing that arose and caused constant stress in me is "What am I going to do afterwords?"
I was offered to stay in Skien, Norway for two more years as a Discipleship Training School staff. I would invest into people coming to do a DTS (what I did in Australia). My job in particular would be to make sure they get a heart for long term missions and a heart for evangelism. I would have been the "evangelist" on the team. But we will leave it as this....thats a very general description and it was actually a very exciting interest to me.
So I was torn between doing this, or coming home and following a peace God had given me in Berlin about finding out what I would do later. This peace, as described by Philippians 4:8, is a peace that can not be understood by men. An overwhelming peace. I loved that peace. Both seemed like very very good options, but one seemed a little silly. The silly one being going home and following this peace and now knowing what was going to happen. So this actually caused me TONS of stress. It was horrible and I made it much bigger than what it actually was. At one point my friend was telling me his hands were warm (Holy Spirit in his hands), and I had knots in my back. So he put his hand on my back and in the name of Jesus, he made the knots go away. I felt them, and he felt them ago away at that exact same moment (just a cool story). The devil is stupid.
I asked God to confirm with a small money donation if I was suppose to stay in Skien...and it never happened.
As I was sitting in my room one morning reading, I asked God to give me a verse about peace if he wanted me to follow this peace since he didn't confirm anything with money. I read and read and did not find anything about peace. I go out that day with Christian and do some evangelism. When I got back home, on my door was a note with a verse. John 14:27. A verse all about peace. So that was really cool. So Gods peace came flooding back into me that day. I was in the kitchen doing dishes and God showed up in the kitchen. I just stood there and cried because it was just so overwhelming to feel his peace and love. I enjoyed it so much.
So...if your still with me....I went to church retreat with a local church only knowing a couple of the people. Here is where I made the decision to just go home and follow this peace and something in me made me think I need to work things out with my family when I get home...whatever that might be. As I decide this, a man walked up to me and says "God wants you to go home and work things out with your family and then he will give you clear direction." Talk about confirmation. Then another man walks up to me, and God has been showing me tons about peace during this month and so on, and says to me "God has been showing you a lot about His peace, He plans on showing you and taking you even deeper into that." So that was way cool.
When I left, I really had a feeling for "two months" that I would be home and then I would leave again. I really am praying that this is true...but my timing is not always God's timing...I just hope it is God.
So here I am at home. Not knowing what I am doing. But thats okay, because when God tells you something, he will hold on to his word. I am in the right place, for sure. This is where I could use your prayers: for direction and for friends to have here while I am home that I can stay accountable to. I dont really know what I am suppose to do with my time, I guess God will show me. I dont want this to be a time of being lazy or irresponsible, that is not my heart at all. Oh, you can pray what I am suppose to do about a car as well. That would be great! :D
I guess that's about it. I usually like to make things short, but no cutting corners (although I probably did leave out some details, actually I just reread this, and I did, but you got the important stuff).
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
hey
what a Life....
any life with God is amazing.
"Youth without God is like a painting in a world with no light"
God has been teaching me lots of things lately.
Lots about peace.
Everyone knows Psalm 23. I have never really payed much attention to it, but God has been using it in my life alot.
I have been learning lots about peace. lots and lots. Someone who didn't know me came up to me the other day....a stranger, who is a christian, said "God has been giving you and showing you lots of peace this week, He plans on showing you more and taking you deeper into that." Thats really cool.
Not to much going on this week, everybody is leaving going somewhere. I just got back from a church retreat from a church in town. 1 baptized, 2 saved, and people healed. What a time.
I love being a Jesus follower. Its to the glory of His grace in how much he has changed me. Its so obvious to me how much I have changed because of Christ.
Bye : )
any life with God is amazing.
"Youth without God is like a painting in a world with no light"
God has been teaching me lots of things lately.
Lots about peace.
Everyone knows Psalm 23. I have never really payed much attention to it, but God has been using it in my life alot.
I have been learning lots about peace. lots and lots. Someone who didn't know me came up to me the other day....a stranger, who is a christian, said "God has been giving you and showing you lots of peace this week, He plans on showing you more and taking you deeper into that." Thats really cool.
Not to much going on this week, everybody is leaving going somewhere. I just got back from a church retreat from a church in town. 1 baptized, 2 saved, and people healed. What a time.
I love being a Jesus follower. Its to the glory of His grace in how much he has changed me. Its so obvious to me how much I have changed because of Christ.
Bye : )
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Whole carrot
I stole my friends title. I liked it, but it prob has some meaning I dont know about.
This is the best way to sum up my time in Berlin. It was just said to me on Facebook.
"Love is the greatest of them all" (From the verse in 1 Cor 13, last one).
God has taught me how to love during this time, and how to be loved. (I am not perfect at it, and will learn this for the rest of my life.) To love without expectations, when I do not want to, and because I was first loved. To love because of this Love. This Grace.
