Saturday, 18 December 2010

Idealist? Pessimist?

Snow.

That one word apparently grinds England to a halt every time it strikes. (I feel my eyebrow raise in disapproval/disdain even as I type this).
Why is it that a country that used to have snow all of the time every winter, now, despite considerable technological advancements, can't cope with what was like an hour or so's snow? (the eyebrow threatens once more).

My Dad made a very good point the other day. He said "if everyone were to clear the snow outside of their houses then we could all walk down our roads". Seems perfectly logical doesn't it? lol. I don't know why the thought didn't occur to me before but anyway it's here now, and with it comes a new train of thought. Could it be that the reason why we don't clear the snow outside of our houses is the same reason why we have a whole load of legislation that nobody, except government officials, and bare guys who've never been to Catford, wants? Could it be that there is no longer any sense of community (well in London anyway) and we are all living sub standard lives as a result of our own selfishness and unwillingness? Well maybe not that far, but it's something that I've been thinking about since this snowy saga began.

As I returned home from a triumphant day at Uni (got 100% in my last assessment boosting my overall grade for that module to 92% = 1st class = :D) I saw my neighbour, a black man in his late 50's (ish), clearing the snow from outside of his house. I was immediately proud that a black man had set the trend (in snow clearing yuh na! lol) and decided to clear the snow from in front of my own home. I came home again today to find a heavy layer of settled snow and cleared a path once more. I am now seriously considering writing to all of the people on my road, asking for their assistance in clearing the snow and making our road a better place. As I type I'm surprised at myself. I am usually very critical of humanity in general and in the past would have been pessimistic about such an idea. Could it be that I am becoming a closet idealist? *shrinks back from the thought* lol

Maybe it is the case that, in order to bring about real change, one must have some positivity and belief. Belief in one's God, belief in oneself and belief in people in general.


My listening as I wrote this blog:

(an old school year 9/10 grime instrumental that was big back in the day. It's been stuck in my head)

Thursday, 9 December 2010

DPMO / DBAP

Right! I've had enough!

For those of you who don't know, which is probably like all of you, my nuclear family is going through a financial rough patch at the moment. I'd love to help out but working one day a week cos of Uni means my own funds aren't abundant. Anyway from a natural/physical/worldly perspective it's pretty peak but I am 100% certain that God is just taking us through a time of growing and learning by means of this current trial. James 1:2-4

SO I came home from Uni today and I noticed that there is some weird vibe in my crib. A weird vibe that began to contaminate my own mind. A weird vibe that is, no doubt, the direct result of negativity/stress caused by this very situation. So there I am standing there thinking "arr there's nothing I can do" blah blah blah feeling sorry for myself/ourselves yeah, and then I just said to myself "oi Jon, Don't Be A Pussy". I feel the jaws of some drop... Oh well lol. Real talk, God is sovereign, nothing is gonna happen to us, it, along with the rest of our lives, is in His hand.

There is nothing wrong with the situation, which is not caused by satan... However, there is something wrong with my response which has been influenced by the enemy and I'm not having it! Don't Piss Me Off init! (not you obviously lol). Now I'm not gonna get carried away in my own strength, I'm gonna pray cos "we wrestle not against flesh and blood" Ephesians 6:10-16. If you ever bother to read my blog, don't have it when the enemy tries it, we are the sons (and daughters) of GOD. Say Nay!

Anyway I'm overly gassed/pissed/amped right now. Is there such as a thing as being righteously pissed off? I think this is it still lol. Matthew 21:12-13 (slightly out of context admittedly lol)

And while I'm here, a quick rant. Let me know how sooo many people fall for these bait Blackberry broadcasts? How can sending on a broadcast fix your BB? How can people randomly charge you £25 for not sending on a broadcast? Is that in your contract? Is that lawful? and how are you gonna tell me it's on the news when all that's on the news is an Asian woman who got murdered, possibly by her husband, on holiday? It's not even really the broadcasts that get to me anymore. It's how gullible people are... smh Rant over.(Acts 17:11/Ephesians 4:14 lol)

Here's my current listening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4BTmTZeOsY               enjoy!

Monday, 6 December 2010

A light for my path

So today I spoke to the leader for Business Computing which is the programme (course) I want to change to from Computer Science.

I just wanted to know whether I could keep my place at the University and begin again on Business Computing next year as it seems that I cannot, at this late stage in the first term, change programme. I was told that this is indeed possible :) so that may be my course of action. It's funny how some people would be completely daunted by the situation that I currently find myself in, in fact some are daunted for me lol. I on the other hand am totally at peace with the whole thing and am even looking forward to my unknown future. Right now I have a slight grin on my face, you know that satisfied with life, just chillin' grin? yeah that one.

It's kinda strange actually as I contemplate the near future. Shall I.... Apply for this nice job vacancy I've spotted seeing as I might not be in education much longer? Or do the Business coursework for Business Computing and hand that in as a last ditch attempt to get on the course? Maybe I should continue organising my 20th birthday thing... or just watch The Family.

And all of that  ^^^  is the tip of the iceberg really.

I guess I'm just mindful that God has great things for me, spiritually and also in the worldly sense so it's like however I'm meant to get there, the fact remains that I will get there cos He holds my life in the palm of His hand.

How do we live our little lives without the love of Jesus?... boi...

