Not sure where this post will go.
But i need it.
I am sure most of you have seen the iamsecond videos.
And this is my inspiration.
This world that we live in; it is a mess. People, living their lives, and in their own little world, not looking anywhere else except the next step in front of them. And all the while, people are suffering. Some, rather than simply walking past, will gather stones, and proceed to pick them up, ready to throw. Is this how we were called to live? Are we to compare others to ourselves? To size them up in a moment's notice?
No. We must look around and SEE. Seek out that mother in need, barely making it pay check to pay check, not know how she will feed her kids tomorrow. Seek out that man who's wife and kids just left him because of his addiction. Find the girl struggling in school, the boy lost and confused about life. These people are NOT pretty, or clean, or perfect. They are covered in flesh, and tainted in Sin. And what is the solution?
When they brought the woman to Jesus who had committed adultery, they were ready to kill her; to throw stones at her. And Jesus said, ""If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And not one stone was thrown that day. Jesus said, 'Go, and sin no more."
The solution is Christ, and a changed heart. Jesus not only forgave her, but said 'Go.' And to sin no more. There was a change in her. And it is only through Christ is that change possible.
Today, we can be obedient to Him, and share the power we have through Him. It can wash away any stain, and bring light to any darkness. For what is darkness, other than the absence of light?
Ask God, 'Lord, who is it that you want me to reach out to and help today?'
I promise, He will answer that prayer.
And as you become a blessing to others, you will be blessed more than you can imagine.
-Jacob L. Houghton
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
25 things... Yes, I gave in...
These are twenty-five random things about my self...
1. At the beginning of last semester (Fall 08) I was determined to start drinking coffee. Not like Starbucks, which I already love, but coffee you make at home. I accomplished that goal, and love making and drinking coffee. (Thanks mom for the coffee maker!)
2. At times, I think I have OCD, and others say I do as well. I seem to be a very organized person. I REALLY like things to have order and a place, and often get stressed if they don't. Also, I don't like pointy things near my eyes or pointing towards my eyes... this ranges from sharp objects, to straws in my glass... they can't be pointing towards me, or I move them away...
3. In the month of January (this January) I read all four Twilight books. I am not ashamed of this, and proudly LOVE the books, characters, and the story itself. I suggest it to everyone.
4. My plan is to become a Counselor and therapist, which I am incredibly passionate about. My other options, if I didn't want to do this would probably be either a News Anchor, pursue acting, become a photographer, or a writer.
5. I do LOVE to write. Whether it be scripts, plays, or stories. I hope to be able to do this later in life.
6. I LOVE getting into TV series. So far, I have completed / in the process of completing the following: Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The Office, The Riches, The O.C., The Hills, Arrested Development, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, and probably others that I can't think of.
7. I love running, but I never get to far because of my lame asthma...
8. I have the best family in the world, and would do anything for them. (literally... the BEST)
9. I love acting, and Direct the Drama team at DBU, but do not enjoy / fear public speaking...
10. I am an art minor, who has never taken art before college. I am not very good at it, but it is very therapeutic.
11. I love the idea of Jury Duty...
12. My favorite number is 12. And I know SO many people who share this lucky number. I just think it is perfect, because it is even, the numbers in it are increasing, it is divisible by 1,2,3,4,6, and 12. And other reasons. Its just the best.
13. I am related to Elvis. Presley. The KING. Yes... its true.
14. I love singing, and plan to start a 'band after college with T' haha.
15. I enjoy most any sport. Volleyball, Tennis, soccer, football, hockey, racket ball.
16. I like board games that require skill, such as boggle, taboo, cranium, etc. Any games of luck, or chance, such as Life, and other things I don't enjoy as much. (probably because i am competitive) However, I do enjoy NERTZ. (especially if Whitney is there!)
17. I want a Dog soon. And I want it to be a huskey / wolf type dog. Or Fox-like.
18. I feel like I am fairly honest and upfront with people. This can be positive and negative, depending on the situation.