To know I am loved by God. That when I mess up or do really good, it doesn't change a single thing. I am loved.
Jesus, show me more of this love. How sweet is your gospel.
This is the best way to sum up my time in Berlin. It was just said to me on Facebook.
"Love is the greatest of them all" (From the verse in 1 Cor 13, last one).
God has taught me how to love during this time, and how to be loved. (I am not perfect at it, and will learn this for the rest of my life.) To love without expectations, when I do not want to, and because I was first loved. To love because of this Love. This Grace.
To know I am loved by God. That when I mess up or do really good, it doesn't change a single thing. I am loved.
Jesus, show me more of this love. How sweet is your gospel.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I was convinced....
Disclaimer: This blog has many purposes....I find it fun to write. So many random things in this. My mind goes all over the place. Good place for it I guess.
Robert took me out and I bought some cologne. I have always been a man of neutral smell....not bad, not good....just not there. That changed. I now smell. Smell good that is. It took a lot of convincing on his part and some others. So now I know....if you ever need to get a birthday present, christmas presnt, or just a present....I have learned cologne is good (in europe and with me).
Europe is so different than America. In lots of different ways: they recycle more, better public transportation, and men sit down to pee. Just little differences, but still can make an impact in day to day life.
This is my last week in Berlin. It is bitter sweet. The youth group threw a party for us. They are glad we are leaving. Ha. Then they prayed for us before we left. After they prayed for us a girl walked up to me and had an impression from God to me, "God is a God of wonders." Which for me is perfect. I think its wonderful how the smallest little things can mean so much to someone. I have been praying a lot lately that I want to be in wonder of who God is. To be in wonder of his character, realtionship with me, and his creation. To see wonderous things happen around me. He is doing that for sure.
I read from something not to far back when an old man was on his death bed. He said all he ever asked for was to be in Wonder of God. For God to show him wonderful things. He didnt want wisdom, knowledge or anything else. One of the last things he said was God showed him every day his wonderful things and works. That life was beautiful for him....
God is showing me things.
God is so good. So wonderful. So loving.
I cant help but have joy in my heart, laughter in my mouth, and a smile on my lips while knowing this love of God.
Since I have been in Berlin. I have changed a lot. I feel God's presence so much more through the day. Being able to talk to him more and know he is there more. He shows me more about the gospel and its beautiful. He shows me this divine love. More, more, more.
My faith is in Jesus. He has changed me so much. Its such a testimony. Oh how I can never turn back. I can never be the same!
Lord, my heart BURNS for you. I will never be the same again.
Robert took me out and I bought some cologne. I have always been a man of neutral smell....not bad, not good....just not there. That changed. I now smell. Smell good that is. It took a lot of convincing on his part and some others. So now I know....if you ever need to get a birthday present, christmas presnt, or just a present....I have learned cologne is good (in europe and with me).
Europe is so different than America. In lots of different ways: they recycle more, better public transportation, and men sit down to pee. Just little differences, but still can make an impact in day to day life.
This is my last week in Berlin. It is bitter sweet. The youth group threw a party for us. They are glad we are leaving. Ha. Then they prayed for us before we left. After they prayed for us a girl walked up to me and had an impression from God to me, "God is a God of wonders." Which for me is perfect. I think its wonderful how the smallest little things can mean so much to someone. I have been praying a lot lately that I want to be in wonder of who God is. To be in wonder of his character, realtionship with me, and his creation. To see wonderous things happen around me. He is doing that for sure.
I read from something not to far back when an old man was on his death bed. He said all he ever asked for was to be in Wonder of God. For God to show him wonderful things. He didnt want wisdom, knowledge or anything else. One of the last things he said was God showed him every day his wonderful things and works. That life was beautiful for him....
God is showing me things.
God is so good. So wonderful. So loving.
I cant help but have joy in my heart, laughter in my mouth, and a smile on my lips while knowing this love of God.
Since I have been in Berlin. I have changed a lot. I feel God's presence so much more through the day. Being able to talk to him more and know he is there more. He shows me more about the gospel and its beautiful. He shows me this divine love. More, more, more.
My faith is in Jesus. He has changed me so much. Its such a testimony. Oh how I can never turn back. I can never be the same!
Lord, my heart BURNS for you. I will never be the same again.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Yeah
I go through seasons of writing and not writing. I will write everyday for a couple of weeks and then suddenly not write again.
Yesterday was a good day. I woke up, went to do a prayer shift for 24/7. On the way to the prayer shift me and Robert were joking around about how the people on this tram are secret agents and navy seals. Pointing at people and saying who has what weapon or bomb and what was going to happen. We then get off the tram and suddenly four or five police cars come screaming over to our tram. Some police rush out and run into the tram and they end up finding nothing. They then proceeded over to another tram from the other direction and which was another lose. Sometimes life can be ironic.
