so this is what i did with my friday night... (oo, i also saw part of space jam again! so good...)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sheepwarrior77
Also, Happy Valentines Day!! share the love!
(check it out, very cute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwQBWDkodvk&feature=subscription)
2.14.2009
2.12.2009
Sunrises and Sleeping In
"the view"
Lately, I have been sleeping in a lot. I don't think it's because I've been fatigued or anything. I think sleep is just a good escape sometimes (in part this is just me not manning up to the fact that I'm not responsible enough to wake up hah), and aside from that, dreams are awesome. I thank god for dreams. I like dreams.
At the same time though, I miss days when I would wake up early. Even with my roommate breathing heavily feet away, I'd feel a sense of peace and calm. In the fleeting moments before the sun rose, it would be dark outside and silence would fill the air. Everything had momentarily slowed to a stand still. No worries, no qualms, just the steady inhale/exhale coming from my asthmatic roommate, a peace with myself, a peace with God. But then almost instantaneously, magically the sky would erupt into a sea of colors, darkness fading into light: purple, red, orange, and all the shades and spectrums in between. And it's at moments like these when all you can do is be filled with wonder. You just think to yourself wow... how awesome is this god that created all the earth, that made you and me.
But why do these just have to be moments, ticks in time interspersed throughout our busy days? Why is it that when the sun finally rises, and the world sets off in motion again that we can so easily forget about God, and can so easily glance over the beauty of his creation. Being awestruck by God shouldn't be a momentary thing, it shouldn't be something that is dictated by "moods." If anything, the mood is right at all times to be taken aback by the awesomeness of God. So praise him and give thanks to him in the morning, when the sun is rising and all is still, praise him as you walk to class and pass by green grass, bending and lilting in the breeze, and obese squirrels oblivious to the world around them. Praise him in class as you are nodding off to sleep and drool is dripping down your chin onto your calculus notes. Praise him over dinner as you eat the same monotonous food you do every day. Praise him when you are happy, praise him when you are sad, praise him when everything seems to be going your way, praise him when you are mad at the world and just want to punch some walls. Praise him when he gives you the desires of your heart, praise him when he takes away.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
He is awesome, and all powerful. He is ever-present and everywhere. He is loving, he is faithful, he is merciful.
Next time you feel down in the dumps, take a moment to think things through. God created the heavens and the earth. Don't you think he's probably got things under control?
2.10.2009
Psalm 13
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
2.07.2009
| I’m forgiven because You were forsaken I’m accepted, You were condemned I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me Because You died and rose again Amazing love, how can it be That You, my King, should die for me? Amazing love, I know it’s true It’s my joy to honor You In all I do, to honor You You are my King You are my King Jesus, You are my King You are my King -------------------------------------- It's almost surreal looking back on all my xanga posts from high school (2-3 years ago). I've changed so much since then; it's like reading someone else's diary. I recognize the events, but at the same time, I feel so detached from it all. I almost forget that it is me (yet at the same time not really. It's confusing!). I guess this is both good and bad...Some of the stuff I said and did back then seems so silly or juvenile. I seem so simple. Just some teenage kid talking about his daily dalliances (or lack thereof) -- well...i guess that's still me. At the same time though, this kid has a wisdom from God, or at least a sincere desire for that wisdom, that I feel like I sort of lost in my two years at boarding school. Even with his mostly non-christrian friends, Kid is unafraid, unashamed to speak of this desire, this search, this love, this God. I'm only several years separated from this kid, but I feel like I'm several decades away looking back (not that I really know what several decades feels like). Despite this huge abyss separating current me from past me, I feel like slightly more mature, slightly less naive jonathan can learn a little something from young Jonathan. Let's be Wide Open. Let us not care what the world thinks of us for in the end it was God who created us and it is God alone that can judge us. Let us share his love with those around us... Let's Soar 24/7 |
2.03.2009
Exeter is Ridiculous
I didnt realize nearly 1/3 of my graduating class applied to Harvard. Crazy..
2.02.2009
Personality Test: Being a Person of God
So i was taking some personality tests today and apparently I am a INFP (or Dreamer) which stands for:
Perceiving
Usually I detest personality tests. I hate having to choose between just a few options (sometimes just Yes or No) cause I don't want to be misrepresented. And despite the knowledge that i shouldnt rely on a personality test to define for me who i am, I sometimes think that the results i get subconsciously and sneakily get into my system and affect the way i view myself...
Surprisingly though, the test i took today was quite accurate (too an extent at least)...
This is the description of INFP's:
"INFPs are introspective, private, creative and highly idealistic individuals that have a constant desire to be on a meaningful path. They are driven by their values and seek peace. Empathetic and compassionate, they want to help others and humanity as a whole. INFPs are imaginitive, artistic and often have a talent for language and writing. They can also be described as easygoing, selfless, guarded, adaptable, patient and loyal. "
Some "expert quotes" on INFP that i agree with:
"Their job must be fun, although not racous, and it must be meaningful to them. They need a strong purpose in their work. They want to be recognized and valued, without undue attention given to them. They may become embarrassed when make the center of attention. As a result, they may undersell their strengths in order to avoid being singled out and made to feel conspicuous. They would rather have their worth be noticed gradually over time."
"INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life."
Some Notable INFP's (though in some cases im not sure how they would know):
- Aldous Huxley
- Amy Tan
- Audrey Hepburn
- George Orwell
- Helen Keller
- JRR Tolkien
- John, Luke, and Mary from the Bible
- John F Kennedy
- Princess Diana
- Shakespeare
- Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes
- E.T.
On a more depressing note, a lot of INFP traits are pretty sad:
"loner, attracted to sad things, disorganized, avoidant, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings..."
- Most likely of all the types to report suicidal thoughts in college.
- "more likely to support marijuana legalization, can sabotage self, likes the rain, sometimes can't control fearful thoughts, prone to crying, prone to regret, attracted to the counter culture, can be submissive, prone to feeling discouraged, frequently second guesses self, not punctual, not always prepared, can feel victimized, prone to confusion, prone to irresponsibility, can be pessimistic"
Sounds pretty emo lol.
---------
Fun as these tests might be though, I realize I don't have to be boxed in by them. I know who I am and don't need some online quiz to tell me what that might be. That said, someone who knows me better even than myself is God. And lately I've been realizing more and more that he does have a plan for me and that he will make me into the person that I will one day become (not that I should just sit back idly and let him transform me). He has a will and a way and if i just follow that i will be at peace -- i won't need some test, or other people, or society, or the media, or whatever telling me what i am or what i should be.
I was really glad the sermon today was about God's Will as that has been something I've been struggling with all term, and in fact all year. It felt like a little nudge from God, or a reminder, that he is and will always be there. That he knows and understands the desires of my heart and the struggles I go through that weigh me down.
James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
This is something I hope I can always look to as I continue to embark on this journey that for now remains T.B.D
Usually I detest personality tests. I hate having to choose between just a few options (sometimes just Yes or No) cause I don't want to be misrepresented. And despite the knowledge that i shouldnt rely on a personality test to define for me who i am, I sometimes think that the results i get subconsciously and sneakily get into my system and affect the way i view myself...
Surprisingly though, the test i took today was quite accurate (too an extent at least)...
This is the description of INFP's:
"INFPs are introspective, private, creative and highly idealistic individuals that have a constant desire to be on a meaningful path. They are driven by their values and seek peace. Empathetic and compassionate, they want to help others and humanity as a whole. INFPs are imaginitive, artistic and often have a talent for language and writing. They can also be described as easygoing, selfless, guarded, adaptable, patient and loyal. "
Some "expert quotes" on INFP that i agree with:
"Their job must be fun, although not racous, and it must be meaningful to them. They need a strong purpose in their work. They want to be recognized and valued, without undue attention given to them. They may become embarrassed when make the center of attention. As a result, they may undersell their strengths in order to avoid being singled out and made to feel conspicuous. They would rather have their worth be noticed gradually over time."
"INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life."
Some Notable INFP's (though in some cases im not sure how they would know):
- Aldous Huxley
- Amy Tan
- Audrey Hepburn
- George Orwell
- Helen Keller
- JRR Tolkien
- John, Luke, and Mary from the Bible
- John F Kennedy
- Princess Diana
- Shakespeare
- Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes
- E.T.
On a more depressing note, a lot of INFP traits are pretty sad:
"loner, attracted to sad things, disorganized, avoidant, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings..."
- Most likely of all the types to report suicidal thoughts in college.
- "more likely to support marijuana legalization, can sabotage self, likes the rain, sometimes can't control fearful thoughts, prone to crying, prone to regret, attracted to the counter culture, can be submissive, prone to feeling discouraged, frequently second guesses self, not punctual, not always prepared, can feel victimized, prone to confusion, prone to irresponsibility, can be pessimistic"
Sounds pretty emo lol.
---------
Fun as these tests might be though, I realize I don't have to be boxed in by them. I know who I am and don't need some online quiz to tell me what that might be. That said, someone who knows me better even than myself is God. And lately I've been realizing more and more that he does have a plan for me and that he will make me into the person that I will one day become (not that I should just sit back idly and let him transform me). He has a will and a way and if i just follow that i will be at peace -- i won't need some test, or other people, or society, or the media, or whatever telling me what i am or what i should be.
I was really glad the sermon today was about God's Will as that has been something I've been struggling with all term, and in fact all year. It felt like a little nudge from God, or a reminder, that he is and will always be there. That he knows and understands the desires of my heart and the struggles I go through that weigh me down.
James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
This is something I hope I can always look to as I continue to embark on this journey that for now remains T.B.D
2.01.2009
Psalm 143
1 O LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
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