I have a Lot of friends, whom all I value your input, which have great wisdom and understanding of scripture.
I wanted this blog to be More INTERACTIVE.
I WANT To Hear From YOU.
I've been going over John 14-17 with a friend, and it has truly been amazing for me to read it with someone and gain their thoughts of what it means to them.
So, with that I'd like to know YOUR THOUGHTS on those 4 chapters (14-17) in the book of John. Yes, you reading this blog right now. I Challenge you to read it for Yourself and what it means to You.
Whether you have a question, a realization to you of that scripture coming alive in your life, and overall challenging each other on what Jesus was profoundly telling his disciples in the Upper Room.
I know it's pretty neat to compare different versions of scripture to see if it what Jesus says could be perceived in a different way.
To start off, I want to question what people think what Jesus was intending in John 14:31 "Come now; let us leave" (NIV). I don't want to get too concerned about the usage of the quotation marks in scripture, but it starts yet doesn't stop in the NIV version. Was Jesus being literal about what He previously said about going out and Loving the World ... or to get up and go to some other part of town? Just a curious thought.
It's what I call this place I'm currently in within my bedroom. The design of my bedroom has this random hole in the side, which I've placed my desk. It's quiet now, I'm home alone, and staring out my window...thinking. When's the last time you had complete silence? Away from your phone that is So powerful that we don't really fathom what 1 can do with it...while in this cubby hole.
I see 2 houses, my saturn vue, our 2 fake deer in the round-about driveway, finches flitting about, leaves occasionally moving about due to a gentle breeze, and woods. I'm thankful for the ability to see. My eyes are wearing down, slowly but gradually. Taking things in mentally of the "What if I won't be able to see again"...from this cubby hole.
I think of how many people are afraid to be alone. I can relate. I want to be noticed, acknowledged that I exist in this world, have a part in it, and the craving for others to communicate with me. I look at this so-called "to do list" I've made up and think the question WHY to do it? What if I don't do it? I'll still exist right? I think of how I can create an interest of my new endeavors I'm trying to pursue to get Help, but at the same time I Know I Have to go Out and put a lot of effort into it. All this pondering while in this cubby hole.
I have flashes of images within my brain of what I could envision myself doing. Passions being fulfilled, goals being met, but all this due to effort and action. I notice the newest trend trending, the activity of success or failure being presented, the latest post catching others attention, the next video being controversial, and all this happening "out there" while in this cubby hole.
Eventually one will have to make up their mind and get out of this cubby hole. Maybe go find somewhere else to enjoy the nature and the quietness. I can't sit here forever. I don't know what'll happen from my actions, but I know it'll be a lot better than sitting here thinking that stupid "What If".
Enough of this thinking...time to go do Insanity...Not in this cubby hole.
Maybe some of you starting singing the "Peel Banana, peel peel banana" song. It's just a typical phrase I like to say. I wanted to update everyone on my current status and what I'm trying to pursue these days and times! OH! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! It has been a blessing to be with family during this Holiday season, but I do miss being out in the World with others during this time of year.
(Sharing the "Banana" song with kids in Nepal)
Am I going to the G42 Leadership School in Spain In January? - No
Why? - Insufficient funding in order to go. So What am I going to do now? - After discussing with some of the staff over there at G42, I'm planning to attend in April of 2012! Wait, what is this G42 thing? - It's a leadership school that is dedicated towards Empowering/Pushing people who have Desires and Dreams of using their specific skills and passions in order to Bring God's Kingdom in however it may look like. Whether it's church-planting, human-trafficking, media, etc. It's a 6-month program with an Amazing community and network to help Launch people who attend with their Kingdom Bringing Ideas for the Many years to come! http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/about/what-is-g42
Am I upset not being able to go in Jan.? - A little, but I can't get so upset about it I completely shut down. I figuring out what to do and now Moving Forward.
Why Do I Want to go to G42 for? - Legitimate question. I have dreams of participating/running a sports ministry to some extent, where I will be able to be in the position to mentor and encourage kids, youth, or young adults. There's an opportunity in South Sudan with a Huge need for people to come and mentor the thousands of orphans. I see G42 as a "training" time to learn, grow, and be pushed in a Healthy Environment to get ready not for just South Sudan, but Many years afterward. I WANT what they offer.
