Dear Family,
Tis the eve of DTS and some are running as if their heads were severed like chickens.
I have been noticing pain today, what pain does to a person, the out comes of pain, the reactions of a person in and around pain. Today a friend of mine felt jaded by the organization I work for, he sighed, spoke some words that showed he felt overlooked and it was true his possession was token from him without question. A friend and I both looked at each other, in noticing our friend was hurt and felt a betrayal, we did our work and left with a sense of compassion and sincerity towards each other. Earlier (jokingly) a friend and I fought over 'shotgun' (getting the front passenger seat) looking out for our selves but at the end we did not play games rather we were preferring one another. It was strange and all because of our friends reaction to his possessions being token.
Later today, another friend of mine whom is a foreigner had a down cast countenance to him. I asked him what is wrong how can I encourage him, he told me and after that my heart broke for him. Language differences, new city, and a lot of new faces had him stuck and I decided to love him even more after hearing his heart.
I have to go! Its a rush day! In the end LOVE, HOPE, FAITH, are the greatest gifts to walk in. Strive for LOVE.
LOVE YOU!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dear Family,
My family is now arriving in Boston and I am so stoked! I get to hug them, if there is anything I want most right now is to hug them. I cant wait to enjoy their presence, enjoy talking with them and laughing with them. Hear their voice in the same room and not over a phone. Awe I am excited to be with them!
I am working on a wall as an art piece, hopefully it works out fine. I am painting and there is dimensions I am painting and at the moment it looks flat. Oh how I need to go to art school....
Today I was climbing up a latter and on the last step up I hit my knee. It was so painful! Now I am walking with a bruise on my knee. Hopefully I will be able to run still.
These last few days have been hard and I have been getting a lot of encouragements from my friends. They have been telling me to be confident in myself and not to back down from whom God has made me to be.
Yesterday I went to the beach and sat in Gods presence for a few hours, just chatting, asking Him my questions, listening to his response. There is some hurt in my heart that is being healed at the moment by Gods hand. He is kind to be walking through these hurts with me. I know that I will love even more while and after these hurts are healed.
If you are wondering about Hilary and I, well I did break up with her. It wasn't working out. She is amazing. I care for her as a friend and that is all I can give at the moment.
I have been thinking about identity a lot recently, without a official home, without a title at work, without being in the "in" crowd at Boston, I kinda have been realizing I identify myself with all these things or have a desire to have an identity in these thing. I have been asking myself again "What does it mean to have an identity in Christ again?", I have been receiving words from the Lord and actions for daily living. I am realizing (nothing deep) servant hood is a piece of me and a big piece of what Jesus calls me to be. I also have been realizing I need to enjoy the person that is right in front of me rather then thinking "oh I need to be here" or "I wish I could go there", or "I wish I was with someone else". (You see my selfishness, repentance is coming!) God is correcting my thinking, my emotions. Why should I try to be with someone or a group of people who don't want me around or don't connect with me.
A transformation is happening in the mind and its a really good one.
I had received prayer for my mentality over the last week with some friends that I trust really hear from God. One friend of mine is Helen Lee (whom leads that prayer ministry at Cornerstone) she prayed for me and my head was becoming placid in thought, my atmosphere was changing, the tension in my body was released and I could feel freedom again as if I were a child again. It was so sweet, lovely and I thought about turning my heart from the freedom but I knew this is what God wanted for me so I tried to embrace it even more in my heart. The rest of the day I sat at the beach with Jesus.
I am reading Jurassic Park and ITS AMAZING! I am loving every page of it!
Thank you for your prayers, they mean a lot. I know that God is hearing your prayers because submitting, humbling myself, hearing His voice, loving others in the mist of craziness has been accomplished easier then before. Thank you for your prayers. I am praying for many of you.
Please love each other, care for one another, take care of the poor as much as possible, keep doing good!
My family is now arriving in Boston and I am so stoked! I get to hug them, if there is anything I want most right now is to hug them. I cant wait to enjoy their presence, enjoy talking with them and laughing with them. Hear their voice in the same room and not over a phone. Awe I am excited to be with them!
I am working on a wall as an art piece, hopefully it works out fine. I am painting and there is dimensions I am painting and at the moment it looks flat. Oh how I need to go to art school....
