Perspective

Students are almost on campus!

2010-08-18T15:06:00.003-04:00

- Well, it is almost that time of year! Less than two weeks away from Welcome Weekend, when we welcome the incoming freshmen and transfers onto campus. Saturday, August 28th, is the big day, and we are gearing up for the excitement!
- The summer has been one of change, with three new Admissions Counselors joining the team, the new 3-year option for degree completion, and many others. But the Lord has proved faithful, guiding Grace College through another year, and giving us hope the brand, new year ahead!
- We're thrilled to start another year!!

Perspective

2010-05-20T09:03:00.003-04:00

- Hello from warm and sunny Winona Lake! Thought I'd share something that I have been learning lately, about "perspective"...
- I participate on the church softball team at my church, Pleasant View Bible Church. And we have games every Tuesday night. This is something that my friends and I enjoy so much, that it often has been the highlight of our weeks! *Yes, I know, to some of you that may sound like a need for a life, but hey... we enjoy it!*
- Win or lose, it's a lot of fun to go out to the diamond and play! Being able to have fellowship with fellow brothers in Christ is a blast, and coupling that with a sport is even cooler! Having my brother and some of my best friends on the team makes for some fun times.
- However, the last few weeks it has been rained out. And of course, we've been bummed, because we really wanted to go out there and play the games! But as I've (hopefully) matured over the years, I've been able to step back and see the bigger picture. I realize that not having a softball game is not the end of the world. I know that we need rain to keep the lawns green, and to keep the farmers' crops growing. There is always a silver lining, even if we don't realize it!
- Anyway, hope that is something that may be an encouragement for you! Having the proper perspective on things in life is so key, even if it means not being able to do one of your favorite activities ever!!

Summer is here!

2010-05-10T12:46:00.003-04:00

Well, it is the Monday after Grace graduation, and it already seems so quiet around campus! Oh, how we miss the Grace students when they are gone for the summer. Not only that, but they also miss the most scenic times of the year in Winona Lake: the summer!
But going to graduation in our OCC gym and then to open houses last Saturday reminds us of how much hard work all these graduating seniors have put in! All the classes, homework, tests, etc all come together into a college diploma. Yet more importantly, over the years these students have grown into (hopefully) mature young adults, and this is what it is all for! The memories made and the friendships built will carry on into the years ahead...
May the Lord bless each of the graduating seniors as they move on into life! And may He also bless those who will be returning to us after the summer, ready for another year of learning and growing. This is all without mentioning our incoming freshmen class, which we cannot wait to bring in! Exciting times, for sure...

Freshman Year

2010-04-26T18:07:00.005-04:00

Well, freshman year is ending and let me tell you it is crazy to think about! It seems weird to think that a year ago I was graduating high school. God has taught me so much this year and so much has changed since last fall. First, God has been so good. College has been such a learning experience. I have grown in my faith, my friends, and learned a lot in my classes. I think the biggest thing that God has taught me is to trust in Him. We all know that college is expensive, but seeing how God provides the funds is amazing. It is all a matter of faith and trust. Often times people say that college is where you will meet the friends that you will be with forever, and honestly this is true. I have made some amazing friends this year, and we have some crazy times together and we never stop laughing! God has truly blessed me. It is weird to think that three years from now I will be graduating! Ok I actually I do not want to think about that...I love college and thats where I am staying right now :) Piece of advice, do not wish away your year especially if you are in high school. Enjoy the last month or so, and then move onto college and see what God has for you there. Trust me, it will be truly amazing.

Uncommon

2010-03-30T19:02:00.003-04:00

Last night I had the privilege to hear former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy speak at an Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) banquet. I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear him speak and also to learn more about FCA and support such a great organization. Dungy spoke about being uncommon in a world that praises being popular and following the crowd. Obvoiusly, since Dungy is a former football coach, he directed the message to mainly athletes and coaches, but also made his message applicable to all followers of Christ.

According to Dungy there are two main ways to become uncommon in a sport. The first is by having an amazing God-given talent which no one can compete with. However, only about one percent of all athletes can become uncommon on talent alone. In order to be uncommon, the other ninty-nine percent stand out through their desire and attitude. Having a positive, determined attitude and a desire for excellence enables athletes to do things others cannot do and sets them apart.

After speaking about these two ways to become uncommon in a sport, Dungy explains that without Christ, it is impossible to be truly uncommon. In Matthew 7, the Lord talks about a broad gate and a narrow gate. The broad gate, although it is easy and is the popular way to go, leads to destruction. The small narrow path is the one which leads to life. Many people do not take this narrow path because it is hard and is not the way the crowd goes.

Dungy encouraged us to be aware of the example we are setting as Christians-to live differently/uncommon. Also, he warned us to be careful who we follow. So many people can lead us astray in our lives, but by following Christ we will always be on the right path and set apart.

After explaining about what an uncommon believer looks like, Dungy went into explaining how to become uncommon. The first way is to be a leader rather than just a follower. Lead others as you follow Christ doing the right thing rather than worrying about going along with the crowd. We need to be different, to be set apart for Christ.

After hearing Dungy speak, I was extremely encouraged to be uncommon-in everything I do. On the soccer field, in the classroom, and in everything else I do! Dungy ended his time perfectly by sharing Matthew 16:26: "What would it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?" BE UNCOMMON!

You're Beautiful

2010-03-26T15:35:00.004-04:00

In the spring, students start breaking out the flip flops as soon as it hits fifty degrees here in Winona Lake. Everyone is out walking around campus enjoying the beautiful weather, doing homework, or playing the classic Grace College game of tennis golf. One of the best parts about living by a lake is getting to watch the sunset. My friends and I love walking down to the park, swinging on the swing set, and then watching the sky turn all kinds of red as the sun goes down into the water. Watching this reminds me of the beauty of God's creation and how wonderful and powerful He is. To make something so beautiful is an amazing thing. I mean...He made us, His children, it does not get anymore beautiful than that. So, as the sun shines through your window on one of these beautiful days think about the beauty of God and how beautiful you are to Him.

Happy Spring Everyone! :)

Rest

2010-03-22T14:57:00.002-04:00

While many Grace College students headed down south for spring break, I spent my week at home up north in Michigan. After the first half of the semester and a stressful mid-terms week, spring break was exactly what I needed-restful! The week was filled with rest, relaxtion, and catching up with friends and family.

During spring break, I was reminded of how the Lord provides rest to those who are weary. After taking mid-term exams the week before spring break, I was definitely weary and the Lord provided me with rest. In Matthew the Lord promises to give rest to his followers, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" -Matthew 11:28. Not only was I able to catch up on my sleep to meet my physical weariness, but the Lord also gave me mental rest. He provided me a week in which I did not have to think about the stresses of classes, working, and all the other worries in life.

Now, after a week of much needed rest, I am completely recharged and ready to finish out the semster strong-God is good!

Spring Break!

2010-03-18T11:11:00.004-04:00

Well, all the Grace students have been gone this last week for Spring Break. Whether that is going back home to their families or visiting somewhere new, they are all gone! It is very quiet around here, and we definitely miss the bright and cheerful smiles of our students. While it is true we are getting lots of things done and organized for the Spring ahead, we do miss having actual students around the campus...
How beautiful it has been this week in Winona Lake, IN! Gorgeous weather, up into the 60's. Just yesterday there were tons of people down by the lake, enjoying the warm, Spring temperatures. People running, walking their dogs, biking, rollerblading, playing in the park, etc. Definitely has all of us excited for Spring and eventually summer!

Midterms, Munchies and Music

2010-03-10T15:49:00.003-05:00

Today marks the third day of Midterm Madness, but I am proud to say that I took my last one this afternoon! Communication Ethics and Theories with Prof. Prinsen. A word to the wise: Study your brains out. And I did take my own advice. One of my favorite classes this semester, it's very thorough and discussion-driven. Who knew there were labels for what may be commonplace in our routines? Symbolic interactionism: conversation; Counterattitudinal advocacy: lying (hopefully not so much of that); Social penetration: getting to know you (The King and I, anyone?); and the list goes on and will continue to grow until people cease to exist...

On a positive note, this week was well-prepared for, with Grace students bulking up at the annual Pizza Hut Night on Sunday. For the low, low price of $2, students can gorge themselves endlessly (or for two hours) on the American version of an Italian staple. This night was arranged through SAB (Student Activities Board). Let me tell you guys, they know what college students want, probably because they're college students too. Fresh, delicious pizza and dessert!

If any of you reading this have heard of Ginny Owens, let it be known that she was here yesterday for Chapel. I was so thrilled to hear her live, since I listened to one of her cds, Without Condition, almost non-stop when I was growing up. Remembering the impact her songs have had on my life was amazing and made all the more real being able to actually tell her after Chapel. Probably one of my favorite Chapels all year. Her story is such an inspiration, and I highly recommend getting her music.

The weather has been amazing, which makes studying for midterms much more difficult, but it's such a great lead-in to spring break! Most students will be leaving Friday, since there are no classes after noon. It couldn't come at a better time, since we all need to enjoy the wonderful spring weather.