How am I paying for this trip to G42? - Well, it costs $6,000 plus Airfare. I've already raised some support, trying to find odd jobs anywhere in Middle Georgia, and reaching out/raising awareness to ask for Financial Support. G42 is a 501c non-profit organization, so donations will be tax-deductible.
(Plane we took during the Race from Uganda to Dubai)
Why should we help financially? - Another Legitimate Question. If you see that I seriously want to get off my butt, go forth bringing God's Kingdom, and to be "trained" at G42 to Launch My (God's really) Dream to go first to South Sudan and then who knows! Then, please consider. If you are unable to help out Financially please keep me in your prayers as I push to embark on this "next stage" in life, and share with your community/friends!
Ok, so if we are considering helping financially, How? - Link is provided here -> http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate (be sure to put my name) I Would ask for you to consider donating monthly. A little per month goes a LONG Way! Also, if you have ANY questions about donating PLEASE Ask!
Why not settle down and get a job like you're "suppose to do". - 1st of all, you should know that I'm not normal by societies terms. 2nd, I am TIRED of Seeing the Issues in this World and Not Doing Anything about it OR the lack of people doing anything about it! I'm in a position where I am not tied down by long-term commitments, and able to go work with already existing organizations or start up my own! I got ideas, energy, time, and willingness. I want to share the Radical Love of God that I have felt to Others!
That's just a piece of my heart and what I want to do. Thanks for reading!
I came across this song the other day and it totally blew my mind. No seriously. Ever have a moment when you are able to flash back through thousands of mental pictures and feelings, and see your progress through whatever it may be? For me it was the past 1.5 years since getting ready and being on the Race. I challenge you to take 5 MINUTES of Quiet Time and dwell/think/ponder/contemplate/question on what I'm about to share. I don't care if you gotta run into the bathroom to get away from co-workers, close your eyes and pretend you're alone, or run into an open field away from everything. Do It!
It doesn't always work like I've planned it I've seen a lot of good things, a lot of things been out of my hands Even when I don't understand it We have all got choices to make And this one is mine
Even now, here's my heart God
Seems like all You do is so hidden Sometimes I'm led to wonder are You working at all? But even in the darkness I'm listening For Your still small voice in the distance I hear You call
Even now here's my heart God I'm in love
Runnin' out of reasons to doubt You Can't live another day here without You
Even now here's my heart God I'm in love
Your love is sweeter than honey Your love is stronger than death Your love lifts me off my burdens And teaches me to dance
I currently work at a warehouse where I ship gifted pecans intercontinental to random people allover. One of my new co-workers is this stereotypical black dude off the street. He's dropped out of high school, has like 3 random jobs, and is actually quite nice. In a normal conversation he asked, like so many others around the WORLD, if I was married or had a girl-friend. Upon my reply of "No, I've honestly never had a relationship such as that", the look of confusion was written all over this guys face of "WHY?".
Then the fun back and forth reasoning and questioning of one of the most interesting topics. Yup. Sex. From this guys point of view, he sees absolutely no wrong in having sex with whomever whenever, and doesn't really understand why I on the other hand decide to wait until marriage. So, for the next week him and I go back and forth. Mainly me questioning him in what he believes is important in relationships, why/if he really wants to get married, and me explaining how I view the Whole issue of having sex before marriage. He even offered to get me a prostitute for Christmas. Quite thoughtful, but I had to gently decline.
It got me thinking for sure. I concluded on a few thoughts.
One's view of relationships is largely based during the young teenage years. How you see your parents relationship, what the StuPid media is saying what it is, and the opinions of your Peers.
I feel that many Christians automatically judge and turn a cold shoulder to one who views sex as "just for fun" or something like that. This in turn, may hurt those who struggle with it.
If you grew up your whole life and NoBody ever told you the pros and cons and the deep-meaning of sex, then you Might go around acting on instinct and "feeding" that desire of "love" no matter the cost.
Of course we come up with Reasons such as it feels good, there's no Hurt in doing it, it's natural, I don't care, and maybe even so daring as to use the quote of being fruitful and multiply. The list goes on. Ok, so what if I have sex. What does that matter? A LOT. Core feelings of wanting to feel Loved, I want to feel acknowledged by a Woman, or how about I want to feel like a Man and Powerful. What does one sacrifice in trying too hard for such things that the world is Telling us that a "Man" is.