Today I was climbing up a latter and on the last step up I hit my knee. It was so painful! Now I am walking with a bruise on my knee. Hopefully I will be able to run still.
These last few days have been hard and I have been getting a lot of encouragements from my friends. They have been telling me to be confident in myself and not to back down from whom God has made me to be.
Yesterday I went to the beach and sat in Gods presence for a few hours, just chatting, asking Him my questions, listening to his response. There is some hurt in my heart that is being healed at the moment by Gods hand. He is kind to be walking through these hurts with me. I know that I will love even more while and after these hurts are healed.
If you are wondering about Hilary and I, well I did break up with her. It wasn't working out. She is amazing. I care for her as a friend and that is all I can give at the moment.
I have been thinking about identity a lot recently, without a official home, without a title at work, without being in the "in" crowd at Boston, I kinda have been realizing I identify myself with all these things or have a desire to have an identity in these thing. I have been asking myself again "What does it mean to have an identity in Christ again?", I have been receiving words from the Lord and actions for daily living. I am realizing (nothing deep) servant hood is a piece of me and a big piece of what Jesus calls me to be. I also have been realizing I need to enjoy the person that is right in front of me rather then thinking "oh I need to be here" or "I wish I could go there", or "I wish I was with someone else". (You see my selfishness, repentance is coming!) God is correcting my thinking, my emotions. Why should I try to be with someone or a group of people who don't want me around or don't connect with me.
A transformation is happening in the mind and its a really good one.
I had received prayer for my mentality over the last week with some friends that I trust really hear from God. One friend of mine is Helen Lee (whom leads that prayer ministry at Cornerstone) she prayed for me and my head was becoming placid in thought, my atmosphere was changing, the tension in my body was released and I could feel freedom again as if I were a child again. It was so sweet, lovely and I thought about turning my heart from the freedom but I knew this is what God wanted for me so I tried to embrace it even more in my heart. The rest of the day I sat at the beach with Jesus.
I am reading Jurassic Park and ITS AMAZING! I am loving every page of it!
Thank you for your prayers, they mean a lot. I know that God is hearing your prayers because submitting, humbling myself, hearing His voice, loving others in the mist of craziness has been accomplished easier then before. Thank you for your prayers. I am praying for many of you.
Please love each other, care for one another, take care of the poor as much as possible, keep doing good!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Dear Family,
Yesterday I went out with a friend of mine, we dined at the Cheesecake Factory which was my first official time eating there and it was very good. He went off to use the restroom and I sat alone for a moment looking around me, subtly I thought to my self (and to God whom sees and hears all things) "God, these people eat, sit with nice clothing, involved in their own lives, talk of friends, money, vacations but they will never know of You or your plans. What you are doing unless someone tells them or you tell them, or they really seek it out. I personally, hardly know what Your doing below the mainstream of life."
Suddenly in my soul a desire to know God more, to hear his voice more, to obey more came beneath my spirit and strengthened me to keep going after God. It was silent, quick, steamy, and thrilling to my soul to remember God works underground and I need to be ready to receive and give all that I can when He calls my name out to work/play with Him.
A couple of days ago, I was walking down the street and was in the center of a parking lot. The wind blew over my tense body, between my finger tips. As it blew upon me it blew over and through the trees that were around me in a distance, I could hear the trees shaking and laughing as the wind blew. The sun was high above and it laid warmth and light around me that made all thing beautiful. I sighed and then knew God cared about me, He knows my needs, He knows my joys and fears. He cares about me, thats it and thats all, He cares.
I have a lot of simple moments like this through out my day. It may sound fairy, weird but I don't think it is, I am just not taking these short moments for granted but engaging in them with my heart to love God with my soul.
Meet God in all thinks you do. Its simple. I am going to the beach now.
Yesterday I went out with a friend of mine, we dined at the Cheesecake Factory which was my first official time eating there and it was very good. He went off to use the restroom and I sat alone for a moment looking around me, subtly I thought to my self (and to God whom sees and hears all things) "God, these people eat, sit with nice clothing, involved in their own lives, talk of friends, money, vacations but they will never know of You or your plans. What you are doing unless someone tells them or you tell them, or they really seek it out. I personally, hardly know what Your doing below the mainstream of life."