Which is your cue to go outside and play frisbee with your dog or pet of choice!

Party like it's 1999!

2010-03-03T15:39:00.003-05:00

Chapel, although one of the most impacting facets on campus, is only one part of our lives as students here. I mean, we also have Alpha Dining Commons, dorm life, studying, scholarship applications galore, and socializing.

The last is probably the most exciting, as we are building lasting friendships here. "Education comes and goes, but friends are forever," I believe is how the saying goes... Right? In any case, socializing is one of the best things young adults can do, especially on weekends. This past Friday night, the Student Activites Board (SAB) hosted a 90s flashback dance. (I had trouble accepting this, because I was born in 1990 and I firmly believe that I am too young to be attending a throwback event to the decade of my childhood. It makes me feel older than I want to admit. I'll probably always be 19 and holding...)

Anyway, the event was hosted in Rhodeheaver, so there was plenty of room for dancing (no worries about bumping and grinding, folks). Freshmen through seniors danced to classics such as the Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Cleveland Shuffle, Blue by Eiffel 65, and of course, 'N Sync. It was a fun and relaxed evening, full of 90s reminiscing about Full House, Friends, snap bracelets, Ring Pops, and the list goes on.

And what dance isn't complete without dressing up? I didn't see the Jellies, but I definitely saw the acid-washed jeans, vests, fanny packs, scrunchies, high top shoes, leggings and other fashionable items associated with that awesome decade. It's amazing what a trip to Goodwill and a little creativity will produce!

All in all, probably one of my favorite events so far this year! And I'd like to ammend my previous statement. I think this is how it's supposed to go: "Homework comes and goes, but friends are forever!"

Living Authentically

2010-02-26T15:19:00.003-05:00

What does it mean to live authentically? This week in chapel we were asked this very question. Our speaker was Jeff Bogue, a pastor of a Grace Brethren church in Akron, Ohio. Jeff spent three days challenging us to live our lives for Christ. He pointed out that many times we think those who do not know Christ are the ones who are fakes when in reality it is those who claim to follow Christ that are living as posers. Jeff pointed out that knowledge is not everything. To truly know Christ we must be willing to trust that He loves us in the midst of our inconsistencies and failures rather than trying to hide behind a mask of perfection, trying to be happy plastic people. Jeff encouraged us to move away from the mask of perfection and live a life that displays our hurt, our love, our pain, and our joy. So what now? As Christians, we must live an authentic life. We need to completely surrender our hearts and our lives to Christ, we must be consummed by Him. The song "Inside Out" captures this idea perfectly. "My heart and my soul, Lord I give You control, consume me from the inside out."

Prayer

2010-02-23T13:13:00.004-05:00

There was a recent chapel that I wanted to comment on. Last week was on the topic of "prayer", and we had one of our adjunct professors, named Kondo Simfukwe, who spoke for two of the days. He is a student favorite, and had some challenging things to say! The one day I was there, his question to the audience was, "Is my prayer life faith-fueled?"
He used the Bible passage of Luke 18. This is where the two main characters are a desperate widow and a wicked judge. I encourage you to look it up sometime and read over these interesting verses! The main thought to the passage was, if this little old lady was able to get the corrupt judge to grant her the request she wanted, how much more would our loving God grant us what we need?!
He gave two principles out of his talk: 1st, God is a loving, generous Father; and 2nd, We are a desperate, needy people. The phrase that he kept saying was, "God's crazy about me and loves to give me great things!" That was encouraging to hear, and really hit home for me!

PS- on a sidenote, that same day there was a song that we were singing for chapel, and it included this phrase: "Break my heart for what breaks Yours". Wow, how powerful of a thought is that!

The Super Bowl

2010-02-11T09:50:00.004-05:00

Just the other day I was talking to a group of students here at Grace. We were talking about some of the Super Bowl parties that took place here on campus, and we were also discussing how the Super Bowl turned out...
I, like many of you, watched the football game last Sunday with some friends. I'm not sure how many of you are Colts or Saints fans, but I was just hoping for an exciting game, and it sure turned out to be! Going back and forth, it was a lot of fun to watch...
But something struck me as I watched! All of these athletes had all the money in the world, all the fame, anything and everything they could ask for. But did they have the Most Important thing, being a personal relationship with Christ?
I thought of Kurt Warner, who is a quarterback on the Cardinals in the NFL. He is an out-spoken Christian, leading Bible Studies and being able to witness to fellow players. There are many opportunities that they have to share the Good News, and each of us do, too! Whether that be at our job, or at school, or wherever we are, the Lord will open up doors of opportunity for us to be an encouragement and a witness to those who desperately need it...
Hope this encourages you today!! God bless~

Prison Ministry

2010-01-31T23:15:00.004-05:00

Last Tuesday, Grace College had a guest speaker in chapel who graduated from Grace College but in a quite different setting. This chapel was focused on the prison ministry at Grace College where Grace's professors and faculty help provide a future for incarcerated men and women through the message of Christ and a college education. Although I cannot remember his name, I have the vivid memory of his message. The speaker, in 1997 was driving back with his friend from a Detroit trip. Both were underage and intoxicated. The speaker was driving a truck that eventually ran over a small car on the way into Warsaw. A teen father and a teen mother were in the other car with their baby girl. The speaker was put in the Indiana Correctional Facility for a sentence of 28 years for driving intoxicated and two counts of manslaughter for the death of the mother and father of the baby. Miraculously, the baby survived but had serious injuries to the head.
Years later, this man courageously spoke in our chapel and shared his emotionally message of redemption and forgiveness.He told of how his life has been changed by Christ and the opportunity to receive a college education while in prison. He is no longer incarcerated, but living a redeemed life. This man is now married and has a bachelors degree and a masters degree, but most of all, is forgiven of his past.
The young baby girl, who survived the crash, grew up to be a beautiful young lady who hugged the speaker and forgave him in their first meeting.
The speaker was an average teenager who made some not so wise decisions and suffered the consequences. He was given a hope in Christ and the ability to pursue higher education while in prison. Grace College has hundreds of students incarcerated in Indiana who are given this same hope in Christ and hope for a future through the prison ministry.
When the speaker finished his story, many students were offered the opportunity to pray for the men and women in the prison ministry by taking a small slip of paper with the names of incarcerated students. The students in chapel were so impacted by the speaker's message and by the transformational work God does in the lives of His children. As a result, all the paper slips ran out and I have no doubt that the prison ministry is bathed with prayer from the students at Grace College.

Westy Masquerade

2009-11-01T22:24:00.002-05:00

Last night was a major success in the lobby of Westminster dorm. Grace had its annual masquerade with fall themed games and activities as well as choreographed dancing! This year, SAB joined with Westminster in bringing a square dance to the outside terrace area of the dorm.
The Students came in an array of costumes such as the H1N1 virus, Yoda, the Sham-wow guy, Salt and Pepper, and two hillbillies who MC-ed the whole event. I was thoroughly impressed by the creativity of the costumes. Also, students participated in games by bowling with pumpkins, fishing for candy brains in jello, eating a doughnut from a string, and dropping chocolate covered marshmallows, which were very entertaining to watch. And while students were standing around socializing, they could grab a cup of hot cider and some cookies to satisfy their appetite.
My favorite part was the line-dancing that took place outside as well as inside. Students channeled their country roots as they listened to a square dance caller and gathered in circles to clap and do-si-do (I have no clue how to spell this). Such favorites as the "Cha-Cha Slide" and the "Cotton Eye Joe" made appearances in the lobby of Westminster too.
It truly was a night to remember as we celebrated the fall together!

Cambodia

2009-10-18T23:51:00.005-04:00

During missions conference two weeks ago, the Grace student body was given a challange. Last year during missions conference, Grace College raised between six and seven thousand dollars to donate to Feed My Starving Children, an organization that packs and ships food all over the world. My mouth dropped to floor when I heard that this year's goal was ten thousand dollars; much more than last year. I had my doubts on whether the Grace student body could raise enough. My mouth dropped a second time and almost to the floor when I heard the ending total for the missions week. We gave over fourteen thousand dollars so that our brothers and sisters in Christ could be supported in Cambodia. The money will help start businesses, provide Bibles, and pay a years rent in a ministry facility in this country. All I can say is that I am thoroughly proud of Grace students and their willingness to give. We completed the seemingly impossible challenge with the goal of spreading God's kingdom!

Rainy Days And Silly String

2009-10-14T11:01:00.003-04:00

The week has been fairly uneventful, save winning two free combos at Taco Bell and ambushing my suite mate with a can of silly string. Oh, the simple joys of college life. The weather is hideous today and the campus is spotted with various colors and patterns of umbrellas. Today will be a good day to nap or just stay in and study. Maybe I'll make a mug of tea and snuggle up in a blanket with some Hulu. I know this is where I should say that I'll use this time in the room to get ahead in my homework, but you fine readers don't deserve such lies. I'm probably just going to play on Facebook and eat random candy I find in my desk drawers. I'm sorry I don't have anything more interesting to report. If something terribly exciting happens, I'll be sure to let you know. Have a lovely (albeit rainy) day! Keep on truckin'!

