Author: thejoshbjones

Originally Posted:Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Reading: Clowning in Rome
Topic: Living in the Epic Story

Currently Listening
Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture
By Original Soundtrack
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Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. I think I can start posting more now. I think that I can break the silence.

I guess I should start with what God is doing in my life. The only way to do this adequately is to draw back. About two weeks ago I wrote this. For those who don’t know, I got away. I went and stayed in the middle of the woods, alone, for two nights. I needed adventure and could sense it. I needed to get away and wrestle with God on some stuff, and that seemed the remedy for it. That seemed where I could meet Him. It was good. Continue reading “Night and Day”

It’s time for a guest post!! Here’s one from Jonathan Jones. Jonathan is a Doctoral student, Worship Leader, and student of the grace of God. When he’s not being a musical genius, you can probably find him working, teaching on grace, or being that guy playing guitar on campus. Point being, he’s cool AND smart. That’s a 1-2 punch combo folks. You can check out the blog he writes at http://jonathanmichaeljonesblog.blogspot.com/ or follow him on Twitter @j_mjones

I was recently in the context of a corporate worship service where the people prayed for healing of a man with cancer. It is clear from scripture that we should do this. Nevertheless, although God is perfectly capable of healing someone of sickness, we are not owed that. Continue reading “We Are Not Owed”

Happy Independence Day!! Random fact: did you know that the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2nd, not 4th? Today I’m taking a break from the old Xanga posts. I’d like to take this moment to remember the brave men and women who have participated in the founding of a nation. Men and women who took a stand and risked, for something they believed in greatly. Continue reading “Independence Day”

A little over a year ago I was able to attend the Catalyst Conference in Dallas. If you’d like to read my notes from Catalyst Dallas, you can find the list of posts here. There’s so really great content. The theme of Catalyst Dallas, as well as Catalyst for that year, was Be Present. It’s been a little over a year and I feel like it’s time to evaluate how I’m doing at just that. Continue reading “Catalyst Dallas: Be Present One Year Later”

When thinking through media, culture, technology and theology, it’s helpful to watch music awards shows on TV. There’s an observation I’ve made over the past several years regarding this. It’s interesting to me how quickly we forget what people have done and not changed from. It’s also interesting to me who we forgive and who we don’t. The specific example I have is Chris Brown…I know, I know, easy target. Right?!?! Well, it’s just a highlight and I’m not planning on attacking Chris Brown. I hope he changes. I’m more talking about our culture, how quickly we forget and how easily accountability of actions falls off the radar. This ability is a glowing misunderstanding of masculinity. Continue reading “How Quickly We Forget”

Originally Posted: Thursday, June 30, 2005

So I don´t have much time again. I´m in Mexico and it´s weird to not hear fireworks on the 4th of July. Anyway, it´s surprisingly cold right now because of the rain. We are in the mountains so it can get chilly at night. No complaints though. Kinda a nice change from Texas weather.

I was asked a while ago by a friend if I was OK. That’s not normally a question I’m asked. There was a reason he asked me, his wife was concerned because of a comment I’d made on social media. I don’t mind being vulnerable in a vague way on social media, so I made a statement about the cold clear winter night and it reminding me of two lifelong friends of mine. The statement was a bit veiled, but she saw through it since she’s known me for almost a decade at this point and asked him to check on me. I answered as honestly as possible. “No, but I will be.” Then I proceeded to explain how Continue reading “The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most”

Originally Posted:Thursday, June 30, 2005
Mood:  hug me
Now Playing: Ashburn: The Acoustic Set
Topic: Living in the Epic Story

Currently Reading
The Genesee Diary
By HENRI NOUWEN
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Well, things have been busy with me getting ready to go. It’s weird to think that I only have one more day in the country. K, well, since I am going away for a month I want to ask this and get feedback. Continue reading “Leaving On A Jet Plane”

I was supposed to post an update yesterday, but then my server had some performance issues. So my plan was to update this morning. Then this afternoon I received a news update about the Boston marathon. I saw the pictures, the chaos, saw the tears and fear in people’s eyes. In an instant 132 people were injured, 3 people were never going home, and an entire city was changed. Continue reading “Take Boston, Take Courage”

Originally Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Mood:  quizzical
Now Reading:Victory Over the Darkness
Topic: the character of God

Currently Listening
Myself When I Am Real
By Bebo Norman
So Afraid
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There is a problem that we all have. We all tend to run from God. Why is that? Why do we not live like we believe what we say we believe? Why do I continue to fall in a constant cycle? Looking at my actions I see that I don’t really believe it. I don’t believe that the Gospel is sufficient for me. I don’t think that Jesus covers me. This is why, many times, I feel like I must act more “spiritual” than everyone else. Continue reading “Do we know?”