We then ate lunch at this old American ladies house. She was 72, her husband died in 2008. She was extremely sweet and I loved hearing her stories. I have learned that I learn best from stories, I enjoy hearing them, and telling them myself (not that I am to good of a story teller). I think it was really good for her though for us to be there. I think she really needed someone to talk to,would listen to her, and for her to process things. She made us green beans, carrots, lasanga, chicken steak, and rolls. Then followed up with some pudding....which was prob the best I have ever had. (She said it would be the best I ever had to before I even tried it).
We go over to the YWAM base and get some things done. When we are leaving, I asked Robet if it was 4:41, he said yes. It was really 3:41....so I showed up to church two hours early. So when the church service started, I left and got onto the tram.
A little bit later the tram slams on its brakes and all of a sudden the corner of a bus comes tearing into the right side. It all happened in slow motion with the glass breaking and dust flying and people coming out of there seats because of the impact. It was pretty cool, but interesting at the same time. I was quite suprised with myself actually though. I did not get scared at all, and my first instinct was to help the people around me. Perfect love cast out all fear? Some people were really shaken by the bus coming through the window. I am very lucky though I did not sit the seat beside me because then I would have had the bus right on me and the glass coming down.
But I have to go....Ill finish later.
I finished the day by walking home in shorts in the cold rainy weather. But thats okay. I have breath. Ha.
Then when I got home watched the passion of christ....that makes me laugh.
Much love
Jeremy
Yesterday was a good day. I woke up, went to do a prayer shift for 24/7. On the way to the prayer shift me and Robert were joking around about how the people on this tram are secret agents and navy seals. Pointing at people and saying who has what weapon or bomb and what was going to happen. We then get off the tram and suddenly four or five police cars come screaming over to our tram. Some police rush out and run into the tram and they end up finding nothing. They then proceeded over to another tram from the other direction and which was another lose. Sometimes life can be ironic.
We then ate lunch at this old American ladies house. She was 72, her husband died in 2008. She was extremely sweet and I loved hearing her stories. I have learned that I learn best from stories, I enjoy hearing them, and telling them myself (not that I am to good of a story teller). I think it was really good for her though for us to be there. I think she really needed someone to talk to,would listen to her, and for her to process things. She made us green beans, carrots, lasanga, chicken steak, and rolls. Then followed up with some pudding....which was prob the best I have ever had. (She said it would be the best I ever had to before I even tried it).
We go over to the YWAM base and get some things done. When we are leaving, I asked Robet if it was 4:41, he said yes. It was really 3:41....so I showed up to church two hours early. So when the church service started, I left and got onto the tram.
A little bit later the tram slams on its brakes and all of a sudden the corner of a bus comes tearing into the right side. It all happened in slow motion with the glass breaking and dust flying and people coming out of there seats because of the impact. It was pretty cool, but interesting at the same time. I was quite suprised with myself actually though. I did not get scared at all, and my first instinct was to help the people around me. Perfect love cast out all fear? Some people were really shaken by the bus coming through the window. I am very lucky though I did not sit the seat beside me because then I would have had the bus right on me and the glass coming down.
But I have to go....Ill finish later.
I finished the day by walking home in shorts in the cold rainy weather. But thats okay. I have breath. Ha.
Then when I got home watched the passion of christ....that makes me laugh.
Much love
Jeremy
Thursday, April 1, 2010
a new year
started on....lets just say....march 23rd.
I really like this:
Eph 5: 25-27
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
My new year:
Christ loved Jeremy, and gave himself up for him to make him holy, cleansing him by the washing with water through the word, and to present him to himself as a radiant Jeremy, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
This will be a year of learning about this Divine Romance. It will be good. Amazing. It already has been. But as the same time hard.
I really like this:
Eph 5: 25-27
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
My new year:
Christ loved Jeremy, and gave himself up for him to make him holy, cleansing him by the washing with water through the word, and to present him to himself as a radiant Jeremy, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
This will be a year of learning about this Divine Romance. It will be good. Amazing. It already has been. But as the same time hard.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
all though
the last one was not as personal, I will write some about what God is doing in me.
Here we go:
1. Nothing is mine. Nothing at all. These clothes I have, this money I use, and even my body I use and abuse everyday. Its all God's, I am just his manager for it. Kind of relieving because God will give me what I need when I need it. No doubt. So maybe one day he will ask me give to up the shirt I am wearing to someone more in need, but he would not just let me go shirtless, he would take care of me.
Also, since its his body, and I am just borrowing it : ) until I get back to heaven, I should use it for the most of his glory. Wether that is helping out the homeless guy, telling someone about Jesus, or admiring his creation while sky diving or mountain bking its for his glory. I think he wants us to have fun.
2. How amazing prayer is. I can always learn about prayer. We will just leave this one like it is.
3. God believes in me, and he can use me to do the BIG in the world just as the small ones. He has been showing me how much he believes in me.