Intramural Soccer

2009-10-11T22:51:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, the intramural soccer season came to a close for the Westminster 4th floor girls this past Thursday. I had never played soccer in my life until last year when I became involved in the intramural soccer program at Grace. I am thankful that my lack of experience does not matter in the Grace Intramural Program. Grace really emphasizes having fun and fellowship with other Grace students more than the competitive side of sports. Because intramural sports are played with fellow hall-mates, I have been able to learn more about the girls on my hall and to develop teamwork with them in order to be productive on the field.
In addition to soccer, Grace will have an intramural volleyball, basketball, and softball season yet this year. I am not extremely athletic, yet I feel very comfortable with joining in on these sporting events. Also, there are usually several people on each hall who have played the sport in previous years who can help lead the team to victory.
Although our season was shorter than we wanted, we enjoyed the many benefits of our involvement in soccer. I look forward to next soccer season in the Grace Intramural Program because it is an outlet for exercise, getting to know my hall-mates, and improving my few soccer skills.

Missions Week

2009-10-08T16:56:00.002-04:00

This past week on campus our focus has been missions. It has been an amazing and encouraging past couple of days :) Anywhere from chapel, to growth groups, to lunch in Alpha there have been missionaries from all over the world flooding our school. We had the vice-president of World Vision come and speak to us during chapel and his message was revolutionary. Not only did he encourage us to get out of our comfort zones and spread the message, we had over 40 missionaries and mission groups that we could look into achieving this goal! It was so cool to hear their stories, two missionaries came to each individual growth groups and we got to know them and how they got to where they are today. Also our chaplain, Scott Feather, encouraged us as a family to help our Christian families around the world and raise 10,000 dollars for relief efforts in Cambodia. And do you know what? We raised over 11,000 dollars! How cool is that? We came together as a family and helped out our brothers and sisters in Christ who are hurting. That's just how awesome our campus is! :)

- J to the MO

Dressing Some Fools

2009-09-30T14:12:00.003-04:00

So, the cabaret is over and life can get back to normal. It's back to homework, and meetings, and slaving away over a hot laptop. The show went fantastically though, and I couldn't be more proud of the result. We had great music, a great cast, great audiences; what more could a director ask for? Aside from fame, fortune, and her own personal pool boy.

My life will now be taken over by costuming the fall play, Neil Simon's Fools. The play is about a small Russian village that is cursed with stupidity. A teacher comes to the town, falls in love with a girl and discovers he must break the curse or become stupid himself. Publishing companies should definitely recruit me to write play summaries. I just made that show sound even more enticing, if that's even possible. I might just be a summary writing prodigy. Anyhow, the costuming is going to be a lot of fun and I can't wait to get started.

The other main project that should be consuming my life, when I am responsible enough to work on it, is writing the winter show. I will be student directing the winter play at Grace and I'm planning something a little different than years past. I am writing my own comedy sketch show, much like you would see at The Second City or Saturday Night Live. It's a tall order, but I think I can handle it. I have a handful of sketches already written that at least make my mother laugh. I suppose that's a start.

I have quite a bit of work to get done, so I will sign off for today, but not without leaving you with some grand nugget of wisdom. Maybe I'll make that my new thing. I have many of them. Here goes...

When your day is looking dismal and hopeless, remember, it's already tomorrow in Australia...and if that doesn't help than suck it up and eat some chocolate. You'll be fine.

Have a lovely day. Keep on truckin'!

You Can Lead A Reader To A Blog...

2009-09-23T15:09:00.002-04:00

This week has been absolutely insane trying to prepare for opening night of the cabaret. Luckily, I have discovered that if you sleep less at night, it's like gaining hours in the day. Feel free to use that tidbit to enrich your life. If it ends up destroying it, don't blame me. I can lead a reader to my blog, but I can't make him copy my shennanigans.

The show is looking so amazing and I'm extremely proud to be able to call myself the director. I'm still nervous about everything coming together in such a short time, but I'm sure my gang of performers can pull it out. A gang of performers? Hmmmm...I like it. Instead of doing drive-bys and bustin' caps, we'll do dance-bys and sing for elderly people and orphans. Less tough, but more fun.

I best be off. I have a humor column to write, cabaret rehearsal to direct, and that pile of homework isn't going to do itself. If it did, my life would be a lot easier; but it would be really weird and I would have to assume there were demons or fairies in my room. Wow. Maybe this "not sleeping to gain hours" thing is starting to catch up with me. Have a lovely day! Keep on truckin'!

Camp-Out

2009-09-17T17:13:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys!
So tonight, I am totally pumped because we are going to campout on Warsaw's courthouse yard. We are taking a stand for awareness about homelessness. Legislators are trying to pass an order for Warsaw to build homeless shelters and so we are camping out so that Warsaw sees that we as a school care about our community. We as Christians are called to love those that our less fortunate then us and so we are doing our part in taking part of this awareness stand!

What are you doing in your community for those who are less fortunate?

Take a stand. Make a difference. Be as Christ be.

- Jaimie

Life Is A Cabaret!

2009-09-16T09:22:00.003-04:00

Ahhhhh...It's finally starting to feel like fall...and then winter...and then summer for about two hours...and then spring later in the evening. Oh, Indiana. I shall never understand your weather. Now, a few weeks into the year, it seems as if I'm finally finding my stride. I'm getting to class on time, paying attention, and sometimes I even do homework. The days are quickly getting busier though.

This year, I'm directing the second annual cabaret at Grace. It's a collection of show tunes from a variety of musicals to fit this year's theme, "From Shows You Will Never See At Grace." The shows were chosen for a variety of reasons, such as content, language, technical difficulty, and ethnicity. ("Ethnicity" referring to not having enough *ahem* "diversity" to pull off a show, like "Hairspray," "The Color Purple," or "West Side Story." ) The songs themselves, however, are pieces that should be well received by a Grace audience. I'm working with an amazing cast of Brice Williams, David Lepor, Elly Roseberry, Bekah Porterfield, QueenEtta (Peaches) Sharkey, and the beautiful and talented Marlene on piano. I'm so excited about the show, and I know it will all come together. Please come see the show in the Little Theatre September 25-26 at 7 and 11 p.m. both nights. Please pardon my absolutely shameless plug.

Well, I have much to do and much less time to do it in, so this will have to be a shorter update. I guess I really only had time to promote my show for my own selfish gain. I think it makes up for it if I take a moment to wish you a very lovely day. Enjoy the summery weather...for the moment. Keep on truckin'!

2009-09-15T21:37:00.002-04:00

I have to do a little bragging. This year, I have the opportunity to be the editor of the school newspaper, The Sounding Board. Going into this year, the newspaper staff had some big plans for how to improve the paper. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm of staff members while they were brainstorming. A lot of hard work has gone into changing the paper. This past Friday we launched a new design structure. I was so excited for the launch after I saw the proof. My excitement also contained hesitation. I really wanted the student body to like the new layout. If it wasn't well received, it would have felt like the work was done in vain.

So far the comments I have been hearing are really positive. The cleaner lines are appreciated and the whole style change seems to encourage readers. More students are now reading the paper and taking an interest in it. It's really exciting to be a part of this! I can't wait to see what other changes the staff can put into motion.

September 11th

2009-09-11T10:02:00.003-04:00

Today is a day to remember.

To remember those lives that have been lost in this war of terror. To remember their families who were delivered that folded up flag, never to see their loved ones again. To remember that the government did what they thought was best. To remember that our God is good, that we survived these horrendous attacks. To remember the bravery of the passengers that stopped the terriorists. To remember those lives that were lost who went to work that day because that's what you do everyday. To remember that no matter who you are, if you have Christ in your heart as your Savior you have nothing to fear, not even death. To remember that our God conquered the grave and He is victorious.

Today is a day to remember.

My Last First Day

2009-09-09T19:10:00.003-04:00

I realized recently that this year I had my last first day of school. It was bittersweet in a way. This year I didn't have my mom take my picture in front of the car, backpack on my shoulder, pants hiked up to my armpits, braces shining in the sun, with my thick pink glasses firmly in place. This year the picture was braces-free. :)

I'm finally back at Grace after spending an AMAZING semester in Chicago studying comedy with the famous, Second City. The experience helped me grow in so many ways and I'm beyond grateful to have had the opportunity. I essentially went to "Joke School" for a semester, however, that puts much more pressure on me to be a laugh a minute. For that reason, I will no longer blog in a humorous manner, so has not to disappoint with jokes that don't work. It's serious and sentimental from here on out.

Now, in my senior year at Grace College, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the memories made and lessons learned. The friends I've made here are so dear to me and I know that I will continue to foster these relationships for the rest of my life....ok...I can't do this. This serious thing isn't me. Let's try this paragraph again.

I'm a senior!!!! Woooohooooo!!!!!!!!! I love my friends all the crazy things we've done such as, mattress sliding, painting Alpha rock, late night Taco Bell and Steak-N-Shake runs (not usually on the same night), theatre cast parties, that one time at Winona Lake at two in the morning....ummm...ok that's enough of that for now.