I view a man as one who has respect for themselves and towards women, being responsible for ones actions, Show Character and Honesty, and Be a Man of God and Control your flesh desires. This is a tough one, I'll more than admit. That's why it's Very important to get a Good group of guys who will call greatness out of you and likewise. Not ones who degrade you and put pressure that will demand you to lower your morals.
I realized that this type of guy I work with is the one that needs the Most Love and Attention, Not being criticized. I remembered that a Lie is Just as Equal as Adultery. Sin is Sin in God's eyes. It doesn't matter what it is. We have Control Over our Thoughts and Actions. Sit and dwell on that a bit. The Awesome thing about God is that when He sees us, He doesn't see our Sin and wrong doings. He sees the Good in us and Loves us more than we can Possibly Fathom. He wants us to "go forth and sin no more", and doing our best in being like Jesus. Whom is our Perfect Example of Holy Living.
These thoughts and conversation has been going on about the same time that Sexual Healing Spoken Word video got popular. If you Haven't yet watched this video...PLEASE do!
This football term can be easily used as a metaphor in many circumstances in life one may encounter. We work Really hard towards a Goal that is in our deep desires, and it could be So Close within our Grasp (job, degree, position, etc). We might come to a point of understanding 2 options: A) we release the goal due to unfavorable situations with hope that just Maybe we'll have the chance to pursue it again in better circumstances...or B) We put ALL our energy and focus in Going For It to Reach Whatever goal it may be.
We RISK So Much by going for it. In the moment, it can be Very stressful, pressuring, and unsettling. We might end up in FAILURE. NoBody wants to fail. There's always some kind of resistance trying to keep us from reaching our goal/desire. We don't want to have failure on our backs when our peers see what we tried to do and didn't succeed. However, in that moment it's important to not concern so much as to what others may think of you, and let that not discourage you from pursuing whatever it is. At the same time, friends insight and feedback may be Good.
In circumstances like these we fight our own thoughts. Thoughts that we can't do it on our own, or maybe we should go for something easier. In Reality, we can get full of ourselves with Pride. This pride may get in our way of letting go of things We Want to Control Ourselves. Pride doesn't let us acknowledge those who truly did help us in need in our past or current situations. We can get Very self-centered. This "arrogance" Could lead to our demise and failure when "going for it on 4th down".
I'm in what feels like a 4th and inches situation, and I'm Going for it. I've carefully & prayerfully considered to pursue the chance to go to a leadership academy called G42 in January. I felt a Peace about pursuing this opportunity, which I can only explain that it's from God. G42 offers an opportunity I desire to use as an integral part of the future in using my passions and gifts by loving people via sports & activities. G42 is a "launching site" to develop ones ideas into realities in an Amazing environment and Staff, which I want to be Under. Not for My Benefit, but for His! I Have realized what I feel called to do while I'm here on this earth and Loving as He has Loved Me.
On January 6th, I'm to be leaving on a plane for this academy. I am in Need of Your Help. Yes, I confess I Cannot do this Without the miraculous works of God and your Support. Financially AND Prayerfully. Those of you who know me, probably understand I am Not prideful, but rather humble. I don't even have a plane ticket yet, and the total cost for the 6-month program is $6,000. Please consider in donating and helping me pursue this opportunity. If you are unable to help financially Please Share this with your friends and others. ANY amount would be tremendous and graciously received. I have Full FAITH this Opportunity CAN Happen.
Online donations will be received more quickly, but if you'd like to use check that's ok too! For either, please use this link - > http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate
Kids in India we played frisbee & football with while in the village
Woah! What the heck am I talking about here? Maybe you've never even Thought of this concept, or even knew We Can Do this. How?!
I'll tell you how. You use the weapons from the Devil that Jesus stripped him after HE was crucified and rose from the DEAD. Some of you are probably still inquisitive to my ramblings.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."
We do Not have the Spirit of Fear. Satan attempts to use Fear against us through words...lies. The effect of these words are Real. False imaginations, feelings, thoughts, and pretensions.
Why does Satan do this to us? Well, he's Scared of us and tries to "immobilize" us from Walking in Faith. We take those lies and thoughts captive. Fear, rejection, or whatever it is and use that Against Satan. How do we USE that Against Satan and Hell? The first step is DECIDING TO. Secondly, you speak out against the Lies/pretensions, rebuke them, and Walk in Faith of what those lies may be trying to keep you from doing of what God May be wanting Us to Do.