4. To be simple. To have the joy deep in your soul, with the laughter in your mouth and a smile on your lips and just enjoy God and his creation. To have Love, Faith, and Hope.
5. Hoping for Christ. Still learning...and always will be. I think a lot of christians really over look this....hope....and also the basis of faith.
6. Walk as Jesus walked. Obvious one, but what does it mean? John 14, we will do greater works than what he has done. Jesus himself says that, and then he gives us the Holy Spirit.
7. Tie all of these together....and you can have a simple. radical. beautiful life for Jesus, and will get to experience miracles on a regular basis. You will be in wonder of him, wanting to walk in his presence all day. Now when I say this number seven point...I am not lecturing you as you read, this is what God is showing me. To be joyful and simple and walk like Jesus did. I have seen some really cool things from this.
back to point point number 2: this is where all of this starts, through prayer and talking to Jesus and seeing what he did on the Cross. Oh the wonderful cross.
Well...I think that is good for now.
Here we go:
1. Nothing is mine. Nothing at all. These clothes I have, this money I use, and even my body I use and abuse everyday. Its all God's, I am just his manager for it. Kind of relieving because God will give me what I need when I need it. No doubt. So maybe one day he will ask me give to up the shirt I am wearing to someone more in need, but he would not just let me go shirtless, he would take care of me.
Also, since its his body, and I am just borrowing it : ) until I get back to heaven, I should use it for the most of his glory. Wether that is helping out the homeless guy, telling someone about Jesus, or admiring his creation while sky diving or mountain bking its for his glory. I think he wants us to have fun.
2. How amazing prayer is. I can always learn about prayer. We will just leave this one like it is.
3. God believes in me, and he can use me to do the BIG in the world just as the small ones. He has been showing me how much he believes in me.
4. To be simple. To have the joy deep in your soul, with the laughter in your mouth and a smile on your lips and just enjoy God and his creation. To have Love, Faith, and Hope.
5. Hoping for Christ. Still learning...and always will be. I think a lot of christians really over look this....hope....and also the basis of faith.
6. Walk as Jesus walked. Obvious one, but what does it mean? John 14, we will do greater works than what he has done. Jesus himself says that, and then he gives us the Holy Spirit.
7. Tie all of these together....and you can have a simple. radical. beautiful life for Jesus, and will get to experience miracles on a regular basis. You will be in wonder of him, wanting to walk in his presence all day. Now when I say this number seven point...I am not lecturing you as you read, this is what God is showing me. To be joyful and simple and walk like Jesus did. I have seen some really cool things from this.
back to point point number 2: this is where all of this starts, through prayer and talking to Jesus and seeing what he did on the Cross. Oh the wonderful cross.
Well...I think that is good for now.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
two weeks?
I think it has been around two weeks, so time to update.
Time is flying by. It is so crazy. We leave on april 23. We need to buy a train ticket soon....
So much has happened lately. In my own life and in Berlin.
It really shows how great God is. He has been setting me free in areas of my life while showing me miracles in other person's lives.
I had a staff visit from my friend in Norway....pastoral visit that is. When we are together, we have lots of fun and evangelism truly becomes a life style. Talking to so many strangers and having a good time and even getting to see miracles. I think it was on a sunday....we were walking past this girl with a bandage on her hand. She really could not move it around much. After we prayed for her, her hand had gotten healed, it was back to the way it was. Full motion. Got to tell her about Jesus and so on.
Then an hour later, on the way out, we ran into a group of break dancing teens. They were qutie funny and really just enjoying themselves. They started dancing for us and talking. One guy did not dance though. He had broken fingers/hand from a fight he had been in. He was muslim and after talking to him, we prayed for his hand, he said the pain went away some and he was amazed at that. So we prayed again and this time all the pain had left his hand (on a scale of 1-10, ten being the worst pain, he said it went from 8 to 0). When that happened all the break dancers started singing suddenly, and very loudly, "Oh Happy Day!" and started break dancing....then the security came and kicked them out for being to loud. That was very cool.
There are more stories of God at work in this place.
The 24/7 prayer started that will last a month. First week is YWAM, 2nd is Christus Gemiende. Then a 3 day break for evangelism. Then week 3 will be by the Jerusalem church. Week 4, maybe back to YWAM, we are not sure. But we can still use your prayers to find people to help us with this. It has been an amazing time of seeing God provide for us. We are def thankful.
The youth club we run is up and down in who comes and go. Sometimes there will be lots of people there and then sometimes there will be not.
Berlin is very interesting city. I like it here. Quite beautiful. So that is the update for now.
I dont really check for spelling and grammer errors in my blog. sometimes. so forgive me.
Time is flying by. It is so crazy. We leave on april 23. We need to buy a train ticket soon....
So much has happened lately. In my own life and in Berlin.
It really shows how great God is. He has been setting me free in areas of my life while showing me miracles in other person's lives.