I'm so excited about this year and can't wait to see what this semester has to offer! Luckily for you, this is why God made blogging...so you can experience it with me. Have a lovely day! Keep on truckin'!

2009-09-08T14:13:00.002-04:00

One week down and, well, I don't know how many to go. It always seems the first few weeks of school are the hardest. A new schedule, new home, and the homework, all take getting used to but it is a welcome change of pace.
After a summer of long work hours, little vacation, and the abscence of school friends, I am really excited to be back here at Grace. It's great to be back with friends that are like family as well as profs who are willing to help me get the most out of my money.
The more time I spend down here, the more I like it. As a junior, I can't believe how fast the past couple of years have gone. I remember when I first arrived on campus as a clueless freshman. I've learned so much since then and I'm looking forward to learning more. The classes definitely get better once you get past the basics. Even though they also get harder, I can't wait!

Fall is here...and life has returned!

2009-09-01T15:10:00.002-04:00

Wow! I just realized it has been awhile since I've blogged....it has been crazy busy here as a fresh wave of energy has come back to campus (hence the title: new life). We were super excited to welcome the students back to school this past weekend. It is so neat to see old faces and many new faces on campus and to feel the energy and life they bring back to Indiana. Today however, all the students are walking around in a bit of a fog....syllabus shock I think! It is a little humorous to see them realized that now is the time to start classes and work. I remember those feelings very clearly. You wonder why the prof.'s give so much work and how you will ever get everything finished. It is quite overwhelming but somehow everything gets done (and you still manage to spend time with friends making great memories!)
So while the air is getting cooler and the days shorter there is new life here in Winona Lake and we welcome it with open arms!

Interview with Bethany Michalski

2009-08-19T14:43:00.001-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major?
Sophmore - Math Education
Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
Waitressing at Bob Evans and taking an online class. Also camp couseling for 2 weeks and going on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic with the Grace Volleyball Team.
Q. What do you do for leisure?
Hang out with people - family, friends, church friends. Sleep, reorganize/clean my room, listening to music, get a red box movie, have people over to my house, play the guitar and sing, play outside - throw the football, frisbee, baseball, shoot hoops, and of course play volleyball :)
Q. What sport are you involved in at Grace and how long have you been playing?
Volleyball - the best sport ever!! I didn't really start playing until my sophmore year in high school - kinda a "late bloomer"
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
"Mind Gym" - An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence
"Completely His" - Loving Jesus WIthout Limits
"31 Days of Prayer" - Moving God's Mighty Hand
"My Utmost for His Highest" - devotion book
The Bible
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?
It's hard to write out only one thing, but here are some quotes that have made a significant difference in my life this past year:
"We are not our best when perched upon a summit. We are climbers at our best when the path is steepest." - William Wilberforce
"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." - Henrey Scougal
"It is not what you are doing, but for whom you are doing it; that made the difference." - Oz Guiness
"No man makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he know it is not everything." - Edmund Burke

Interview with Stefanie Bolt

2009-08-17T11:50:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major? This year at Grace I will be a freshmen. My major is currently undecided, but I'm leaning towards elementary education.

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer? This summer I am spending my time babysitting, working out, playing volleyball, and hanging out with my family and friends.

Q. What do you do for leisure? For leisure I ride my bike, play volleyball, roller blade, scrapbook, and hang out with friends.

Q. What sport are you playing at Grace? At Grace I will play volleyball and this is my first year.

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what? I am currently reading End of the Spear and Mind Gym.6.

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life? My high school basketball coach helped me figure out where I wanted to attend college and where I saw myself in 4 years. She helped me realize that it was my future and I had to make all the decisions. I thank her so much for what she did and love where I ended up.

Interview with Andrea Knight

2009-08-13T15:14:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major? I will be a sophomore, and I am a Bio Pre-Med major with a Chemistry minor.

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer? Working, working out, and hanging with family and friends.
Q. What do you do for leisure? Hang out with friends
Q. What sport are you involved in at Grace and how long have you been playing? Volleyball and Track & Field, 2nd year for both sports.
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what? Yes, Captivating and Mind Gym
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life? The talks that I have had with my dad about school and life. Also the counsel I get from my coach while here at Grace. These talks have helped me transition from high school and living at home to living at Grace and being more independent.

Interview with John Franklin

2009-08-10T16:51:00.003-04:00

Q. How long have you been working in admissions here at Grace?

I have been working for 4 ½ months in Admissions at Grace

Q. What is your favorite part about the job?

My favorite part is the personal interaction with the prospective students. I love having a positive impact on kids and I enjoyed my experience at Grace College, so this is a perfect combination of those two!

Q. What do you do for leisure?

Play-watch-discuss sports and spend time with family/friends

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?

I have to admit that the only thing I usually read is an ESPN or Sports Illustrated magazine J. But my favorite book is Mere Christianity by CS Lewis!

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?

Trying to live out my favorite passage of the Bible, which is Eccl 7:13-14a: “Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other…” We must understand that ultimately God is in control. No matter the fun or the tough times, He has a purpose for it all. Too many times in our finite minds we think we know what should be going on, and yet we don’t see the Big Picture. Nice to know we can rest-assured in His hands.

Interview with Kasey Woods

2009-08-04T15:58:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major?
I will be a first semester senior (I think). I'm a Secondary Mathematics Education major. I also have added the middle school endorsement.
Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
I have spent a lot of time in the Office of Student Affairs this summer helping prepare for Welcome Weekend and Day of Caring. I also volunteer as an assistant cheerleading coach at Plymouth High School. The squad this summer been busy conditioning and practicing in prepartion for their first game that seems to be quickly approaching!
Q. What do you do for leisure?
In my free time, when I'm not here at Grace or coaching, I love recreational activities. (Sand volleyball, running, basketball, golf, and tennis). I have a close group of friends that I have known since elementary school. We spend a lot of time together during the summer since we are limited to spending time together on free weekends and vacations during the school year.
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
I am in Literature of Mankind in the Fall. I have been trying to read the books that are requried for that class this summer. I just finished My Sister's Keeper and The Five People You will Meet in Heaven. However, I am currently reading, The Shack.
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?
Walk by faith....

Interview with Brett Hartsell

2009-07-30T08:06:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major?
I will be a Senior this fall and I am Business Administration/Accounting

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
I am working, working, sleeping and working. I did go on a missions trip to Tijuana, Mexico though. That was SWEET!

Q. What do you do for leisure?
I text...sometimes. I hang out at friends' houses when I am able, but mainly just work. It's kind of like being an ambassador :)

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
One Minute Manager, The Art of Closing the Deal, and Eclipse (No judging)

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?
Put the seat down after you're done

Interview with Kim Kim

2009-07-28T08:35:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major? I will be a Senior graduating in December. My majors are International Business, Marketing, and Business Admin.

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
The most exciting thing will be going to a Congress meeting in August to raise awareness for human trafficking for the International Justice Missions! PLease pray that I and the few others attending will speak powerfully and move the people in authority to act on bringing justice. Other than that, I'm mostly spending summer how it should be spent: lazily enjoying the sunshine. Then, occasionally, I'll pick up the GRE study book, browse future career options, volunteer at various non-profits because I cant seem to find a job here in over-populated Los Angeles... I've been bonding with my little brother a lot, taking some summer classes, and getting back into dancing! I mean, interpretive movement. ;)

Q. What do you do for leisure?
I hike a lot, and love the thrill of exploring new trails. I love going to the beach and body surfing, aka wiping out. I've also been writing songs and poems and pretending I can play the guitar.

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
Yes! I'm down to number 5 on my list! Woohoo! I'm reading Banker to the Poor by Mohammed Yunus, which is his first book, and I'll move onto his second one, Creating a World WIthout Poverty, hopefully, today. He is the Nobel Prize WInner who started micro-crediting, which is lending money to the poor so that they can oversee all aspects of their own business that they start without having to deal with corrupted money-lenders who hoard the profit. He invented it by going directly to the very poor, talking with them, studying how they lived, and what caused them to stay poor. I highly recommend reading it!

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?
I was talking to the Professor of the C.S. Lewis class, and I said something like, "I'm a business major. I don't know why I'm taking this class. I guess I like C.S. Lewis" He replied with something along the lines of, "I know why you're here. You're an explorer, and a pretty passionate one too." Later, a pastor talked about the difference between a traveller and an explorer. A traveller sees all the main attractions and gets on with the next big thing, but an explorer looks for the hidden treasures and wonders at the nooks and crannies that most people just pass by. I always thought I just lacked direction and focus, but God, through some great people, has taught me that there's treasure everywhere in life and in people, and it's really ok to take the time to explore, take risks, and experience everything fully.

Interview with Clint Johnson

2009-07-24T08:46:00.003-04:00

Clint is one of the most well recognized people on campus and there is no one who knows more people than he does. Whenever you run into Clint, you get a cheery hello. Oh, and in case you didn't notice...he's a huge basketball fan!