Suddenly in my soul a desire to know God more, to hear his voice more, to obey more came beneath my spirit and strengthened me to keep going after God. It was silent, quick, steamy, and thrilling to my soul to remember God works underground and I need to be ready to receive and give all that I can when He calls my name out to work/play with Him.
A couple of days ago, I was walking down the street and was in the center of a parking lot. The wind blew over my tense body, between my finger tips. As it blew upon me it blew over and through the trees that were around me in a distance, I could hear the trees shaking and laughing as the wind blew. The sun was high above and it laid warmth and light around me that made all thing beautiful. I sighed and then knew God cared about me, He knows my needs, He knows my joys and fears. He cares about me, thats it and thats all, He cares.
I have a lot of simple moments like this through out my day. It may sound fairy, weird but I don't think it is, I am just not taking these short moments for granted but engaging in them with my heart to love God with my soul.
Meet God in all thinks you do. Its simple. I am going to the beach now.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Dear Family,
These last few days have been hectic, we had a Northeastern Leaders conference at our base, we moved into a new house last week and this coming week we will have DTS beginning, I will also have my parents coming next week to Boston! :)
My thoughts are not doing me well in the last week, I have been analyzing myself so much this week that I have withdrawn from many people I love here at the base. Last night I realized I left Gods perspective out of my analyzing of myself which lead me to damage myself more then help me. Then this morning we had a moment to get with God in small groups and cry out to God that we need Him deeper in our lives, which drew out my thoughts(it was a mess).
Last night I was running thinking about how alone I was and felt it was right for me to be alone because nobody really wants to be with anyone as they may be thinking over life. Then suddenly God hit me with a memory or not a memory but familiar words that are
"I always want to be with you. You may not want me or anyone else around in these moments but I want to be with you. I will never leave you, nor forget you, I want to be with you."
My heart jumped subtly inside my chest because it was the most positive thought in my head at the moment and I knew it was truth from Gods lips. I knew in my heart, tho I make a mess of myself He still comes for me.
Today has been a day of surrendering my thought life to God. God knows its not easy but I need to calm my thoughts, take in His thoughts more. I have a good all around view of myself in my head, I know when I am being prideful, jealous, rude, crude, most of the roots of my harshness which makes me want to just say nothing most of the time but I need forgiveness too. I need to allow myself to live and not worry about my motives. JUST ENJOY LIFE MORE!!!
I remember when I began to think analytically, I was in junior year of high school, my brother began college and would talk intellectually with me, I went to collage bible studies, hang out with collage students, hang out with a lot of adults that had awesome logic! With hanging out with so many intellects I forgot my childish enjoyment of living, being in the moment, enjoying the sun on my back and the wind blowing over my finger tips. I rather enjoyed reading and gaining knowledge and understanding to serve others, to correct injustice in the world. My desire to study was good but I then became addicted to gaining more information that I forgot to see where I was headed mentally.
I remember Holy Spirit telling me to slow down in my knowledge gain and remember Him, to practice what I've received before going onto a new way of life. I rejected His words which now I am stuck in not stopping my thoughts. I have always been a deep thinker, I understand a lot of thing and have a very different way of thinking naturally but it wasn't enough to me. I wanted to be cool and have all the knowledge I could get in my brain but I am accepting that I cant have all the knowledge. I cant over analyze life and the motive of my living because Paul the apostle wrote to the Corinthians
"3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 ESV
I cant judge myself, my thoughts, anything because in the end God alone is the perfect judge and knows best. There is another version of this scripture that says
"3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due."(NIV)
I am holding close to this right now for freedom, for hope, and faith that in the end God would judge my heart as his.
I am closing my mind and allowing myself to be dumb for a while, I am turning off music that makes me think deeply, not watching shows or movies that make me think deeply, I am trying to be free.
I am ready to just live right now.
Thanks for reading, I love you all. I will write a lot more about life later! PEACE!!!
These last few days have been hectic, we had a Northeastern Leaders conference at our base, we moved into a new house last week and this coming week we will have DTS beginning, I will also have my parents coming next week to Boston! :)
My thoughts are not doing me well in the last week, I have been analyzing myself so much this week that I have withdrawn from many people I love here at the base. Last night I realized I left Gods perspective out of my analyzing of myself which lead me to damage myself more then help me. Then this morning we had a moment to get with God in small groups and cry out to God that we need Him deeper in our lives, which drew out my thoughts(it was a mess).