I had a staff visit from my friend in Norway....pastoral visit that is. When we are together, we have lots of fun and evangelism truly becomes a life style. Talking to so many strangers and having a good time and even getting to see miracles. I think it was on a sunday....we were walking past this girl with a bandage on her hand. She really could not move it around much. After we prayed for her, her hand had gotten healed, it was back to the way it was. Full motion. Got to tell her about Jesus and so on.
Then an hour later, on the way out, we ran into a group of break dancing teens. They were qutie funny and really just enjoying themselves. They started dancing for us and talking. One guy did not dance though. He had broken fingers/hand from a fight he had been in. He was muslim and after talking to him, we prayed for his hand, he said the pain went away some and he was amazed at that. So we prayed again and this time all the pain had left his hand (on a scale of 1-10, ten being the worst pain, he said it went from 8 to 0). When that happened all the break dancers started singing suddenly, and very loudly, "Oh Happy Day!" and started break dancing....then the security came and kicked them out for being to loud. That was very cool.
There are more stories of God at work in this place.
The 24/7 prayer started that will last a month. First week is YWAM, 2nd is Christus Gemiende. Then a 3 day break for evangelism. Then week 3 will be by the Jerusalem church. Week 4, maybe back to YWAM, we are not sure. But we can still use your prayers to find people to help us with this. It has been an amazing time of seeing God provide for us. We are def thankful.
The youth club we run is up and down in who comes and go. Sometimes there will be lots of people there and then sometimes there will be not.
Berlin is very interesting city. I like it here. Quite beautiful. So that is the update for now.
I dont really check for spelling and grammer errors in my blog. sometimes. so forgive me.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
this weekend.
I have been pretty busy this weekend. Sunday was very nice. I am going to take Monday off though. Everyone will be out of town....so no meetings. That is what a normal Monday is: meetings.
but its been interesting this weekend. God is just amazing. Like really...that is all I can even say. He even gave me a verse to that He is: Jeremiah 10:6 LORD, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.
Saturday, to my old self, could of seemed like such a crappy day. Things going wrong and just being very tired. But No!
Praise the Lord, Oh my soul.
At night....I had 10 mins to wait for the tram and it was freezing outside. So I just decided to walk down to the next tram stop for something to do. As I am walking....it turns into skipping, which then lead to singing joyfully to the Lord. I could not help it. It was amazing. God is so good.
He really is. I have to say that. But that will not cut it.
Oh. How he Loves me! Oh....how he loves me....how he loves me so!
He is growing me. Making me how he wants me. I got a blessing today to be with some South Africans. God used them alot in my life today. More than they know.
but its been interesting this weekend. God is just amazing. Like really...that is all I can even say. He even gave me a verse to that He is: Jeremiah 10:6 LORD, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.
Saturday, to my old self, could of seemed like such a crappy day. Things going wrong and just being very tired. But No!
Praise the Lord, Oh my soul.
At night....I had 10 mins to wait for the tram and it was freezing outside. So I just decided to walk down to the next tram stop for something to do. As I am walking....it turns into skipping, which then lead to singing joyfully to the Lord. I could not help it. It was amazing. God is so good.
He really is. I have to say that. But that will not cut it.
Oh. How he Loves me! Oh....how he loves me....how he loves me so!
He is growing me. Making me how he wants me. I got a blessing today to be with some South Africans. God used them alot in my life today. More than they know.
Friday, March 5, 2010
A sad venting time....
This blog is about what God is showing me.
...but recently my heart was broken, along with God's heart. I found out something that was said to one of my friends:
"Billy(replaced name). We all know that God has his chosen people. Obviously, you are not one of them."
...
Where in the world do you get that authority to use words like that!? Words are only used to build up. To encourage. To love.
Those words are life killing. Those words kill all hope. All meaning of life for my friend (I do not know if it did, but it had the power to).
That is NOT God. That is NOT God. That is NOT God.
Yes. I am bothered by this. I do not hold this against the person who said it, but my heart is broken. My eyes filled with tears for my friend.
God is Hope. God is Love. God is the Shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep and goes searching for his one lost one.
...but recently my heart was broken, along with God's heart. I found out something that was said to one of my friends:
"Billy(replaced name). We all know that God has his chosen people. Obviously, you are not one of them."
...
Where in the world do you get that authority to use words like that!? Words are only used to build up. To encourage. To love.
Those words are life killing. Those words kill all hope. All meaning of life for my friend (I do not know if it did, but it had the power to).
That is NOT God. That is NOT God. That is NOT God.
Yes. I am bothered by this. I do not hold this against the person who said it, but my heart is broken. My eyes filled with tears for my friend.
God is Hope. God is Love. God is the Shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep and goes searching for his one lost one.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Two years.
I was thinking today about the Gospel.
Out of all the things that happened and all the places I have gone, if all I have gained was a little bit more understanding of the Cross. It would have been worth every single bit of it.
