Cold Remedies

Alright so fall is here and it brought its best friends with it. No I don't mean the chill in the air or the different colors. I am talking about colds (which in case you didn't pick up on is different from the temperature part). Almost every gets a least a little sick during this time of year, whether it is a stuffy nose or a sinus headache or a full blown fever and the like, no one wants any of it. Everyone has there own ways to handle it too, but which of these ways actually work (I am sure hoping its not castor oil). Check out the links below to find some of the best cold remedies

Gargling Salt Water Helps a Cough or Cold

Cold Remedies from the Mayo Clinc

9 Natural Ways to Treat Colds and Flu

Cold Remedies Guide

Just in time for Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and Gizmodo posted this blog with old prostetics. Just says Halloween to me. Super creepy stuff check it out.

http://gizmodo.com/5647016/vintage-prosthetics-gallery/gallery/14

Update: Apparently this page isn't working anymore but I'm gonna leave the post cause you could possibly search for the pics

To all my friends and family...

So I couldn't sleep tonight and it wasn't the restless type can't sleep that I usually have. I was literally lying in bed wide awake thinking I should be asleep. So I decided to study a little bit and got out of bed. As usual though my studies led me to Facebook (funny how that seems to be where I end up every time I study) and to just playing a little bit of catch up (aka Facebook stalking).  

As I went I came across a friends note. As I was reading this note I realized that I didn't know anything about what he was talking about (at least not in the recent sense). The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I hadn't been checking out notes recently and that I hadn't been checking on friends. Even further I realized that I wasn't paying attention to what I consider the important things in life....my friends and family. 


Recently there has been a lot going on in my life. Suffice it to say that I have several options on my plate and I don't know which one I am going to choose in any way. I have been very focused on all of that and making sure that it is going well and trying to get things going the way that I think they should go. So much so that I have neglected people. Things that I should have known were slipping right past me and people that I haven't talked to in a while were standing right in front of me and I wasn't saying a word. 


I guess what I am trying to say (in my long winded way that I say things) is that I am sorry. I am sorry that I was so focused on myself that I forgot to look out for my friends. I am sorry that I was so focused on myself that I couldn't see where other people needed me. I am sorry that if you tried to talk to me I ignored you. I am sorry! 


I don't know where life is going for me right now. I trust God and take it one day at a time but from now on instead of trusting God while keeping one hand on the controls. I am going to use that hand to do what I should have been doing all along...helping those who God has put close to me. 

Song stuck in head...now you can get it out.

If you've ever had a song stuck in your head, then you know that it sucks...big time!!!

Well I just found a site that can help with that. Unhearit.com is a site that will play a random catchy song that will get that sucky song out of your head. However the way it works is that it a new song gets stuck in your head, so I guess you have to decide how bad you want that song out of your head.

What if the end isn't near?

This article was one that I was reading at work. The title made me assume it was just another opinion column ranting about the way Christians do things (either that or it was someone ranting about nuclear disarmerment). Turns out I was right on both counts. The funny thing was that for once I agreed with him.

Check out the article. Make sure you stop and think at the end. The very last sentence is a really hard hitter if you actually stop to think about the implications of the article.

Be sure to comment if you have your own opinion about the article.

Check out the article by clicking here.

Me

This one is for all you people who know me. I just took a test thing for strengths and that type thing. First is the paragraph that it said about me. Then is what it lists as communication do's and don'ts with me. Next are the things it says I want from a work environment. Lastly are what it says are perceptions.

There is a lot of stuff so only read if you care to but even if you skim it will probably be funny/scary. Just thought I would put it up here for people who are bored or who want to say I told you so on a way that I act.

Jeremy prefers being a team player, and wants each player to contribute along with him. He embraces visions not always seen by others. Jeremy's creative mind allows him to see the "big picture." He is a goal-oriented individual who believes in pulling in others to help him achieve his goals. He needs people with other strengths on his team. He is an aggressive individual who succeeds through hard work and persistence; that is, he will come up with a good idea and follow through. Jeremy appreciates others who are team players and will reward those who are loyal. Some may view him as being stubborn and opinionated. He views it as the price you must pay for success. He may try to "explain" his unyielding persistence in positive terms. He is forward-looking, aggressive and competitive. His vision for results is one of his positive strengths. He will work hard at achieving his goals. He loves to succeed and hates to fail. Jeremy may lose interest in a project once the challenge ceases. He may then be ready for another challenging project. He likes to be forceful and direct when dealing with others. His desire for results is readily apparent to the people with whom he works.

Jeremy should realize that at times he needs to think a project through, beginning to end, before starting the project. He is a good problem solver and troubleshooter, always seeking new ways to solve old problems. When faced with a tough decision, he will try to sell you on his ideas. He has the unique ability of tackling tough problems and following them through to a satisfactory conclusion. Jeremy finds it easy to share his opinions on solving work-related problems. Sometimes he becomes emotionally involved in the decision-making process. He has the ability to make high-risk decisions, but sometimes should seek counsel before acting. Logic and people who have the facts and data to support this logic influence him. He admires the patience required to gather facts and data.