19. I had a pedicure once. It was awesome... I'm not sure why I haven't gone back. Bernie Mac said one Mani/Pedi a week was necessary.
20. I do have strong opinions when it comes to hot topics. (such as politics, religious discussions, etc.) However, I rarely get a chance to share these, because of the ridiculous people who yell about it, and try to put there opinions on others. (This is both people who I have the same view as and the opposite view as well.) When it comes to this, I don't bother, because it is pointless.
21. I am the oldest of two kids, and the oldest of six grandkids. And I Love it.
22. I am truly a romantic.
23. I like the smell of gasoline, dry-erase markers, and paint.
24. I like to think about heaven, and imagine what it will be like. It always makes me happy, and smile, naturally.
25. I love making people laugh.
1. At the beginning of last semester (Fall 08) I was determined to start drinking coffee. Not like Starbucks, which I already love, but coffee you make at home. I accomplished that goal, and love making and drinking coffee. (Thanks mom for the coffee maker!)
2. At times, I think I have OCD, and others say I do as well. I seem to be a very organized person. I REALLY like things to have order and a place, and often get stressed if they don't. Also, I don't like pointy things near my eyes or pointing towards my eyes... this ranges from sharp objects, to straws in my glass... they can't be pointing towards me, or I move them away...
3. In the month of January (this January) I read all four Twilight books. I am not ashamed of this, and proudly LOVE the books, characters, and the story itself. I suggest it to everyone.
4. My plan is to become a Counselor and therapist, which I am incredibly passionate about. My other options, if I didn't want to do this would probably be either a News Anchor, pursue acting, become a photographer, or a writer.
5. I do LOVE to write. Whether it be scripts, plays, or stories. I hope to be able to do this later in life.
6. I LOVE getting into TV series. So far, I have completed / in the process of completing the following: Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The Office, The Riches, The O.C., The Hills, Arrested Development, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, and probably others that I can't think of.
7. I love running, but I never get to far because of my lame asthma...
8. I have the best family in the world, and would do anything for them. (literally... the BEST)
9. I love acting, and Direct the Drama team at DBU, but do not enjoy / fear public speaking...
10. I am an art minor, who has never taken art before college. I am not very good at it, but it is very therapeutic.
11. I love the idea of Jury Duty...
12. My favorite number is 12. And I know SO many people who share this lucky number. I just think it is perfect, because it is even, the numbers in it are increasing, it is divisible by 1,2,3,4,6, and 12. And other reasons. Its just the best.
13. I am related to Elvis. Presley. The KING. Yes... its true.
14. I love singing, and plan to start a 'band after college with T' haha.
15. I enjoy most any sport. Volleyball, Tennis, soccer, football, hockey, racket ball.
16. I like board games that require skill, such as boggle, taboo, cranium, etc. Any games of luck, or chance, such as Life, and other things I don't enjoy as much. (probably because i am competitive) However, I do enjoy NERTZ. (especially if Whitney is there!)
17. I want a Dog soon. And I want it to be a huskey / wolf type dog. Or Fox-like.
18. I feel like I am fairly honest and upfront with people. This can be positive and negative, depending on the situation.
19. I had a pedicure once. It was awesome... I'm not sure why I haven't gone back. Bernie Mac said one Mani/Pedi a week was necessary.
20. I do have strong opinions when it comes to hot topics. (such as politics, religious discussions, etc.) However, I rarely get a chance to share these, because of the ridiculous people who yell about it, and try to put there opinions on others. (This is both people who I have the same view as and the opposite view as well.) When it comes to this, I don't bother, because it is pointless.
21. I am the oldest of two kids, and the oldest of six grandkids. And I Love it.
22. I am truly a romantic.
23. I like the smell of gasoline, dry-erase markers, and paint.
24. I like to think about heaven, and imagine what it will be like. It always makes me happy, and smile, naturally.
25. I love making people laugh.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
So far...
Well, hello.
This is the second week of school, and I am already struggling.
Over the break, I feel like I became more independent. Not in a financial way, or 'on my own' way, but growing into the realizing that I don't need to depend on others as much as I have in the past to be who I am.