It is so amazing.
P.S. Do not think I take forgranted what God has been doing in my life and the places I have gone. At the moment, He is revealing to me more about the Cross and His wonderful love.
Out of all the things that happened and all the places I have gone, if all I have gained was a little bit more understanding of the Cross. It would have been worth every single bit of it.
It is so amazing.
P.S. Do not think I take forgranted what God has been doing in my life and the places I have gone. At the moment, He is revealing to me more about the Cross and His wonderful love.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
My weekend.
I started to write this blog....and I noticed there is something I do not know how to do.
I am wanting to write about what I am learning with God. When I start writing it though, I use "Him & He" and so on....it feels really weird. How do I say this?
By grace....I am washed clean. Loved for who I am. I am small compared to Him and His Love for me. But as I write this, "He" is here. My One, my lover, my friend, my Transcendent God.
I am learning to walk with Him....continuously in my prayers, all day....trying to do all things out of Love for him, constantly in His presence. So that is the problem. I write about what I am learning about God. In this perspective as if He is not sitting right beside me, talking with me, loving on me, enjoying me, washing me head to toe in His grace.
He is showing me all of these things. I am tempted to change my blog to "Our Adventures," not just mine. I am doing this with Him, now, being loved and deeply rooted in my soul with joy because of Him.
This is where me, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and the Father are at. He is showing me lots of things, and I am trying to learn and take it in. He is patient....I am in a rush and stubborn. He is gentle, and I am prideful and competitive. He shows me humility and I roll my eyes. He shows me His creation and I ignore it because I am to busy. He shows me something He finds wonderful and I don't even notice it.
How I can't wait to go deeper with you God. To know your secrets. To see your beauty and not to rush through things. I need your help God, I can not do this on my own. I need your grace to strengthen me and push me forward. I am willing and surrendered to you. Thank you for this crazy love.
I am wanting to write about what I am learning with God. When I start writing it though, I use "Him & He" and so on....it feels really weird. How do I say this?
By grace....I am washed clean. Loved for who I am. I am small compared to Him and His Love for me. But as I write this, "He" is here. My One, my lover, my friend, my Transcendent God.
I am learning to walk with Him....continuously in my prayers, all day....trying to do all things out of Love for him, constantly in His presence. So that is the problem. I write about what I am learning about God. In this perspective as if He is not sitting right beside me, talking with me, loving on me, enjoying me, washing me head to toe in His grace.
He is showing me all of these things. I am tempted to change my blog to "Our Adventures," not just mine. I am doing this with Him, now, being loved and deeply rooted in my soul with joy because of Him.
This is where me, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and the Father are at. He is showing me lots of things, and I am trying to learn and take it in. He is patient....I am in a rush and stubborn. He is gentle, and I am prideful and competitive. He shows me humility and I roll my eyes. He shows me His creation and I ignore it because I am to busy. He shows me something He finds wonderful and I don't even notice it.
How I can't wait to go deeper with you God. To know your secrets. To see your beauty and not to rush through things. I need your help God, I can not do this on my own. I need your grace to strengthen me and push me forward. I am willing and surrendered to you. Thank you for this crazy love.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Oh what Love!!!
How Wonderful is He!
How can I contain this love!
This Beauty! Its so amazing. He is so so so so (sooooooooooooooo) great.
How can I contain this love!
This Beauty! Its so amazing. He is so so so so (sooooooooooooooo) great.
Hey!
I said in my email that I would keep this for more personal stuff. I am going to try and keep it more about what I am learning. Sweet.
I am really not in the mood to do this, so it prob. is not going to flow as much as it could...if at all.
GRACE. How amazing? How beautiful? I don't need to have fear. I am loved for who I am....not what I do. Its amazing. God will always love me for who I am not matter what. I make mistakes....I do bad things....Im self centered lots of times.....most of the time. But. God loves me. For that....I can love other people and show them grace to. That is pretty amazing. Its a life changing grace. Its really a life changing grace....so much. It does not make sense.
Communication between me and Robert. Sometimes its hard because of culture differences and english is his second language. So I am learning a lot about that. Its like I am practically married. Ha.
Just going for it. Go for it. It doesn't matter. If it doesn't work....oh well. Thats okay. Go for it. Go BIG. Do something crazy and fun.
Hope? Our generation has lost that. Hope in Heaven. Hope in His return. I love it. I really want to hope for heaven.
Wonder. I want it. Wonder for the Creation of God. To see the small things.
Beauty. To be suprised by it. I love that to.
Being filled with his Joy. Putting a smile on my face and laughter in my mouth and heart. To be happy.
That Christ is in my eyes. To love. Oh this love. How beautiful. How full. The love that makes me dance. Yes...I am starting to get interested in dancing. Hip hopish I guess. Its fun. Specially in worship. Very suddle. He makes my heart dance and smile : )
I dont need to look to people. Only God. Its freeing. Easier said than done.