Last night I was running thinking about how alone I was and felt it was right for me to be alone because nobody really wants to be with anyone as they may be thinking over life. Then suddenly God hit me with a memory or not a memory but familiar words that are
"I always want to be with you. You may not want me or anyone else around in these moments but I want to be with you. I will never leave you, nor forget you, I want to be with you."
My heart jumped subtly inside my chest because it was the most positive thought in my head at the moment and I knew it was truth from Gods lips. I knew in my heart, tho I make a mess of myself He still comes for me.
Today has been a day of surrendering my thought life to God. God knows its not easy but I need to calm my thoughts, take in His thoughts more. I have a good all around view of myself in my head, I know when I am being prideful, jealous, rude, crude, most of the roots of my harshness which makes me want to just say nothing most of the time but I need forgiveness too. I need to allow myself to live and not worry about my motives. JUST ENJOY LIFE MORE!!!
I remember when I began to think analytically, I was in junior year of high school, my brother began college and would talk intellectually with me, I went to collage bible studies, hang out with collage students, hang out with a lot of adults that had awesome logic! With hanging out with so many intellects I forgot my childish enjoyment of living, being in the moment, enjoying the sun on my back and the wind blowing over my finger tips. I rather enjoyed reading and gaining knowledge and understanding to serve others, to correct injustice in the world. My desire to study was good but I then became addicted to gaining more information that I forgot to see where I was headed mentally.
I remember Holy Spirit telling me to slow down in my knowledge gain and remember Him, to practice what I've received before going onto a new way of life. I rejected His words which now I am stuck in not stopping my thoughts. I have always been a deep thinker, I understand a lot of thing and have a very different way of thinking naturally but it wasn't enough to me. I wanted to be cool and have all the knowledge I could get in my brain but I am accepting that I cant have all the knowledge. I cant over analyze life and the motive of my living because Paul the apostle wrote to the Corinthians
"3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 ESV
I cant judge myself, my thoughts, anything because in the end God alone is the perfect judge and knows best. There is another version of this scripture that says
"3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due."(NIV)
I am holding close to this right now for freedom, for hope, and faith that in the end God would judge my heart as his.
I am closing my mind and allowing myself to be dumb for a while, I am turning off music that makes me think deeply, not watching shows or movies that make me think deeply, I am trying to be free.
I am ready to just live right now.
Thanks for reading, I love you all. I will write a lot more about life later! PEACE!!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wow I haven't written much recently!
I am working on new art!
I am remembering servant-hood is a very important part of walking with Jesus. I have been thinking not so clearly about others and myself which has led me to a conceive mind set. Thankfully God knocked me on the head with a coconut of understanding that is from His mercy.
I have been reading Jurassic Park, Jesus for President, God on Campus consistently, these books have been inspiring me in creativity and living for Jesus in radical ordinary ways! (Well Jurassic Park is inspiring creativity.)
I led out two Outreaches with the YWAM team which was great! I was happy to help the team in leading them to places to tell people about Jesus.
I sat with my friends and enjoyed a show "The Event", we are hooked and its becoming a weekly thing, subtly, thankfully. I love being with my friends and having something to do with them outside of the office!
Cornerstone (which is my local church in Boston) is going good. The last few weekends have been exciting because Gods spirit seems to be empowering people to grow and step into new areas of life. This last weekend Hilary and I went out with a group of people from Cornerstone for lunch! I had ribs, she had a beef sandwich with cheese on it (it was amazingly good). We after went to their apartment to play cards and enjoy the company of each other.
I have been running mornings and evenings four days out of the week. My time of running was 25 minutes for 2.1 miles, my running time now is 17 minutes for 2.1 miles. I have beat my time by 7 minutes. I am grate full for legs to run, when I run I feel so free. While I run I pray for Boston, Newton, friends, family, myself (sadly more then for others). Running is a good time for me to get my head clear and emotions out that I felt through a busy day.
Hilary and I are dating! This girl is awesome, really fun to be with, work with, serve and serve with. Its not easy, I have not been a part of a relationship for a while and I forget or do not know how to respond to her at moments. We are both learning how to love God and care for each other at the same time.