Jeremy challenges people who volunteer their opinions. He tends to influence people by being direct, friendly and results-oriented. He likes people who give him options as compared to their opinions. The options may help him make decisions, and he values his own opinion over that of others! He may lose interest in what others are saying if they ramble or don't speak to the point. His active mind is already moving ahead. Jeremy likes people who present their case effectively. When they do, he can then make a quicker assessment or decision. He may sometimes mask his feelings in friendly terms. If pressured, Jeremy's true feelings may emerge. He is influenced by people who communicate with a logical presentation of the facts, impressed by the apparent efficiency involved. He has the ability to ask the right questions and dismiss a shallow idea. Some people may feel these questions are a personal attack upon their integrity; however, this is just his way of getting the appropriate facts.

The Do's and Don's of Communication with Jeremy

Do:

• Support the results, not the person, if you agree. 
• Provide testimonials from people he sees as important. 
• Motivate and persuade by referring to objectives and results.
• Be clear, specific, brief and to the point. 
• Talk about him, his goals and the opinions he finds stimulating. 
• Read the body language--look for impatience or disapproval. 
• Provide ideas for implementing action. 
• Leave time for relating, socializing. 
• Read the body language for approval or disapproval. 
• Stick to business--let him decide if he wants to talk socially. 
• Provide a warm and friendly environment.

Don't:

• Kid around too much, or "stick to the agenda" too much. 
• Try to convince by "personal" means. 
• Direct or order. 
• Ramble on, or waste his time. 
• Talk down to him. 
• Forget or lose things, be disorganized or messy, confuse or distract his mind from important tasks. 
• Ask rhetorical questions, or useless ones. 
• Be curt, cold or tight-lipped. 
• Come with a ready-made decision, or make it for him. 
• Leave decisions hanging in the air. 
• Legislate or muffle--don't overcontrol the conversation. 
• Take credit for his ideas.

Jeremy wants:

• Safety and security of the situation.
• A predictable work environment. 
• Constant appreciation, and a feeling of security on the team. 
• Specific questions--not general or open-ended. 
• Activities he can start and finish. 
• Recognition for loyalty and long service. 
• Independence. 
• No close supervision. 
• Freedom from many rules and regulations. 
• Exposure to those who appreciate his results. 
• To be a member of a small team.

Preceptions

SELF-PERCEPTION

Jeremy usually sees himself as being:

• Pioneering
• Assertive 
• Competitive 
• Confident 
• Positive 
• Winner

OTHERS' PERCEPTION

Under moderate pressure, tension, stress or fatigue, others may see him as being:

• Demanding 
• Nervy 
• Egotistical 
• Aggressive

And, under extreme pressure, stress or fatigue, others may see him as being:

• Abrasive 
• Controlling 
• Arbitrary 
• Opinionated

What if you knew?

So I came across an old tv show that I remembered watching a while back. It's called 'Early Edition'. It was on in the late 90's and was about a guy who got 'tomorrow's paper today'. (See the link for more information about the show) As I was watching this I began to think about how it would change my life to know the stuff that the main character knew. Know when, where, and how a person would die; to have that kind of responsibility... then it hit me, to a certain extent I already do. Nothing like what this man knows. Nothing in the physical sense at least, but I do know where they will spend an eternity. However that idea is not even the main thing that hit me when I was watching.

The thing that hit me and has hit me quite a few times in the past week or so is that Christians should be doing stuff. That sounds like a stupid comment but let me explain. Last week at one point I was listening to a podcast and heard a sermon that was talking about a question. "Where are the Christians?" or "Why aren't the churches doing anything about it?" He was talking about coming across an event that was happening and wondered why the church wasn't doing anything to help it. I think that makes sense. Maybe a more real situation will help you understand. Recently I read the paper and stumbled across an article about a couple of pools being opened thanks to funding from local donors (the city had cut them because of budget issues). The odd part was that on a list of donors there was not a single church. Why? Shouldn't we as Christians and a church being trying to better people in our neighborhoods? Isn't a key part of that keeping kids off street, which a pool does? Does it not create a credibility with the neighborhood?

I would love to see more Christians and churches stepping up to do things in their neighborhoods. To be taking care of the people that live there.

If you are interested in watching the show. There are quite a few episodes on youtube.com

Change For Good

So I have been meaning to write this for about a week and never got to it as I was moving but I just found the card that went with mine dining hall gifts and it reminded me. Let me go back. School ended one week ago, it was the end of my fourth year of college. Well if you have read my last blog you know that a lot will be changing this fall. One of those is that I will no longer be working in the dining hall (where I have worked for four years). As a former supervisor and four year worker I received some gifts and a card signed by everyone. That is the card I am talking about.