Q. What year did you graduate from Grace and what was your major?
A. I graduated from Grace in 2005, and I majored in Criminal Justice

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
A. I am working on a website for Grace's men's basketball team, which y'all can go surf at http://gracehoops.sports.officelive.com/. I also like to surf the Internet a ton! Being a big Duke fan, I love the relaunched http://www.goduke.com/, and also http://www.dukeblueplanet.com/, http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/, and http://www.blueplanetshots.com/. I also love Social Networking, and you can contact me at http://facebook.com/clinttjohnson, http://myspace.com/clinttjohnson, and I have joined the Tweeting revolution at Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/clinttjohnson and http://www.twitter.com/GraceBasketball. I have lost around 19 pounds by being a coffee fiend and walking miles and miles around Winona Lake. Besides that, I enjoyed getting to hang out with the Lancer Basketball Camp staff and bond with everyone that came to camp! Grace is going to be so blessed with all of the signings Coach Kessler has made... I'm super stoked for this coming season!

Q. What do you do for leisure or on campus here at Grace?
A. Like I said above, I surf the Internet a ton. I like hanging out in the various computer labs, and just meeting everyone that I can. I like to make random Wal-Mart runs with people, and it's always fun to go on Applebee's 50% off appetizer excursions after 9 on weeknights.

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
A. Besides currently reading through the book of Judges, and seeing what an awesome dude Gideon was, I'm reading "The Gold Standard" by Coach Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski of Duke and his daughter Jamie Spatola. The picture on this blog post shows me sitting in Coach K's chair following a Duke game last New Year's Eve. My buddies Mason Plumlee, Miles Plumlee, and Ryan Kelly (who by the way, is the cousin of Vic Casey, who plays women's soccer here at Grace) all play for Duke, and it has been great to read about Coach K [who I met last year on my visit] and how he got the National Team to play as one heartbeat, with one focus!

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?

I would say that it's always think before you speak, from my parents. I haven't always thought before I've spoken, but it's something everyone needs to do. It's so easy to just blurt things out, however we need to process things so we can speak them eloquently, passionately, courteously, and encouragingly!

Interview with Brice Williams

2009-07-22T08:51:00.003-04:00

One quick note about Brice: He is often coming into our office to visit us and we LOVE to have him come by (usually with his friend David who we love too!). They are always so chipper and are a breath of fresh air. We enjoy the life and color they bring to Grace college!!

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major? I will be a fifth year senior this year at Grace.
Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer? I am working some at Kohl's, (not as much as i need to be), but mostly I just hang out with my friends and go boating on Winona Lake and enjoy everything that I can for as long as I can as often as I can.
Q. What do you do for leisure? Um...I don't know? Haha! I don't really do "leisure" in the traditional sense, i.e.-just laying around and not doing anything. So I guess my "leisure" time would be whenever I am having an adventure or doing random crazy things or biking or hanging out i guess? Mostly, I always like to be doing SOMETHING!
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what? I am kind of in between books right now, recently, (last two weeks), i have read The DaVinci Code, Speak, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, A Calvin & Hobbes comic collection, Feed, Fight Club, Smack, and A Million Little Pieces. I am an English major, so reading is kind of like second nature to me, hence the long list i guess? Today in the bank, i read all of the children's books while i waited for the next available teller....i think that makes me a freak? haha!
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life? I don't know that i can really narrow down the vast sea of counsel that i have sought and received into a nice, fortune cookie phrase. I can't even say for sure if there has been a singular specific conversation that has been the most meaningful to me. What i can say is that over the course of my time here at Grace, and particularly this last year and these last few weeks even, i have received the kind of counsel that i can look at as a marking place for change in my life. At almost every major junction of growth that i can think of over the past few months, there have been incredibly influential people who have offered me the best advice and the freshest perspectives i could possibly hope for. I guess, all that to say, the best counsel i receive on a consistent basis definitely comes from my roommate, Matt-he is the kind of person who constantly and un-apologetically challenges my point of view and this definitely makes me a better person than i could ever hope to be on my own.

Interview with Alisha Miller

2009-07-20T16:03:00.001-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major? a SENIOR! I am an English Ed. major.
Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer? I am working at Grace College as a secretary as well as vacationing some and hanging out with my family.
Q. What do you do for leisure? I like to read, go on walks with my puppy, talk with my friends on the Internet, and hang out with family.
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what? I am reading "End of the Spear" by Steve Saint which is the freshman summer reading. I also just finished "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Both books have been incredibly challenging to my Christian walk.
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life? I think the best counsel has been to "Not worry about and plan out tomorrow." (James 13) While I'm not always sure what is next in life for me, I know that God will reveal it to me in his perfect timing.

Momentum Day 3 and 4

2009-07-17T09:13:00.004-04:00

Yesterday passed in such a rush I didn't have time to blog. Yikes! It was wonderful to have "back up" support come in on Wednesday evening in the form of faculty and staff from the school. They did a great job during the youth leader and alumni event and worked hard for the day and a half they were here.

Yesterday was Grace day at momentum and we were able to host a Wii tournament. Everyone enjoyed watching the kids battle it out in a large room. With 4 Wii's set up and the games being projected onto giant screens, you felt as though you were at a crazy video game convention. The Grace people did a superb job keeping everyone on track and making sure the kids were having a great time. In all the busyness yesterday I didn't get any pictures from the tournament...but here are a few from the youth leader/alumni event. A very special THANK YOU to all those from Grace who came to help out - you were great!! :)

Momentum Day 2

2009-07-15T11:22:00.005-04:00

I really don't know how these kids have all this crazy energy. You can hear them walk by, talking about how late they stayed up and how little sleep they need. I know they'll crash when they get home later this week!

We've had fun watching the kids stop by our table playing Wii, generally beating us when we take them on. My video game skills are greatly lacking. We have also met up with some Grace Alumni - pictured above with Matt and John is Brandy Mayes. She has been busy taking care of her little baby and helping her husband with their youth group from Ohio.

We are looking forward to some faculty and staff arriving this afternoon to assist with some Grace sponsored events. Tonight it's a smoothie bar for all youth workers and alumni! Should be fun and we are looking forward to a large crowd.

This mornings session speaker was Gabe Lyons and our very own Dr. DeYoung was able to present a spotlight on God's Word on Creation. Another great time learning from God's Word.

Momentum Day 1

2009-07-14T11:21:00.003-04:00

Momentum in Pittsburgh, PA!! Several Grace people have made the trek to Robert Morris University. Today is the first full day of the conference and the kids are wide awake and full of energy (ok so they were a little blurry eyed at 8:00 am this morning but they are in full force now!). It has been great seeing some "old" faces, incoming students for this fall (Jake, Alex, Stephanie, Bethany, Trenton, and many more), and a lot of new students. As admission counselors we are excited to be spending time with all these kids.
We had a wonderful time of worship with the Steve Fee band. It was a great reminder that we were there to worship God - to sing HIS praises and not just there to hang out. Shawn McBride opened God's Word and shared from Hebrews 12. We are to lay aside every weight and hindrance that is keeping us from full pursuit of God. Very, very challenging and encouraging.
So right now the kids are all off to Power Tracks - mini-sessions where they can pick a topic...I'll post more later - off to chat with some other people!

Interview with Matt Little

2009-07-10T11:40:00.005-04:00

Another one of my great friends and co-workers! I so enjoy working with Matt and he brings great life and laughter to the office.

Q. How long have you been working in admissions here at Grace?

About one year. However, I also worked as a Student Ambassador for three.

Q. What is your favorite part about the job?

2 come to mind first: 1) The people! The students we’re welcoming to Grace, the students already at Grace, my fellow Admissions workers- all of them are incredible. I look forward to coming to campus just so I can interact with them day after day. 2) The opportunity I have to make the college search process easier on families. I remember the stress and anxieties that I felt when I was looking. Serving a family in order to lessen these challenges is incredibly rewarding.

Q. What do you do for leisure?

I love nature, I love the arts, and I love (most) people, so anything involving one of these three is leisure for me: a walk through the woods, watching an old film, going to a coffee shop with friends, etc.

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?

2 actually: Desiring God by John Piper and Leading with a Limp by Dan Allender.

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?

So many memories of shared wisdom come to mind. It’s almost impossible to choose. However, one morsel of truth that made a huge impression on me in college, and still impacts me today, is the following statement by Alan Redpath:

“"There is nothing- no circumstance, no trouble, no testing- that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has come past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing for my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will ever cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is."

Interview with Cassie Patterson

2009-07-08T16:41:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major? SENIOR...woo hoo! I have mixed emotions about graduating though. Can't wait to see where God leads me for the next part of my life, yet will miss Grace and the wonderful people there! Counseling and Criminal Justice are my majors

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer? Doing four online courses, babysitting, and rollerblading 20 miles a day with my mom (I hope I'm like her when I'm over 50!)

Q. What do you do for leisure? Hike, Kayak, Sail, Eat tons of food, Catch up on movies that I don't have time to watch at college

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what? Child Development, Social Psychology, Social Problems, Life Span Development.....notice they are all textbooks. NOT cool.

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life? Enjoy the little things in life!