Hilary is a musician, actress, dancer, song writer, she enjoys nature, she likes to read fiction books and theology books. Her heart is for helping/living with the poor, telling people about Jesus with words and her actions. She got my attention when she silenced my thoughts about life, at moments I get so downcast about life, the direction of the world, and how Jesus would like us to live, she then said to me as I was finished saying all my pessimistic thoughts out loud "Jordan, Jesus loves you." Then she walked away as to say Jesus died for you to not worry about these things but to live and be able to be loved by Him, its not about you. I became silent and rethought my life and way of thinking. This was the one of a few moments I realized THIS GIRL IS AWESOME.
Her and I have gone through a rough moment but we are getting through it and encouraging each other with care. Its good.
Yeah, I am learning a lot and living life and not just sitting on the side lines.
Art I hope will be up. I keep saying that and never do it but its because I forget or after a art piece I dislike it and find it unworthy to be seen.
Thank you for your love and support.
Keep doing the will of God and look for Him in all things. Do not be deceived by false doctrine, theology, philosophy, the gospel is that God came in flesh to love us and save us from our down fall.
I am working on new art!
I am remembering servant-hood is a very important part of walking with Jesus. I have been thinking not so clearly about others and myself which has led me to a conceive mind set. Thankfully God knocked me on the head with a coconut of understanding that is from His mercy.
I have been reading Jurassic Park, Jesus for President, God on Campus consistently, these books have been inspiring me in creativity and living for Jesus in radical ordinary ways! (Well Jurassic Park is inspiring creativity.)
I led out two Outreaches with the YWAM team which was great! I was happy to help the team in leading them to places to tell people about Jesus.
I sat with my friends and enjoyed a show "The Event", we are hooked and its becoming a weekly thing, subtly, thankfully. I love being with my friends and having something to do with them outside of the office!
Cornerstone (which is my local church in Boston) is going good. The last few weekends have been exciting because Gods spirit seems to be empowering people to grow and step into new areas of life. This last weekend Hilary and I went out with a group of people from Cornerstone for lunch! I had ribs, she had a beef sandwich with cheese on it (it was amazingly good). We after went to their apartment to play cards and enjoy the company of each other.
I have been running mornings and evenings four days out of the week. My time of running was 25 minutes for 2.1 miles, my running time now is 17 minutes for 2.1 miles. I have beat my time by 7 minutes. I am grate full for legs to run, when I run I feel so free. While I run I pray for Boston, Newton, friends, family, myself (sadly more then for others). Running is a good time for me to get my head clear and emotions out that I felt through a busy day.
Hilary and I are dating! This girl is awesome, really fun to be with, work with, serve and serve with. Its not easy, I have not been a part of a relationship for a while and I forget or do not know how to respond to her at moments. We are both learning how to love God and care for each other at the same time.
Hilary is a musician, actress, dancer, song writer, she enjoys nature, she likes to read fiction books and theology books. Her heart is for helping/living with the poor, telling people about Jesus with words and her actions. She got my attention when she silenced my thoughts about life, at moments I get so downcast about life, the direction of the world, and how Jesus would like us to live, she then said to me as I was finished saying all my pessimistic thoughts out loud "Jordan, Jesus loves you." Then she walked away as to say Jesus died for you to not worry about these things but to live and be able to be loved by Him, its not about you. I became silent and rethought my life and way of thinking. This was the one of a few moments I realized THIS GIRL IS AWESOME.
Her and I have gone through a rough moment but we are getting through it and encouraging each other with care. Its good.
Yeah, I am learning a lot and living life and not just sitting on the side lines.
Art I hope will be up. I keep saying that and never do it but its because I forget or after a art piece I dislike it and find it unworthy to be seen.
Thank you for your love and support.
Keep doing the will of God and look for Him in all things. Do not be deceived by false doctrine, theology, philosophy, the gospel is that God came in flesh to love us and save us from our down fall.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Iceland!!!!
Dear Family
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=199509&id=790062963#!/photos.php?id=790062963
If you would like to see some photos of Iceland go to this site on Facebook.com. My friend Sophia took some great photos that you can see.
Dalvik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Stykkisholmur, Iceland
These are the three places to take a look at when you get here.
Iceland is a great place, my heart breaks and rejoices over the land. God will move in unknown ways as life goes on. I met many great folks but only few were ready to truly accept Christ as the savior of their lives. The few that made that change had a real turn around but they could turn back around and God will protect them from any evil that may come to pull them away from Gods heart.