Thats it for now. Oh. Memorzing scripture. Its amazing. Its my way of worship and Bible study. I almost have Ephesians memorized, and then I want phillipians.
This is long. Bye bye!
In Him
Jeremy
Friday, January 22, 2010
Stories!
Well, I have had some time to get myself together and I decided I would write some of the stories that had happened over my week in Spain. I will try to keep them quick and to the point : )
1- Met a Muslim man named Matin, really cool guy. Talked to him for a while. At this point at being in the airport we decided that we would just stay in the airport in the entire week, and that really broke my heart. I could not do that, but I did not say anything though. So after a few hours of talking with Matin and after he had bought us lunch he gave us his card and email and keep in touch. As he walked away my heart just broke, I wanted to cry. It was because I could not stay in the airport the whole week. I have to see culture and history and all of that. So I said to God, you know the desires of my heart, I can't be here the whole week. As soon as I said that, Matin comes walking back and shakes my hand one last time. When he did, he had slipped me 40 Euros. We needed 42 for the bus ticket. Sweet. Then randomly an Italain couple decided to give Robert 10 Euros. SO.....off to Barcelona we go. That was cool.
2-(funny story). I had to get up and move quickly to go down stairs. So I got up and right when I did I said to myself "I am about to fall over" and I did. My WHOLE right side of my body was asleep. As I walked I looked retartded and I am sure the cop there thought I was on drugs.
3- Met a crazy Dutch guy named Peter. He wanted to help us and all he had was 10 euros. He kept 2 for himself for a bus ticket and gave the rest to us. He was a super passionate man that drives trucks for a living and also drives trucks for humanitarain aid.
4- Juan, a british man decided to take us out after meeting us. Then he found out what we were doing and he really wanted to bless as much as he could. Cool guy. Got to pray for each other. Oh and then he took us out for coffee also.
5-Met a guy named Gary from England. He has been to 84 different countries. All over the world. Got to pray for his almost completly dead liver, and as we prayed, he could felt warmth coming into and it freaked him out.
6- Went to Girona for a night, ended up on top of a castle over the whole city. Felt like God had said this is for you. : ) so that was beautiful.
7- Met two Chinese Christians who really were cool. They wanted to bless us and buy us some food. Which was nice.
8- When I was in the bathroom, I was like I had a dream about being here with these people and so on. When I walk out of the bathroom, I am going to meet Gary. As soon as I walked out of the bathroom and sat down, Gary came walking up to me. Cool.
9- Met 33 different nationalities. From Mexico to Australia to China.
10- Sat through a Spainish Catholic mass....which was super cool to me. I loved it.
11- Talked to people for hours which was great! Not just ten min conversations. I think the longest one was 6 hours all together.
There are so many more stories, but I will leave you with those. Hope you enjoyed.
God is great!
1- Met a Muslim man named Matin, really cool guy. Talked to him for a while. At this point at being in the airport we decided that we would just stay in the airport in the entire week, and that really broke my heart. I could not do that, but I did not say anything though. So after a few hours of talking with Matin and after he had bought us lunch he gave us his card and email and keep in touch. As he walked away my heart just broke, I wanted to cry. It was because I could not stay in the airport the whole week. I have to see culture and history and all of that. So I said to God, you know the desires of my heart, I can't be here the whole week. As soon as I said that, Matin comes walking back and shakes my hand one last time. When he did, he had slipped me 40 Euros. We needed 42 for the bus ticket. Sweet. Then randomly an Italain couple decided to give Robert 10 Euros. SO.....off to Barcelona we go. That was cool.
2-(funny story). I had to get up and move quickly to go down stairs. So I got up and right when I did I said to myself "I am about to fall over" and I did. My WHOLE right side of my body was asleep. As I walked I looked retartded and I am sure the cop there thought I was on drugs.
3- Met a crazy Dutch guy named Peter. He wanted to help us and all he had was 10 euros. He kept 2 for himself for a bus ticket and gave the rest to us. He was a super passionate man that drives trucks for a living and also drives trucks for humanitarain aid.
4- Juan, a british man decided to take us out after meeting us. Then he found out what we were doing and he really wanted to bless as much as he could. Cool guy. Got to pray for each other. Oh and then he took us out for coffee also.
5-Met a guy named Gary from England. He has been to 84 different countries. All over the world. Got to pray for his almost completly dead liver, and as we prayed, he could felt warmth coming into and it freaked him out.
6- Went to Girona for a night, ended up on top of a castle over the whole city. Felt like God had said this is for you. : ) so that was beautiful.
7- Met two Chinese Christians who really were cool. They wanted to bless us and buy us some food. Which was nice.
8- When I was in the bathroom, I was like I had a dream about being here with these people and so on. When I walk out of the bathroom, I am going to meet Gary. As soon as I walked out of the bathroom and sat down, Gary came walking up to me. Cool.