Interview with Jaimie Ove

2009-07-06T16:29:00.002-04:00

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major?
Junior. Major: Counseling. Double Minor: International Business and Intercultural Studies
Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
Working in Chicago for the Trolley and Double Decker Company. Hanging out with friends, going camping and exploring state parks!
Q. What do you do for leisure?
Hiking and camping, going to tropical sno, a local shaved ice shack, and hanging out in Chicago.
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
The Four Season of Marriage by Gary Chapman. Love and Respect by Eggriches. (I want to be a marriage and family counselor :) not getting married any time soon)
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?
"If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away." - Henry David Thoreau

Interview with Jenn Gaylor

2009-06-26T09:00:00.005-04:00

Jenn is one of our delightful admission counselors here at Grace ( and I love working with her!). Here's a little bit about her....

Q. How long have you been working in admissions here at Grace? I have been working in admissions at Grace for 1 year.

Q. What is your favorite part about the job?

I really enjoy the incredible team I get to work with and being a part of impacting students through their journey of choosing a college.

Q. What do you do for leisure? Where to start : ) I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog Bruiser, running, boating, shopping, conversation with friends over a great cup of coffee, movies….just to name a few things.
Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what? Currently reading: Good to great, Cold Tangerines, Pagan Christianity, 10 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Jesus Wants to Save Christians, and Romans (oh gosh…just realized I need to finish these, lol)
Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life? Make sure you always have Home Field Advantage! You will not be successful in life, if you are not “winning at home”.

Inteview with Zac Hess

2009-06-24T12:11:00.006-04:00

We're starting a new little segment this summer...instead of just my commentary on life! We will be taking a look at several different students as well as admission counselor's here at Grace. Hope you enjoy!

Zac Hess:

Q. What year will you be this fall at Grace and what is your major?
Senior

Major: Biblical Studies with a minor in Youth Ministries

Q. What are you spending your time doing this summer?
Pastoral Internship at Southview GBC in Ashland Ohio

Q. What do you do for leisure?
I have been doing a lot of golfing and fishing so far!

Q. Are you currently reading any books? If so, what?
The Glory of Christ by John Owen, it's pretty sweet!

Q. What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your life?
This is a difficult question to answer because I have received a lot of good advice, but something that sticks out is, you take care of your character and let God take care of your reputation.

Thank you Zac!!

Beautifully Broken

2009-06-23T11:21:00.003-04:00

This weekend was absolutely glorious! The Masterworks festival is in town until the middle of July. They are a performing arts festival of various musicians and theatre and dance. They have free performances over the weekends, Friday through Sunday as well as others throughout the week occassionally. This past weekend, the faculty performed all three evenings. On Saturday night there was one piece by Beethoven which was incredible! The piece had random segments in which the music seemed slightly off, slightly out of place, slightly wrong! The first time this interruption came, I was taken slighlty aback by it, and was honestly, rather embarrassed that the faculty would make such a mistake. By the third time, I realized that the composer had written the piece like that! By the end of the piece I had come to appreciate this brokenness in the midst of the beautiful sound. I don't think I can quite put into words (an unfortunate and common personality trait! :)) how and why I transitioned from finding the bits of brokeness embarrassing, to finding them beautiful. But something about it reminded me of the way in which God composes the music of our lives. There is an obvious beauty to it, a reflection of the Composers own beautiful nature intermingled with the sporadic broken keys. I guess I felt that the more I heard the broken notes the more beautiful the rest of the composer's piece sounded to me. As though those moments served merely to enhance the beauty of the rest of the piece. So in a rather big way, Beethoven's piece, served the purpose of reminding me of our Heavenly Father's work of composition in my own life!

I look forward to attending more of the performances put on by the Masterworks! This group in comprised of absolutely incredible and talented musicians, dancer, and thesbians dedicated to the glory of their God through their gifts in music.

Forgiving When it Hurts

2009-06-19T16:15:00.003-04:00

There are so many times in life when someone hurts you. It can happen when you least expect it or even when you think you are carefully guarded against hurt. At those moments it is so hard to extend forgiveness to someone who 1. has not asked for it 2. in our minds doesn't deserve it 3. has repeatedly offended us.
Our flesh is so strong. We very naturally protect ourselves and defend ourselves when someone has recently hurt us. For me personally it is so hard to be humble and apologize especially if I feel the other person has done more wrong in the situation then me. However, God keeps us accountable for ourselves. Do you remember when Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive?
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?'
"Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'" (Mt 18:21-22). Jesus was not specifying a numerical limit of seventy-seven, so you have no excuse for telling someone, "Okay, that's seventy-six times. You only have one more to go, so watch out!" He was using numbers to make a contrast that is easy to remember. Love "keeps no record of wrongs," so a tally of someone's offenses is out of the question (1 Cor 13:5).The whole point that Jesus is making here is to continue to forgive, in spite of your own feeling, no matter how many times you have had to extend forgiveness.
Quiet honestly we can’t do this in our own strength. The only way we can forgive someone is when we remember how much God has forgive us. That should be our motivation for forgiving others – what Christ has done for us. Because if we look at the cross and say, “wow, God did that to forgive my sin? How can I not forgive another?”
It does not make it any easier, but it does make it possible for us to do it. Because at that point our focus is not on ourselves…it is on the greatness and kindness of God.

Home!

2009-06-16T17:14:00.002-04:00

It's been a couple of weeks; work with the 4-H is getting super busy as we gear up for the fair in a couple of weeks! This past weekend I had the opportunity to go home for a few days. Home for me is Pennsylvania, so it was a little drive to get there but TOTALLY worth it!! I never thought I would come to appreciate home so much, but it's such a refreshing place. As I get older, every time I go home I find that there is something new that I rediscover and cherish. My family is one of the biggest things; I have learned a lot about loving them well these past few years while I've been away at college and it's really neat to go home and spend time with them. Additionally it's amazing to go home and see my home church family. These are the people who have helped form me into the person I am today- they taught me in Awana, mentored me through high school, supported me with money and prayer when I went on trips, and they upheld me in prayer when I went to college. This past Sunday I wasn't able to stay for church but was only able to attend Sunday School and I realized how many people in my church have poured into my life. Person after person wanted to see me between services just to find out how everything is going and it's really cool to see the Church functioning like that. It really is a spiritual family. How about you? Do you have relationships in your home church where you can see God forming you? Are you getting to know people from different generations? I sure hope so :-) It's such a huge blessing and encouragement!!
I hope you have an amazing rest of the week!

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-06-11T16:19:00.005-04:00

It's rained all day. I shouldn't complain. It has actually been quite nice to watch it fall, its just making me sleepy! I love how the rain makes everything so green and refreshed.
Today we sat down in a meeting to plan some things for the fall. The students have now been gone a month and I too am starting to feel refreshed (give it another month or so though!). Not that the students are exhausting, but when they are here it signifies the extra busy time around campus. Its is neat to see during the summer how everything here at Grace is getting a deep cleaning and freshened up. The dorms, the classrooms, the professors, and the staff. Summer is a nice time for us to reflect and also look forward as we re-energize. I guess it's like the cool rain for us!

Walks and Reminders

2009-06-03T16:14:00.003-04:00

The summers here in Winona Lake are simply beautiful! There's been quite a bit of rain these past few days, but the weekend was lovely and I was able to take a couple walks around the park and Village. I don't think I can quite put into words how refreshing it is to walk, take in the beauty, bump into friendly, familiar faces, spend time in the presence of the Lord?! It refreshes the soul in an inexplicable way!

So, I watched the video that Mark posted for the first time today. Wow! Katie's right, it's worth taking the time to watch! Being a graduate student, I hadn't been in chapel that day. Watching the video reminded me of everything that I loved dearly about Grace and being a student here. The fact that all of us have a story, a story that has molded us into the people we are today. Some parts we want desperately to hide in a locked room in a dark corner of an abandoned basement, away from us, and away from others. Some parts, we can’t wait to share with the world and hope that the world will jump up and down in excitement with us! I had almost forgotten the extent to which Grace had been that to me. A place where my story could be heard. Where there were people to gently usher me into the basement, encouraging me to welcome my Heavenly Father there and allow Him to illuminate the darkness. Where people cried when I cried, and laughed when I laughed! My story was heard! And perhaps one of the most beautiful things of all? My story collided with many other stories! What a blessing it is to have had that!

Weekends and Work!

2009-06-02T17:26:00.002-04:00

Summer is definitely in full swing around here! At my job in the extension office we're hurrying to be ready for the fair which is coming up beginning July 6th. We have LOTS of preparation left to do, but it's so fun working with the families of Kosciusko county. It's a really unique chance to get to know a lot of people in the communities around Winona Lake. My weekend gave me plenty of time to relax though and not think about work :-) Friday evening I was able to have dinner with a wonderful lady from my church here before I played the game "Settlers of Catan" with some friends from Grace. Then Saturday I went shopping with my roommate, Jillian. It was a good day of girl-time! Sunday I was able to go to church and help with the 3 and 4 year old Sunday School class. That age just never ceases to amaze me! They're so independent and tell you about everything. Their faith in God is so innocent and unwavering- it makes me really think about how easy it is as an adult to worry and stress over details instead of unquestioningly trusting my Savior. Those kids certainly set an example for us as adults...I should probably take a hint from them! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Party in the Office

2009-05-29T11:37:00.003-04:00

Today's we're having a little going away party for Jason. He has been working in admissions here at Grace for...hmmm...well.....quiet awhile. More than 4 years at least! So its a bitter sweet day around here. We do love to have a party whenever we can but we will certainly miss his wealth of knowledge and humor.
This morning I was listening to the birds sing as I got ready for work and it was a beautiful sound. I was so thankful for a couple of things: 1. I can hear. 2. New mornings and new grace from God. 3. Creatures (birds) that sing praise to their Maker in the morning - reminding me to have a thankful heart.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend - dwell on the things you are thankful for!