As a brother from church once said to me "The Bible says 'a lamp to my feet and a light for my path' so that doesn't mean that we will see everything, just what is ahead of us".

Right now I can just about see whats in front of my feet lol but that's enough.

Sunday, 28 November 2010

Food for thought

Currently here on the net when I should really be in bed but hey!

Last night was full of satisfaction / joy of heart and stomach, having been to the Boyd family bake-off where I was privileged to be one of the judges. If computing fails I could always become a crumble critic :) that would suit me down to the ground! One of the highlights was when we examined the apple to crumble ratio of one crumble and decided that there were some inconsistencies to which one of my colleagues responded "well that's food for thought!" LOL (well it was funny at the time anyway).

Continuing with the theme of contemplation, I went to my friend Ayo's 21st birthday event the day before and I was blown away. There was no wild party, no premier gaou or yori yori. Just friends gathered together, a few drinks and a little gospel/filtered secular music. From an outsider perspective it doesn't sound like much to be amazed about... well at least not from my insider perspective of an outsiders perspective. If that makes any sense lol. But what actually blew me away was the speeches. People, male and female, young and older, went up to speak about the impact that "Brother Ayo" has had on their lives. We heard how he's been faithful, loving, real, transparent, prayerful, genuine and how "he will tell you the truth that you need to hear even if it means that you don't talk to him for  a year". 

Whilst being uplifting it was also challenging as I reflected on the fact that I have been saved longer than Ayo and yet he has clearly grown far more than I have and demonstrated practical, effective Christianity in the lives of many. One thing I notice is the clear sense of surrender that he has which is something that has admittedly hindered me on and off throughout the entirety of my walk. My perception of what a young man of God looks like had definitely been altered. I'm challenged, yet encouraged and determined to press into God and see more of the fruits of the spirit and more of His glory revealed in my own life. (If you ever read this bro, you're an inspiration trust!)

You know what? Through the latter half of 2010 I've come to realise that getting out of your usual circle, especially in regards to church, can give you a refreshing view of things and help you to re evaluate yourself and your own walk with God. Why are we so segregated anyway? Don't get it twisted, we should definitely remember where the Lord wants us and remain committed to that church, regardless of situation or personal feeling. But hitting another church's prayer meeting or bible study as well as fellowshiping with different believers has really made a difference in my walk with God this year where I had unwittingly grown complacent and I believe it can for others too. At the same time we must choose wisely though as I have spent time with Christians who have in the long run caused me to go backwards rather than forwards as a Christian. "bad company corrupts good morals" (even if they go to church lol).

Definitely food for thought.

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Que Sera Sera? (Whatever will be, will be)

So I went to a lecture today that was open to all students.
It was presented by the regional director of communications from one of the worlds biggest media companies and it was super interesting. In a nutshell he said that the future of the media and advertising is entwined with the internet and computer/communications technologies.

As I sat through the lecture, furiously scribbling notes, I realised that I already knew a lot about the new emerging shape of the media industry, although I had failed to connect all of the dots, and I could likely have a successful career combining IT and Business. I also realised that such a career could potentially draw out some of the darker elements of my character... For those of you who don't know, a times  in the past I have been manipulative, ruthless and forward thinking, a combination not only suited to masterminding a criminal empire lol but the often morally bankrupt media industry as well.

I got the opportunity to ask him if he felt that Business Computing would be a more useful degree then Computer Science from his company's perspective and he believed that it would be.
I must say the thought of BSc Business Computing sounds more and more alluring as time passes by. However, what is the point if it will lead to a career which could in turn lead me down a dark road?

In terms of my career/education path things have never been clear and when they seem to clear up they often change direction completely. All I know is that God works all things together for my good and as long as my decisions are Christ centred then it will work out in the end.

Where I'll end up? Not entirely sure... Will this road lead to greatness and the glory of God?  That is for certain.

Monday, 22 November 2010

Contemplation, frustration, aspiration and realisation

Sooo... erm... first blog... lots of ellipsis so far lol. Big shout out to Sarah Olowofoyeku (lol at how spell check tried to tell me Olowofoyeku is not a word) whose blog inspired me and re-kindled my previous blogging aspirations.

I've been spending a little while in contemplation over my life and immediate future, which I do a lot to be honest.
For those of you who don't know, I started my Uni course but I want to change to a very similar but more suitable one. However, my Uni won't allow me to change this year and as of yet I don't know if I can change in the second year (I've secretly been procrastinating over finding out but tomorrow is my deadline). To further complicate things tuition fee increases are looming so if I were to start again (which I don't mind doing at all surprisingly) next year I might get stuck with these new horror fees :o.

Aside from such things I've been working my retail job a little over two years now and it's all pretty routine now, as well as this my Don from work is leaving real soon and the pay isn't exactly plentiful so I would like to start a new job, BUT in the past when I've tried to move job God wasn't on it and all of my attempts came to nothing :s

Oh yeah and I miss driving   :'(

However, the Lord is doing his ting ya know and there are some spiritual moves being made amongst myself and a couple church dons so yeah I'm actually not that perturbed really cos God does His ting regardless and I'm actually getting gassed off of the spiritual work being done rather than frustrated by the worldly situation (usually lol) so it's all good man!

Growing and learning man, growing and learning.