We gotta Realize of how Powerful We are in Jesus Name and use that Holy Spirit and weapons against all foreign and domestic "enemies". Wake Up People. Stop rolling around in self-pity and loneliness. Encourage and Speak Life into those around You. Go out and use this Inheritance/Spirit so the Bind will See, The naked Clothed, the Lame will Walk, Dark Places be brought to Life, and SOO Much More.
So I commend you my brothers and sisters. Go Forth and Punish Hell. Bring The Kingdom through our Actions. It Is a fight and struggle, but be encouraged for through Jesus We Have Won.
I'm currently trying to pursue the opportunity of attending the G42 Leadership Academy this upcoming January. Please check out my previous blog about this info. and how I want to use my ideas for future ministries. Thanks!
p.s. I have come to realize the following through Life/experience on the World Race and by the insight from Andrew Shearman.
The last time I used the word "escapade" was just before my training camp to go on The World Race. It has been a year and 3 months since then. The word "escapade" is defined as a usually adventurous action that runs counter to approved or conventional conduct. I like it, because I'm Not "Normal" according to "Society". I'm a 24 year old man with a Bachelors degree, I've traveled the World, seen its issues First Hand, been apart of "ministries" fighting the issues and bringing the Kingdom to Earth, and Now at home with no job. I'm in what one may call a "transitional period".
While on the World Race, several ideas came to my mind of things I would like to devote my life towards. They were some pretty serious and deep thoughts. I've come to realize that I want to use my unique set of gifts, talents, and passions to be Like Jesus. To do Great Things that JESUS Did! I desire to use activities (sports or outdoors) to engage young people and build relationships. Specifically those in unfortunate situations and who have no Real Good Role Models to Look up To.
It's truly in my Core & Heart to use these or any relationship(s) as a way to encourage, empower, mentor, show that some one really cares, instill morals, teach respect, and Most importantly what a Real Relationship with Jesus is all about. No, I don't have a specific idea of how exactly this will look like. So, what the heck is the "next step"?
Let me introduce you to a place called G42. It's a leadership academy located in Malaga, Spain. Their belief is based out of the 1st chapter in Matthew of how We, our time and generations, are the Christ-Filled group walking around on this Earth as Jesus bringing His Kingdom through our ideas/passions & actions that He so delicately has placed in our hearts and minds.
What G42 offers is the best place I believe able to help and push me towards the ideas/passions I want to implement. I have the privilege to inform you that I have been accepted to attend their January Term. It's a 6 month program, and I'm Very excited about this opportunity. For more information about G42 Please visit their website here -> http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/about/what-is-g42
I have been debating whether to go to G42 since June. I do not take this decision very lightly. The tuition costs a total of $6,000, so $1,000 per month. This covers the food, lodging, and materials needed while there. A plane ticket costs $1,400 (this price fluctuates and may go up as the date draws nearer to January). If you'd like to help with finances toward a plane ticket please send me a message.
I'm asking for people who are willing to come alongside me in this endeavor. This is a "launching point" of my idea to bringing God's Kingdom somewhere on this World. How to contribute? One may help financially with 1 sum, or monthly. G42 is a registered as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization, so donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to support financially towards the academy you may do so either by check or by online. All donations are charged a 3% admin fee for processing by the way.
I am More than Willing to come and do Any kind of work if there is a need. I'm able, have energy, and a pretty open schedule. If You or you know Anyone who would like to offer me a job to EARN some support money, PLEASE Let Me Know!
If you'd like to donate through check below is the address. Make checks payable to G42, and please put my name in the memo. G42 P.O. Box 130611 Houston, TX 77219-0611
On this page please click the "Intern Support" tab to proceed, unless you would like to have donations automatically be taken online monthly. This is available. For donating online below are instructions. This option Is Secure when using credit/debit cards.
With PayPal account:
input your donation amount and then hit update total. You then will
be taken to a new page where it will ask you to sign into your PayPal
account. You will then be taken to a new page and it will ask you to
review your donation. On the line where it says your total donation to
your left there will be a button to click that says name of intern.
Click it and it will give you a box and you can input the desired
intern name. Once you do that hit donate and you are all set.
Without PayPal account:
input your donation amount and then hit update total. You will then
be taken to a new page with your donation amount up top and at the
bottom left of the page a statement that says "Don't have a PayPal
account?" then there is a continue button next to the statement. Click
it. You will be take to a new page where you can input your donation
amount and the information of the credit/debit card you would like to
donate from. After inputing your information click review donation and
continue. You will then be taken to a new page and it will ask you to
review your donation. On the line where it says your total donation to
your left there will be a button to click that says name of intern.