9- Met 33 different nationalities. From Mexico to Australia to China.
10- Sat through a Spainish Catholic mass....which was super cool to me. I loved it.
11- Talked to people for hours which was great! Not just ten min conversations. I think the longest one was 6 hours all together.
There are so many more stories, but I will leave you with those. Hope you enjoyed.
God is great!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
My name is Jeremy Holcombe....and I am a Jesus Follower.
So. Many people thought I went to Spain for my Birthday. No way. Although, the ticket return trip was only $5. That was nice. Does not make sense, it cost $65 dollars to get to the airport. (I have bad English, especially when I do not care to correct because I am tired.)
Anywho.
Spain.
What a week. We went there for faith week. I prayed. Robert prayed. We came together and we both felt like God had said....Spain. I especially got Barcelona. Sooooo off we go, but before we went. We were challenged. Luke 10...but from verse 4: Carry no money, no bag, no shoes..... Of course we took what was on our body. And maybe an extra pair of socks....but nothing else accept passport, towel, and Bible. (and tooth paste because if your going to be talking to people, your breath needs to be decent). We took no money or anything. When I say no money....I do not mean a little bit....or a tiny but....but simply: no money. Faith week. It rocked.
So we prayed ALOT. What else were we suppose to do? We did not know. So we did what the Bible says: Matt 6:25-33:
"25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifea]">[a]? 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Now, if your still with me....reread the last verse: "Seek FIRST His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Man. That was the hardest thing this week and its so true. Its literal. We had nothing this week and God took care of us. When we did not worry about food or shelter, and just started talking to people about our faith, praying, and blessing people, things would be taken care of. We did not tell people what we were doing, some we would after a long time, but God provided for us through people. One point in time, we sat beside a guy after we were really hungry, and all I did was say Hi, and the first thing he said was "Here, have some food, I have plenty, what do you want?" If we ever got money, it could easily be a huge distraction, so a lot of the times we would just give it to other people to bless them, for example: we bought food with the money we had and walked around and gave it to homeless people, which set off a chain of events to some pretty cool things.
SO much stuff happened over the week....its a lot to remember and we wrote it all down though.
So after meeting 33 different nationalites, sleeping in bus stations (with homeless people), airports, and bathrooms, and talking with tons and tons of people we are back in Spain. We made tons of new friends, some of who have invited us to their home countries to visit (lol). We learned lots of lessons. But the I think something that is so cool is that: God is faithful, He always will be. Its so easy to just fall into your own kingdom. His Word is alive and real, and the scripture: give us this day our daily bread became so true to us.
Now I am back in a bed, warm showers, and plenty of food. Thank you Yahew, contiune to rock my world, change my life, and see your Kingdom come. All for you. Amen.
Anywho.
Spain.
What a week. We went there for faith week. I prayed. Robert prayed. We came together and we both felt like God had said....Spain. I especially got Barcelona. Sooooo off we go, but before we went. We were challenged. Luke 10...but from verse 4: Carry no money, no bag, no shoes..... Of course we took what was on our body. And maybe an extra pair of socks....but nothing else accept passport, towel, and Bible. (and tooth paste because if your going to be talking to people, your breath needs to be decent). We took no money or anything. When I say no money....I do not mean a little bit....or a tiny but....but simply: no money. Faith week. It rocked.
So we prayed ALOT. What else were we suppose to do? We did not know. So we did what the Bible says: Matt 6:25-33:
"25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifea]">[a]? 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Now, if your still with me....reread the last verse: "Seek FIRST His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Man. That was the hardest thing this week and its so true. Its literal. We had nothing this week and God took care of us. When we did not worry about food or shelter, and just started talking to people about our faith, praying, and blessing people, things would be taken care of. We did not tell people what we were doing, some we would after a long time, but God provided for us through people. One point in time, we sat beside a guy after we were really hungry, and all I did was say Hi, and the first thing he said was "Here, have some food, I have plenty, what do you want?" If we ever got money, it could easily be a huge distraction, so a lot of the times we would just give it to other people to bless them, for example: we bought food with the money we had and walked around and gave it to homeless people, which set off a chain of events to some pretty cool things.
SO much stuff happened over the week....its a lot to remember and we wrote it all down though.
So after meeting 33 different nationalites, sleeping in bus stations (with homeless people), airports, and bathrooms, and talking with tons and tons of people we are back in Spain. We made tons of new friends, some of who have invited us to their home countries to visit (lol). We learned lots of lessons. But the I think something that is so cool is that: God is faithful, He always will be. Its so easy to just fall into your own kingdom. His Word is alive and real, and the scripture: give us this day our daily bread became so true to us.
Now I am back in a bed, warm showers, and plenty of food. Thank you Yahew, contiune to rock my world, change my life, and see your Kingdom come. All for you. Amen.
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