Holiday Weekend!

2009-05-26T17:21:00.002-04:00

Well, yesterday was my one day off this summer and it was certainly a great long weekend! This summer I am working for the Kosciusko County Extension Office as a 4-H summer staffer. I worked the same place last summer and it's such a blessing being able to live in Winona Lake during the summer! This weekend I hung out with my friend, Adriane, a lot. Friday night we were on a walk around the gorgeous island and were invited into the home of a family we go to church with when we walked past their house. They have such an awesome perspective of ministry and we just chatted with them for almost 2 hours! Saturday I had the chance to hang out with another family from my church. I feel like a part of this family and was able to do laundry and have a home-cooked meal that I didn't have to make :-) (always a plus when you live on your own!). Sunday included church and more hangout time before I just relaxed yesterday. Now it's back to work for the rest of the week. I love it!

As I was logging in to write this blog, I noticed the video that Mark posted earlier. I know it's 9 minutes, but it would totally be worth your time to watch it. I just sat here and watched part of it and it was such an awesome reminder of how God works on our campus and in our community here at Grace...I am loving summer but I'm excited to see how He will work this coming school year too! I hope you're all having a great week and that you enjoyed the long weekend :-)

Quiet Office

2009-05-21T17:30:00.004-04:00

I don't know if it's as quiet as Cara mentioned below. Earlier today I heard alot of laughs when someone poured a portion of their bottled water into my shoe...the shoe that one of our fabulous admissions counselors untied.

Perhaps it's quiet, but there is some mischief going on in the admissions office these days. But it's all in good humor as the admissions team continues to recruit great students for the Fall. I predict it is going to be an exciting summer and a good Fall with hundreds of new students attending Grace.

May in Winona

2009-05-21T14:40:00.004-04:00

The sun is out. The sky is a beautiful clear blue. The village down at Winona Lake is busy with people walking, riding bikes, sitting on porches, or lying on the grass in the park reading and napping. It really is "picture perfect". But I'm not down at the village right now (I just saw all that earlier). No, I am a block away on campus in Mt. Memorial. Its quiet here too. A little too quiet. You see, usually we have student ambassadors who would be coming in to work in about 15 minutes. They usually stop by our office to say hi and let us know what's going on around campus. We have a lot of laughs, hear their stories, and enjoy their friendship. But no, none of that is happening and hasn't happened all week. They are all home for the summer with all the other Grace students enjoying their break. We really miss them :( There are a few stray kids - taking summer school, but that wraps up tomorrow. Then we're just "stuck" with each other (actually I do love the people I work with). And sad to say y'all be hearing about campus from my perspective this summer and what is going on in our admissions office (unless some wonderful bloggers stop by to blog about their summer *hint,hint*...please oh, please I hope they do!!).
So all is quiet here as everyone moves about their tasks to get ready for another school year to start the end of August. We can't wait to see all the fresh and "refreshed" faces!

Are you a good Christ?

2009-05-19T23:34:00.004-04:00

Happy Summer everyone!! This is an article from one of my favorite pastors Francis Chan. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing it with you all:) I hope you will read this and then put it into action. I know I can do a better!!

Are You a Good Christ?
By Francis Chan
I think it's time we stop asking ourselves the question: "Am I a good Christian?" We live in a time when the term "Christian" has been so diluted that millions of immoral but nice people genuinely consider themselves "good Christians." We have reduced the idea of a good Christian to someone who believes in Jesus, loves his or her family, and attends church regularly. Others will label you a good Christian even though your life has no semblance to the way Christ spent His days on earth. Perhaps we should start asking the question: "Am I a good Christ?" In other words, do I look anything like Jesus? This question never even entered my mind until a friend of mine made a passing comment to me one day.
Dan is a long time friend of mine. In fact, he's the pastor who performed my wedding. He was talking to me about a pastor named Von. Von has been working with youth in the San Diego area for decades. Many of his students have gone on to become amazing missionaries and powerful servants of God. Dan described a trip to Tijuana, Mexico with Pastor Von. (Von has been ministering to the poor in the dumps of Tijuana for years). Dan didn't speak of the awful living conditions of those who made their homes amidst the rubbish. What impacted Dan the most was the relationship he saw between Von and the people of this community. He spoke of the compassion, sacrifice, and love that he witnessed in Von's words and actions as he held these malnourished and un-bathed children. Then he made the statement that sent me reeling:
"The day I spent with Von was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus."
Dan explained that the whole experience was so eerie because he kept thinking to himself: "If Jesus were still walking on earth in the flesh, this is what it would feel like to walk alongside of Him!" After that discussion, I kept wondering if anyone had ever said that about me-"The day I spent with Francis was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus." The answer was an obvious "no." Would any honest person say that about you?
What bothered me was not that I hadn't "arrived," but that I wasn't even heading in the right direction. I hadn't made it my goal to resemble Christ. I wasn't striving to become the kind of person who could be mistaken for Jesus Christ. Isn't it ironic that a man can be known as a successful pastor, speaker, and CHRISTian even if his life doesn't resemble Christ's?1 John 2:6 "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
When John made that statement, he wasn't speaking about how to be a church leader or even how to be a "good" Christian. He merely stated that anyone who calls himself Christian must live like Jesus did. So how did Jesus live? You could make a list of character traits to compare yourself to, but it would be far more beneficial to simply read through one of the Gospels. After you get a bird's-eye view of the life of Christ, do the same with your own. Are you comfortable with the similarities and differences?
It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of "success" as American church-goers define it. The thought of being well-known and respected is alluring. There have been times when I've been caught up in the fun of popularity. I've even mistaken it for success. Biblically, however, success is when our lives parallel Christ's. Truth is, there are many good Christs that you'll never read about in a magazine. They are walking as Jesus walked, but they are too focused and humble to pursue their own recognition.
May we make it our goal to someday have someone say of us: "The day/hour/15 minutes I spent with ______ was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus."
As Christians in America, we often complain about how antagonistic people are toward Christ. Personally, I'm not sure that Americans are really rejecting Christ. Maybe they just haven't seen Him.
Try to be COMPLETELY honest with yourself right now. Is the following true of you?
You passionately love Jesus, but you don't really want to be like Him. You admire His humility, but you don't want to be THAT humble. You think it's beautiful that He washed the feet of the disciples, but that's not exactly the direction your life is headed. You're thankful He was spit upon and abused, but you would never let that happen to you. You praise Him for loving you enough to suffer during His whole time on earth, but you're going to do everything within your power to make sure you enjoy your time down here.
In short: You think He's a great Savior, but not a great role model.
The American church has abandoned the most simple and obvious truth of what it means to follow Jesus: You actually follow His pattern of life. I pray for those who read this article- that we don't become cynical or negative toward the church. Instead, let's make a personal decision to stop talking so much and begin living like Jesus. Then we can say as the apostle Paul, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). My guess is that you've never had someone say that to you, and you've never said it to anyone else. Why Not?

Pressure

2009-05-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

It seems like everywhere one turns, bad news awaits. Bad economy. President Obama at Notre Dame. Earthquake near Los Angeles. College affordability. Ohio State University.

Well, I am seeing more positive trends with the students who are looking at Grace College. At least, that's how I am looking at the situation. In spite of a slow week last week, students are depositing on pace with last year's record freshman class. We've already eclipsed last week's deposit total for the week with today's strong start.

Will this trend continue?

I think so.

Well, I definitely hope so!

GRADUATION

2009-05-08T21:50:00.001-04:00

Several of my very dearest friends graduate from Grace College tomorrow morning. This means a cap and gown; 4+ years of achievement and learning; so many memories; a change of life; ...oh and a diploma! Almost forgot haha. ;-b They will not be back this fall: I AM GOING TO MISS THEM!!! What an emotional day it will be. How can I be so happy for them yet so sad to see them leave? Life presents you with so many relationships that while you have them it's easy to forget what a gift they are and how much they enrich your life until you are faced with the prospect of having none, or less, of them.

I just wanted you to know, Jeff and Arturo and Annie and Kristy, Sarah and Micah and everyone else who has reached the beginning of this new end: I treasure you, the relationship we share, the times we have spent together on campus and off. I'm grateful that being here has given me some of the closest friends I've ever had and will continue to have forever! My friends, I am praying for each one of you, and can't wait for the times of reunion down the road. May God bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, and give you Peace... Pursue Him with all your heart, and always remember that HE IS FAITHFUL!

Happy Graduation, Class of '09!!! :)

CARPE DIEM!