It was a lot of hard work but worth it for God. I met Him everyday and He was the best part of the trip, sharing His love with me on this trip. Before the trip I finished this book call "Christ the Sum of all Spiritual things" by Watchman Nee. This book took me back to the foundations of faith, hope, and love which is Christ. I was convicted of asking God for things, characteristics that I lack, talents that I lack, asking Him for such crap. Then He encouraged me to read this book so I did, as I read it I began to come back to Him, to Jesus as a person more then a provider of things. On this trip I was filled with jealousy and envy but Christ kept showing up as I spoke to Him, He spoke back to me encouragements to keep going and fighting for unity in the team, for the people He wants me to speak to. He was my most encouraging friend on this trip to Iceland.
How I knew God was using me and watching out for me was by faith that He would not shun me from His presence. I desired to turn from my wicked ways so I let the Holy Spirit fight to end these thoughts and desires in my heart. I gave up on trying to be the best, the most "holy", and live as Jordan-a simple man whom knows jack about life but is willing to walk with Jesus.
I did not share much of this with a friend that I was talking to but he noticed my struggle. With knowing these things about me he said this to me
"A friend of mine use to say 'I love Jesus' then my friend went through a hard time and stopped saying 'I love Jesus'. I asked him why he stopped saying that, he then said 'because I do hurtful things and when I do hurtful things its not loving Jesus so now I say, Jesus loves me.'
1 john is one of my favorite letters in the New Testament. In this book it talks about love and how love is that God first loved us (to the point of death). The gospel of Jesus is becoming clearer and clearer as I was with Jesus. I am realizing I have less to give to people as Jordan and more to give to people as Jordan a guy whom knows jack about life but is willing to walk with Jesus. Jesus is all that can be good to give to another person whether it be through tongue, works, thought, time, touch, make sure you give them Jesus.
Yup this is my internal thoughts, realizations, and break downs. God is awesome and walks with sinners that are made saints by His love and affections.
There are a few cool stories I have about Iceland.
1: On one of the last 3 days of our reach, I was talking with a friend but I knew that wasn't where I belonged. Suddenly a man was walking behind me and the Holy Spirit spoke to me to go talk to him, I thought no this guy looks shady. This man is a homeless guy with a gash wound on his noise and forehead, it was clear he was not doing well. I then followed Gods movement, walked up to him and asked this man how he was doing. His response was not surprising "Terrible". I asked him if I could pray for him, he accepted it, I closed my eyes, prayed, opened my eyes looked up to make eye contact, and he is crying. I asked him again how is he doing, he said this to me. "I walk around these streets no one looks at me, talks to me, people make away around me so they don't need to be near me. But you walked up to me and talked to me, you cared for me." I was grate full to talk with him and share Gods love with him. I stood with him and talked to him for a while, it was clear he was lonely, as I talked with him I told him about Gods love. It was cool and I am sure he is still talking with God. I was shamed and God was glorified, it was cool.
2: I was talking with some teens who are great skaters. I told them about Gods voice and how he shares things with me, talks to me, even talks to me when he wants something said to another person. They were amazed that God could talk to us present day and wanted to know this God so I told them about knowing God through Jesus. They accepted Christ to have this relationship with God. After I did not want to leave them with out having someone else pray with them to hear Gods voice so I got one of the head leaders on the team to explain it hearing Gods voice in another way and pray for them. These guys were genuine and hopefully still going for Gods presence.
I am trusting God with these people, we directed them to people who have a relationship with God and are seeking Him daily. It was a great trip over all! Iceland is beautiful so take a look at the photos on facebook. I am still learning how to follow Jesus, not perfect just forgiven, you know.
Thank you for reading.
Jordan
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to go to Iceland, see you move in the heart of Icelanders, in the J.G. team hearts, in my heart. God you are a caring God. Thank you for being great and still desiring us to be in your presence after all that we have done to you, to your name, thank you for not giving up on us. You are love and lovely.Thank you Jesus, let continue our day together.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=199509&id=790062963#!/photos.php?id=790062963
If you would like to see some photos of Iceland go to this site on Facebook.com. My friend Sophia took some great photos that you can see.
Dalvik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Stykkisholmur, Iceland
These are the three places to take a look at when you get here.