Anyway back to the point of this blog. As I am leaving the dining hall and CCU I look at all the people I've met and I am reminded of a song. This was a song I learned in HS choir and have loved it ever since. The song is For Good from the Musical Wicked. Check out the lyrics:

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood


Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better
And because I knew you...
Because I knew you...
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good.


I really like this song because it speaks to so many of the emotions I feel as I get ready to leave. Having attended CCU for four years and met a lot of people and having may people I consider my friends has changed me. While I will miss everyone that I don't get to see often or ever again in this life, I look forward to remembering the good times and hearing about what happened to you after I left CCU when we both get to heaven.

To those who read this and are my friends, thanks for all the good times and I pray we will continue them even after this but if not know that I am changed because of you and I hope that I have changed you as well.

God Bless and in Christ's Love
Jeremy

Pray For You

Anyone who listens to country is bound to have heard the song by Jaran and the Long Road to Love called Pray For You. It is quite a humorous song about a man who is praying bad things on the his former lover. Check out the lyrics:


I havent been to church since I don’t remember when
Things were goin’ great ‘til they fell apart again
So I listened to the preacher as he told me what to do
He said you can’t go hatin’ others who have done wrong to you
Sometimes we get angry, but we must not condemn
Let the good Lord do His job and you just pray for them

I pray your brakes go out runnin’ down a hill
I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to
I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls
I pray you’re flyin’ high when your engine stalls
I pray all your dreams never come true
Just know whereever you are honey, I pray for you

I’m really glad I found my way to church
‘Cause I’m already feelin’ better and I thank God for the words
Yeah I’m goin’ take the high road
And do what the preacher told me to do
You keep messin’ up and I’ll keep prayin’ for you

I pray your tire blows out at 110
I pray you pass out drunk with your best friend and wake up with his and her tattoos

I pray your brakes go out runnin’ down a hill
I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to
I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls
I pray you’re flyin’ high when your engine stalls
I pray all your dreams never come true
Just know whereever you are, near or far, in your house or in your car,
wherever you are honey, I pray for you.
I pray for you

I am doing a lesson with this song as an example in the morning so I thought I would jot down some thoughts in my blog. The first time I heard this song I just laughed but right after that one of the first thoughts to cross my mind was how often does this happen with Christians. See so often we have people in our lives that do things to us or we just don't like and while we don't necessarily go as far as this song does but we do things that might be seen as the same thing. We talk behind their back, we start rumors, or we just plain ignore them and maybe cheer for the bad things that do happen. This just isn't right. In my opinion Paul very plainly speaks against this type of behavior. Lets look at Ephesians 4:29

29 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. (NCV)

It seems plain by this verse that we need to only speak well of others. Yet we don't. Division forms in churches, friends separate, and families fight because of the words that we say. As Christians it is important to remember that one of the commands Jesus gave us was to love each other. Talking about someone or even praying against them goes against this command. If more people would follow this then the church would probably be growing like mad. My goal in life is to avoid doing this to people and hopefully it can be for some other people too.

God Bless and in Christ's Love
Jeremy

Starting Out

For a while now I have been thinking about putting the many random thoughts that go through my head down in writing. Well this post marks the official start of doing this and (what will probably be a horrible) my career as a blogger. If you want to know some more about me check out my Google profile. (see link)

What can you expect to find here? Anything that goes on in my head that I feel like writing down. For those who know me this might be a scary thing and you know what, you are probably 100% right. As the title states this blog is for my thoughts (which are random at best), my critiques (meaning when I am upset and writing probably), and anything else I find interesting or just feel like sharing. 

In writing this post my thoughts turn toward new beginnings because as I write this a chapter of my life is coming to an end. By the end of summer I will be full time at a new school, I just started a my first new job in almost four years, I will have my own place somewhere in Cincinnati, I will be a paid youth minister for the first time, and who knows what other beginnings are around the corner for me. Its kind of scary actually, especially since I am still trying to make sure all of these things happen. Yet through all this I am really not that worried. Over the years God has taught me a lot and one of the things that he has taught me is that no matter what happens it will work out for my best. He makes sure of it. I look forward to what he has in store for me.

However in looking forward, there is always a glance behind. I look back and see the many friends I have made over my 4 years at CCU. Having been on outreach for three summers I have a lot of friends scattered across the US (although mainly in the east). I think back to some of my ideas coming into school and how I view them now. How about what I thought about the city and things like that. Or what about the fact that after only three and half years of attending River Hills Christian Church, I am getting ready to step up and be the middle school minister (Lord, I pray I am ready for that). To think how far I have come in just those four years (although at times I swear it is much more than four) is absolutely astounding to me. The blessings of the Lord are apparent and I can not thank him enough for the blessings he has reigned down on me. 

If you are interested at all in what I have to say be sure to follow me on here. If not just click the back button and be on your way. 

God Bless and in Christ's Love

Jeremy