In Romans 14:6- It says:
6 "He who observes the day observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord...
7" For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
8"For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we ARE the Lord's.
Our culture and society give off so much pressure to please others. To become someone who lives in fear of not being "normal." What is normal? And who defines it? Is normal not relative? Regardless of these meaningless terms that are thrown at us, these judgments have empty consequences. WHAT IF I don't look like the culture around me? What if I don't blend in, or try and meet their standards? Is that not what I am called to do?
Yes. I am called to a higher standard than any man could create or try and carry out. God's. What he says, I will try and do. What guidelines HE gives, I will try and obey. As the scripture said, "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." Is HIS favor not more desirable than a worldly favor, who's reward is emptiness and guilt?
These are the things I am learning. As well as learning to stand on my own when it comes to defining myself. By no means am I downplaying the importance of friends. However, what should define me shouldn't rely upon another person. I hope what defines me is my relationship with Christ. (and my family of course. lol)
In random news, in the month of January, I read all four Twilight books. (i am not ashamed)
They were SO good, and I am not a fast reader, so I was impressed with myself.
Prayer requests:
That the Drama Team goes well this semester.
AND that I can find a job. I know so many people with this same need, and I as well need a job.
Hope all is well for you all in 2009 so far.
Look to God.
Love,
Jacob Lawrence
This is the second week of school, and I am already struggling.
Over the break, I feel like I became more independent. Not in a financial way, or 'on my own' way, but growing into the realizing that I don't need to depend on others as much as I have in the past to be who I am.
In Romans 14:6- It says:
6 "He who observes the day observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord...
7" For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
8"For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we ARE the Lord's.
Our culture and society give off so much pressure to please others. To become someone who lives in fear of not being "normal." What is normal? And who defines it? Is normal not relative? Regardless of these meaningless terms that are thrown at us, these judgments have empty consequences. WHAT IF I don't look like the culture around me? What if I don't blend in, or try and meet their standards? Is that not what I am called to do?
Yes. I am called to a higher standard than any man could create or try and carry out. God's. What he says, I will try and do. What guidelines HE gives, I will try and obey. As the scripture said, "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." Is HIS favor not more desirable than a worldly favor, who's reward is emptiness and guilt?
These are the things I am learning. As well as learning to stand on my own when it comes to defining myself. By no means am I downplaying the importance of friends. However, what should define me shouldn't rely upon another person. I hope what defines me is my relationship with Christ. (and my family of course. lol)
In random news, in the month of January, I read all four Twilight books. (i am not ashamed)
They were SO good, and I am not a fast reader, so I was impressed with myself.
Prayer requests:
That the Drama Team goes well this semester.
AND that I can find a job. I know so many people with this same need, and I as well need a job.
Hope all is well for you all in 2009 so far.
Look to God.
Love,
Jacob Lawrence
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy New Year!
This has been one of the best breaks I have had in a LONG time.
First, my FAMILY came from Canada, which made christmas morning have 31 of us!
It was incredible to see all of my family interact and love one another.
It was amazing to see people I hadn't seen in two years, and awesome to see Brad, Vickie, Paul, Jess, and Jack, who I hadn't seen in 6!
To spend time with each of them was wonderful, and I cannot wait to see them again.
Also, New Years was fun! We went to Amy Miller's, played catch phrase, NERTZ, and got to laugh ALOT. It was fun to see everyone, and have a good time.
Now, it is the beginning of a New Year, and I am excited about that. Its always nice to have a New outlook, and a fresh start.
Right now, I am putting my Dad's iTunes music onto his iPod... ya, he needs me. lol.
Have a blessed week, and I will hopefully be more consistent this year with blogging!!!
Jacob
First, my FAMILY came from Canada, which made christmas morning have 31 of us!
It was incredible to see all of my family interact and love one another.
It was amazing to see people I hadn't seen in two years, and awesome to see Brad, Vickie, Paul, Jess, and Jack, who I hadn't seen in 6!
To spend time with each of them was wonderful, and I cannot wait to see them again.