Iceland is a great place, my heart breaks and rejoices over the land. God will move in unknown ways as life goes on. I met many great folks but only few were ready to truly accept Christ as the savior of their lives. The few that made that change had a real turn around but they could turn back around and God will protect them from any evil that may come to pull them away from Gods heart.
It was a lot of hard work but worth it for God. I met Him everyday and He was the best part of the trip, sharing His love with me on this trip. Before the trip I finished this book call "Christ the Sum of all Spiritual things" by Watchman Nee. This book took me back to the foundations of faith, hope, and love which is Christ. I was convicted of asking God for things, characteristics that I lack, talents that I lack, asking Him for such crap. Then He encouraged me to read this book so I did, as I read it I began to come back to Him, to Jesus as a person more then a provider of things. On this trip I was filled with jealousy and envy but Christ kept showing up as I spoke to Him, He spoke back to me encouragements to keep going and fighting for unity in the team, for the people He wants me to speak to. He was my most encouraging friend on this trip to Iceland.
How I knew God was using me and watching out for me was by faith that He would not shun me from His presence. I desired to turn from my wicked ways so I let the Holy Spirit fight to end these thoughts and desires in my heart. I gave up on trying to be the best, the most "holy", and live as Jordan-a simple man whom knows jack about life but is willing to walk with Jesus.
I did not share much of this with a friend that I was talking to but he noticed my struggle. With knowing these things about me he said this to me
"A friend of mine use to say 'I love Jesus' then my friend went through a hard time and stopped saying 'I love Jesus'. I asked him why he stopped saying that, he then said 'because I do hurtful things and when I do hurtful things its not loving Jesus so now I say, Jesus loves me.'
1 john is one of my favorite letters in the New Testament. In this book it talks about love and how love is that God first loved us (to the point of death). The gospel of Jesus is becoming clearer and clearer as I was with Jesus. I am realizing I have less to give to people as Jordan and more to give to people as Jordan a guy whom knows jack about life but is willing to walk with Jesus. Jesus is all that can be good to give to another person whether it be through tongue, works, thought, time, touch, make sure you give them Jesus.
Yup this is my internal thoughts, realizations, and break downs. God is awesome and walks with sinners that are made saints by His love and affections.
There are a few cool stories I have about Iceland.
1: On one of the last 3 days of our reach, I was talking with a friend but I knew that wasn't where I belonged. Suddenly a man was walking behind me and the Holy Spirit spoke to me to go talk to him, I thought no this guy looks shady. This man is a homeless guy with a gash wound on his noise and forehead, it was clear he was not doing well. I then followed Gods movement, walked up to him and asked this man how he was doing. His response was not surprising "Terrible". I asked him if I could pray for him, he accepted it, I closed my eyes, prayed, opened my eyes looked up to make eye contact, and he is crying. I asked him again how is he doing, he said this to me. "I walk around these streets no one looks at me, talks to me, people make away around me so they don't need to be near me. But you walked up to me and talked to me, you cared for me." I was grate full to talk with him and share Gods love with him. I stood with him and talked to him for a while, it was clear he was lonely, as I talked with him I told him about Gods love. It was cool and I am sure he is still talking with God. I was shamed and God was glorified, it was cool.
2: I was talking with some teens who are great skaters. I told them about Gods voice and how he shares things with me, talks to me, even talks to me when he wants something said to another person. They were amazed that God could talk to us present day and wanted to know this God so I told them about knowing God through Jesus. They accepted Christ to have this relationship with God. After I did not want to leave them with out having someone else pray with them to hear Gods voice so I got one of the head leaders on the team to explain it hearing Gods voice in another way and pray for them. These guys were genuine and hopefully still going for Gods presence.
I am trusting God with these people, we directed them to people who have a relationship with God and are seeking Him daily. It was a great trip over all! Iceland is beautiful so take a look at the photos on facebook. I am still learning how to follow Jesus, not perfect just forgiven, you know.
Thank you for reading.
Jordan
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to go to Iceland, see you move in the heart of Icelanders, in the J.G. team hearts, in my heart. God you are a caring God. Thank you for being great and still desiring us to be in your presence after all that we have done to you, to your name, thank you for not giving up on us. You are love and lovely.Thank you Jesus, let continue our day together.
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