All Things New with Jeff Ackenback

Simply put, be the change you want to see in the world.  (Pretty sure I made that up...so...don't google it)

You will mess up at some point.  This isn't an excuse so you can go do whatever you want, but a truth that none of us are perfect.  So the question becomes...who are you after you mess up?

A glimpse behind the curtain of my life mixed with some big words and hopefully big ideas.

Being tempted by something does not make you weak or a failure, it makes you human.  Learn what your temptations are, learn who you are, and do all you can to be better the next day than you were the day before.  Grow, learn, keep trying your best.  You are worth it.

The return to possible normalcy...on a slow, step by step basis.  Plus, more about my life than you'd ever hoped to find out! Aka something!

The important part of the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den isn't the miracle of the lion's not eating him...it's the strength and courage that he showed in standing up for what he believed, regardless of the consequences.  All of us will have moments in our lives where we have to choose to stand or sit, and it is in those times that we begin to learn who we are.

A bad week hopefully leads to a good outpouring of podcasting honesty and advice.  You be the judge!

Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath, but even in his victorious moment, David had several points when he could have chosen differently or even could have given up.  We know the story, though, because he kept moving forward, kept believing, and didn't let those who didn't believe in him stop him.  It's hard to do anything when it feels like no one believes in you, but with faith, with pre...

From a discussion of my morning ritual with Stevie to a random Facebook stroll to the true meaning of negativity and why it's not all bad....these are the days of our lives.

We so often say "be like Jesus," without stopping to think about how to do it.  Throughout his life on earth, he was forgiving, merciful, loving, and truthful....regardless of what was going on around him.  We are called to do the same.

Getting hacked led me (and by extension you) down a path of money, the things we buy, and who we are.

Being human can be a gift and a curse, all at the same time.  On the one hand, we are able to love, forgive, hope...but on the other, we often can give in to anger, greed, even hatred.  Through his ministry, but especially in the final days, Jesus shows us the importance of never becoming what you're fighting against...of doing your best to be an example of the good in humanity.

From Stevie's bad week to the meaning of legacy, this week is about what you can do, regardless of how many people know you.

Even as he was suffering through horrible beatings, Jesus showed love for those around him.  Even when he was dying on the cross, he showed forgiveness to those around him.  Even when he was being verbally assaulted by the same people he was dying for, he showed grace to everyone.  On Easter, we celebrate the resurrection, but the best way to celebrate is to live like he did in those moments every...

Find out how some rambling about different alternate reality fictional works became a talk about having hope for your future...

When Jesus rose from the dead, he could have forced people to listen, to change, to see him.  Instead, he met with those who needed to feel his presence and told them to go and teach, to go and be better, to go and love.

Treat others like you want to be treated...but still make Purdue jokes. :) 

Struggling with depression is a daily battle, and there will be times you feel like you're losing.  However, as long as there is life, there is hope, and as long as you are fighting, you're winning.  You are enough, keep fighting.

Just a quick convo about several different things with no discernible theme running through it!  How can you pass this up, now?

Often, when something traumatic happens to us, we sweep it under the rug or (because it doesn't match up to what others may be facing) we don't seek help.  However, if something matters to you, it matters.  And you are worth the time it takes to get help, to deal with things, and to move forward.

A few words about disappointment.

One of the hardest things to deal with is your own image of yourself.  No matter what others see, we always see all the flaws.  No matter what, though, you are enough.  You are worth it, and you are worth getting help.  Don't give up.  Always keep fighting.

Most people feel nervous at some point, but anxiety is a completely different issue.  There are times that something small brings more anxiety than you've ever felt, and that can be a defeating feeling.  However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, that people do care, and that there is nothing wrong with you...just something you struggle with...but it is not the end.  Always keep f...

Sometimes Christians throw around the phrase "relationship with Jesus" without explanation or even understanding occasionally. However, having a relationship with Jesus means talking to him, listening to him, spending time with him...doing everything you can to be like him.  Christianity is not about "things not to do," but about having that relationship and treating others as you would want them...

Family relationships can be the best and most challenging of all.  When you're with someone 24/7, you see each other at your best and worst.  The most important thing, though, is to communicate, stay as calm as possible, and be just as willing to forgive as you are to seek forgiveness.