Click it and it will give you a box and you can input the desired intern
name. Once you do that hit donate and you are all set.
I regret to inform the people who follow my blog and others that I am unable to go on the South Sudan trip I have recently tried to pursue over the past few weeks. It hurts to say it and come to this conclusion, but it just wasn't able to happen. However, when certain things in ones life doesn't go how you planned...it doesn't mean it's the end of the world. At times this may happen to people, especially if you invest a LOT of work, effort, and money into it. However, it's another way God works and I've been able to not dwell on not being able to go and to Move On.
To Move On after a big set-back is a huge step that one needs to mentally take. I've had occasions where I sat, got frustrated & angry, and thought for quite some time over something that didn't happen exactly how I wanted it. It's a waste of time if you sit in that, and very vulnerable to being attacked by the lies & feelings from Satan. Whatever You wanted to happen apparently wasn't in God's plan. Yet, it can be Very Confusing it's just something we don't have control over it....even if we think we do.
South Sudan will still be there. Orphan kids around the world will still need to be given affection, love, and attention. Life goes on. I stuck my neck out faith towards something not too many others have pursued and praying God will work in crazy ways. He DID. He's So Good.
So with that, I'm taking some time to just let my mind chill, enjoy being around good friends, still pursue God and desire to hear from Him, go Serve the C, D, & E Squads training camp in North GA, and THEN get my mind focused and work hard towards the next Goal.
AGAIN, thanks for all the support and help over the past few weeks in trying to go to South Sudan. Be Blessed and Bring Kingdom.
To be honest, I've never tried to put myself so far out there in faith like I have for this trip to South Sudan. Yes, all the other trips I've done certainly were acts of Faith. However, to be intending on Leaving on the 19th of October (in less than 2 weeks) is just crazy.
What am I talking about? Well, I'm trying to take a group of people over to love on and mentor kids in an orphanage in a city in South Sudan for 6-7 weeks. Why have the date so close to leave? Well, the kids are in a need right Now to just receive attention. There's 100+ kids at this orphanage and they are Not receiving the much needed attention and love one Should get. I want to take time to build good relationships with them, engage them through activities, and spend time with them sharing what a Real relationship with Jesus is/looks like.
God has Blown me away by bringing others who are willing to go! Do you realize how difficult it is to find another 20ish year old willing to leave home during thanksgiving and work with kids in the middle of nowhere? God is So Good! I know that if He wants us to go, He'll provide a way.
As the date draws near, I do get a little more uncertain. However, in this situation I am testing God. He wants us to Test Him! Woah! Some people immediately think of that time when Jesus was in the desert and was tempted by Satan. Well, that is true, but what about in Malachi 3? God tells the priests to Test Him! God Challenged us Humans! This is still going on for Us! If we want to see more of God, you've Got to put yourself in situations where God will Shine through. Step out in Faith. Last time I looked, the word STEP is an ACTION.
What if I don't go to Sudan? I won't be totally heart broken. I still would believe in God and His overall plan didn't want me going to S. Sudan at this point in time. Right now, my group and I are in a need for funds. Each one of us (right now there's 4 of us total) must raise $2,700 in a few short days. My due date/cut off line is set for the 12th. If you've got in on your heart to donate/help out in any financial way, then God Bless You and Everything thing you do in life. Any donation amount will help, and yes it is a risk on your part. Whether it's $5, $20, $50 or more. If not able to donate, then could you share this trip in need to your friends, study group, folks, and others?
An idea is that I'll be gone for 7 weeks. Each day a meal costs about $7. If you'd like to donate $7 a week, that would be amazing! I'm asking for 50 people to donate through this way. If you don't want to donate Weekly, then maybe monthly with $21 the 1st month and $28 the 2nd month.
We are going through Adventures in Missions, so your donation will be tax-deductible since they are a 301 cc Non-Profit Organization. If using a check, then make it out to Adventures in Missions and send it to:
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
In the Memo please put my name and South Sudan, so the people at the office know where to put it.
If you would like to donate online through credit card CLICK HERE TO DONATE. (side note is that if using online, 5% will be taken out of the total donation due to credit card fees)