Also, New Years was fun! We went to Amy Miller's, played catch phrase, NERTZ, and got to laugh ALOT. It was fun to see everyone, and have a good time.
Now, it is the beginning of a New Year, and I am excited about that. Its always nice to have a New outlook, and a fresh start.
Right now, I am putting my Dad's iTunes music onto his iPod... ya, he needs me. lol.
Have a blessed week, and I will hopefully be more consistent this year with blogging!!!
Jacob
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December!
Wow, things are going so fast! In less than three weeks I will be hanging out with my family from Canada! Which makes me incredibly excited.
We just got through with Thanksgiving break, which was wonderful.
Wednesday I got home and got to play tennis with Jordan and Aimee, which was so fun.
On Thursday, my parents, sister, and I went to the Cowboy's game, which was so exciting! It was an awesome game, and we were on the fourth row, 40 yard line! Right behind the cowboys. So fun.
Then we went back home to eat dinner with the whole family. mmmm. Nothing like food from the family. We then ended the night by watching 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman.' Tyler Perry is a genius.
Friday Bryce came to Garland, and we went to Northpark with Mom and Aimee, then played sme more tennis with Tay and Jordan. That night we joined Mindy and went to see Batman: Dark Knight at the Dollar theater. Completely worth it, and better the second time, on top of the amazing first time.
All in all, it was such a nice break, and to be able to spend it with my family and friends was so nice, and one of the things I am most thankful for. God has truly blessed me with all of them, and I am so thankful.
now, only two more weeks of class, and then exams and fall 2008 is done!
I will be so happy when that happens.
Three more semesters and I am done!
Now, i am off to shop for Christmas!
Have a blessed day, and stay classy world.
Jacob
We just got through with Thanksgiving break, which was wonderful.
Wednesday I got home and got to play tennis with Jordan and Aimee, which was so fun.
On Thursday, my parents, sister, and I went to the Cowboy's game, which was so exciting! It was an awesome game, and we were on the fourth row, 40 yard line! Right behind the cowboys. So fun.
Then we went back home to eat dinner with the whole family. mmmm. Nothing like food from the family. We then ended the night by watching 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman.' Tyler Perry is a genius.
Friday Bryce came to Garland, and we went to Northpark with Mom and Aimee, then played sme more tennis with Tay and Jordan. That night we joined Mindy and went to see Batman: Dark Knight at the Dollar theater. Completely worth it, and better the second time, on top of the amazing first time.
All in all, it was such a nice break, and to be able to spend it with my family and friends was so nice, and one of the things I am most thankful for. God has truly blessed me with all of them, and I am so thankful.
now, only two more weeks of class, and then exams and fall 2008 is done!
I will be so happy when that happens.
Three more semesters and I am done!
Now, i am off to shop for Christmas!
Have a blessed day, and stay classy world.
Jacob
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Small Test can be a Big One
The very first thing James tells us in his book is:
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
This note is not about enduring hard times in life, going through rough pain, or experiencing drawn out distance from God. All of those things do deserve attention, but at another time.
This note is in regards to other kinds of trials. James tell us when we encunter "various" trials, which includes small ones.
These can be a variety of things, such as a rough day at work, an overload of homework, traffic, or encounters with other people. The last one is one that can occur often when you live with roommates.
Talk about trials. Later in this book, James talks about how dangerous our tongues are, and I think the choice to tame it in these situations is a victory over a "trial," or test.
The choice to not retaliate, words included, the choice to not bring up the past, the choice to forgive, the choice to FORGET, and the choice to rise above sometimes and walk away.
Often times, these small things can seem huge, and when looking at them in reality, we see that it is not that big of a deal. There are far better things to be done with our time.
I have been doing homework since 11:00am this morning, and i finished around 11:00pm. Of course i didn't do it straight through, but it did take forever. I was asked to play Risk, and didn't want to. Of course there were stares of frustration... but I tried to not react... We all do this, on both sides. I gripe at people too much a lot of the time, and receive a lot too.
We have got to stop this, seek out patience, seek out kindness, seek out peace. We need to actually think about what Jesus would do, and not just say it as a cliche.
The first thing James says to us is consider it joy.
Through big trials or small, we should feel this Joy. Look at it as a chance to rise above. Look at it as a chance to use one of our fruits of the spirit, and share that.
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
Thank you for reading, if you got through it.
Just something I needed to write and get out.
God bless,
Jacob
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
This note is not about enduring hard times in life, going through rough pain, or experiencing drawn out distance from God. All of those things do deserve attention, but at another time.
This note is in regards to other kinds of trials. James tell us when we encunter "various" trials, which includes small ones.
These can be a variety of things, such as a rough day at work, an overload of homework, traffic, or encounters with other people. The last one is one that can occur often when you live with roommates.
Talk about trials. Later in this book, James talks about how dangerous our tongues are, and I think the choice to tame it in these situations is a victory over a "trial," or test.
The choice to not retaliate, words included, the choice to not bring up the past, the choice to forgive, the choice to FORGET, and the choice to rise above sometimes and walk away.
Often times, these small things can seem huge, and when looking at them in reality, we see that it is not that big of a deal. There are far better things to be done with our time.
I have been doing homework since 11:00am this morning, and i finished around 11:00pm. Of course i didn't do it straight through, but it did take forever. I was asked to play Risk, and didn't want to. Of course there were stares of frustration... but I tried to not react... We all do this, on both sides. I gripe at people too much a lot of the time, and receive a lot too.
We have got to stop this, seek out patience, seek out kindness, seek out peace. We need to actually think about what Jesus would do, and not just say it as a cliche.
The first thing James says to us is consider it joy.
Through big trials or small, we should feel this Joy. Look at it as a chance to rise above. Look at it as a chance to use one of our fruits of the spirit, and share that.
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
Thank you for reading, if you got through it.
Just something I needed to write and get out.
God bless,
Jacob
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday Night Live
Well good evening.
It is actually 1:21 a.m. Monday morning.
Just got back to DBU from fall break, where Taylor has just given me 5 gigs worth of music!
I will try and post what I find I like, etc.
A little update on my schooling: I am drowning in Art projects, which was anticipated from the beginning, but still not desirable. I like painting. The rest i could deal with out...
I am looking for Graduate schools, so if you have any ideas, please let me know.
Grey's Anatomy:
This past week was good. It felt a little like old school greys, which is always good to revisit. All in all, I loved it, and not too much to say, other than I can't wait for Alex and Izzie to happen. We've been waiting forever. And I can't wait for Callie and Haun to leave the show...
O, and YA for Meridith staying in Counseling. (and ya for Psych being on this season again!)
The Office:
Great episode. Missed SEEING Pam, but it was a good one of Holly. She is an excellent addition to the cast. Loved going Old School to Jim and Dwight fighting. Great episode.
I think that is all for now.
We have a Drama Performance this Wednesday!!!
I will let yall know how it goes!
God bless,
Jacob
It is actually 1:21 a.m. Monday morning.
Just got back to DBU from fall break, where Taylor has just given me 5 gigs worth of music!
I will try and post what I find I like, etc.
A little update on my schooling: I am drowning in Art projects, which was anticipated from the beginning, but still not desirable. I like painting. The rest i could deal with out...
I am looking for Graduate schools, so if you have any ideas, please let me know.
Grey's Anatomy:
This past week was good. It felt a little like old school greys, which is always good to revisit. All in all, I loved it, and not too much to say, other than I can't wait for Alex and Izzie to happen. We've been waiting forever. And I can't wait for Callie and Haun to leave the show...
O, and YA for Meridith staying in Counseling. (and ya for Psych being on this season again!)
The Office:
Great episode. Missed SEEING Pam, but it was a good one of Holly. She is an excellent addition to the cast. Loved going Old School to Jim and Dwight fighting. Great episode.
I think that is all for now.
We have a Drama Performance this Wednesday!!!
I will let yall know how it goes!
God bless,
Jacob
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