Campus Tour in Video

2009-05-06T15:11:00.003-04:00

I was sent the following link from a colleague at Grace and thought more people should see this work done by a student. It's interesting, not totally accurate, but interesting nonetheless. I think it's worth sharing because it gives a nice quick look of campus life.

Take a look by clicking on the link below--and enjoy the tour. Then, give the A-Team a call in admissions so they can help you better understand the great place called Grace College. We're a growing college that is worth considering!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ieCBGzCmtQ

Here are more photos from the Bike Race

2009-05-04T08:39:00.007-04:00

"If I can't win in the big person's race, I am going to win
this race."

Crossing the finish line well ahead of my nearest
challenger...it looks like we won the race but our
team actually finished in fourth place.

Matt Hotchkin, third from left in grey shirt, gets
our team off to a good start with his fourth-place
effort. At least he didn't crash his bike!

Michael Voss finishes his leg of the race as Aubrey
Evans jumps on the bike very quickly.

Team Grace

2009-05-04T08:18:00.009-04:00

This past weekend, four members from the Grace College community (Michael Voss, Matt Hotchkin, Aubrey Evans and Mark Weinstein) participated in a community event in the Village of Winona. It was the annual Fat and Skinny bikefest that included a relay race on "cruisers." This is a bike like I have never experienced. Well, I hadn't experienced it in 40 years.

This one-speed bike was used by all 16 teams in the relay that took place around the Island in Winona. It was a beautiful day with the temperature hovering near 70 degrees, plenty of sunshine, and along the race course, many people cheering each team. Our goal, as a team, was to win the race. Another goal was to have fun. We had a lot of fun as we finished fourth. We would have finished higher if it wasn't for the oldest person on our team--it wasn't my intention to lose one spot in the final order (I got the bike with us in third place).

Below are some pictures from the race. As you will see, the team was excited at the beginning of the race and from one of the pictures, it looks like I brought home the championship. Oh, pictures can be misleading at times. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to be a part of our community, something we are committed to doing every year. Grace will field a team in this race for years to come and be a sponsor of the Fat and Skinny event that brings many bikers to our community each year.

What a great time we had; what a great opportunity to rub elbows and skin knees with so many other people. Being part of a community is real special...and our team had a blast!

Oh, by the way, after the race, I felt so good (physically) that I talked a little girl off her bike so I could compete (and win) in the age 5-7 race. I was a little taller than most of those competitors, but no one really noticed. (See this photo, and others, in the post above).

Games at TOL

2009-05-02T22:17:00.004-04:00

The on-campus Tree of Life has an entirely different atmosphere tonight compared to this past week. As I sit here studying for my Sociology final (which really means I am surfing the internet) and watching students herd in and out of this socialization spot, I see a majority of the students with smiles on their faces while they play Dutch Blitz or Settlers of Catan. I assume these students see the need for a break from their studies and possess an attitude of excitement for summer. While Grace College is deeply enveloped in finals week, it is encouraging to see students still relaxing enjoying each others' company. I also believe that the lively students at Tree of Life realize that they have few days left to enjoy their friends and want to make the most out of their last times together before they part for summer.

'Tis the end.

2009-05-01T23:15:00.001-04:00

Here we are at the end of classes, into our week of final exams for the close of another school year. Time is so fleeting, and the last few days have given me a hunger for reflecting on the memories of so many moments here at Grace. I am truly grateful for all of the experiences I've gone through, created, or been put through during these college years. I'm going to miss my friends who are graduating a lot...like, a lot. I love you guys. Never give up that place you have in my life, please. :) To the rest of campus and friends...see you really soon! And when our time comes to leave and enter the real world like the brave ones who are going before us...

CARPE DIEM!!! :)

Love,
Elly

Surprise Party

2009-04-26T20:47:00.002-04:00

The last week of school is approaching. It’s time to finish all the projects, hang out with all your friends, and try to pull an A in that crazy math class. As for tonight, it’s party time! My hall is about to throw a surprise party for the Growth Group Leaders this year. The girls work so hard to make sure they love on the freshman and on all the girls on the hall. The unpaid time they put into weekly meetings and prayer for spiritual growth for the girls can never truly be repaid through a party, but we are going to try. We have snacks and balloons picked out so we are set. The girls are going to go on a scavenger hunt and get clues from girls on the hall to their next destination. They will end up back on the hall with everyone waiting to give hugs and flowers. I am so thankful for the hall leadership this year. I love them all dearly and thank God for the impact they have had on my life.

SAB Blowout

2009-04-25T22:31:00.005-04:00

What a long day I had! Today, I went to the Student Activities Board end of the year Blowout event. I was looking for relief from the loads of homework I was working on; therefore, I went to Beta field to enjoy the weather, blow-ups, Mr. GC contest, and a performance from Grace College's own two man band, Better in Plaid.
I raced my roommate through the blow-up obstacle course and fought her in the blow-up boxing ring. While I lounged on the grass, I listened to the group "Better in Plaid" perform a variation of acoustic songs, such as "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, a favorite of mine. The Mr. GC contest gave me a couple of laughs when the contestants dressed up in 80's wear and had to answer questions about their experience at Grace. Congratulations to Steve Fowler, a freshman, who won the crowd with his soccer skills and fantastic fashions. Before returning to my homework, I went to the bonfire and relaxed in the atmosphere of a warm breeze, friends, and the glowing light of the fire. The SAB Blowout was an enjoyable vacation before we head into the last full week of school!

The Home Stretch

2009-04-22T13:32:00.003-04:00

In exactly two weeks school will be done. I"m not going to lie, I'm excited. The last two weeks are often the hardest to concentrate and be productive. They are also the busiest as final projects, papers, and speeches are due. I've heard a lot of students say this week is harder than exam week. I would agree. So far this week I have done two projects, five papers, and over 60 pages in reading. Good times.

These last couple of weeks are also when things start getting planned for next year. Leadership positions are finalized and housing is determined. It's a lot of work, but it helps to get the next year off to a good start.

Housing Lottery or Ulcer Attack

2009-04-21T20:53:00.002-04:00

So last night was Grace College's Housing Lottery. It was my first experience with the lottery and I didn't know what to expect. From previous years, I had thought there had been cat fights and tears and blood, so I went into it prepared for a fight. But the whole process was calm and collective and in the end, every one still had their teeth. Now the lottery did not go as I had hoped for me and was placed in one of my last picks. So the past day has been a stretching process for me, learning to accept what God has given me as a good thing. Now I really, really, really like to be in control and in a lottery situation...you are not in control at all. So this was God's way of telling me, 'hey jaimie, it's not all about you having control. I made you, I formed you, and I know what's best for you.' So while I am still trying to digest this lesson, I am continually being shown by God how amazing and loving He truely is. So remember this boys and girls: when you think everything is out of control and that you are about to have an ulcer, God has got your back, always has, and always will.

The Face Of Grace:
j-MO
(p.s. weather's getting better, if you live in the area come out for our baseball games! Home games Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 1! See you at Miller Field!)

Tin Caps

2009-04-19T23:37:00.001-04:00

We have had some great weather here at Grace lately. This weekend was beautiful and students came out from hibernation. Everyone was outside running and biking by the lake, tennis golf was going around campus, and everyone was out on the grass doing some reading and homework for the end of the semester. Spring is such a beautiful time of the year with everything in bloom and amazing sunsets over the lake again. I was especially thankful for the nice weather this past Friday. My hall, along with my brother hall decided to go to Ft. Wayne to a Tin Caps’ game. The Tin Caps are the minor league baseball team in Ft. Wayne. They have a brand new stadium in downtown and it was a perfect night for baseball. We all piled in vehicles and headed to Chipotle and then the game. We had great seats right down third base line where the 25 of us hung out and watched the Tin Caps beat Dayton, Ohio. It was a great night to get closer with our hall mates and our brother hall and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

Only at Grace College...

2009-04-17T23:00:00.003-04:00

I attended a funeral today. It was a service to celebrate the life of a well-loved brother, father and grand-father who will be sorely missed. Many students came to honor the family today with their presence and comforting support. What was the connection?

This man was the father of our music theory professor. Not a family member, not a close friend or even a peer. A teacher, our professor. It was such a beautiful service, but what also struck me was the beauty in the crowd itself. Family, close friends, and us...the students. Where else does community play such a large part than in the family of God, encouraged by a college with such an emphasis on relationship as Grace does? I was so glad to be called a Grace College student today, and be counted among those who cried with our beloved prof and his family over the loss, and rejoiced with them for the memories and laughter they shared!

At the beginning of this year in chapel we were challenged to become a campus of lovers (all right you immature ones, get the giggles out and then come back to read the rest of this ;)... I believe today was one example of love freely given and received because we are alive in Christ and have answered His call to to be lovers! :)

Carpe Diem!
Elly

Fabulous Fee Concert

2009-04-09T12:35:00.005-04:00

What a great way to start another Lancer Day. The Steve Fee concert was spectacular as approximately 800 attended this concert in the award-winning Orthopaedic Capital Center. Then, today, our guests were treated to an informational day on campus that included a special tour of campus, chapel, and interaction with faculty and staff.

The Lancer Day program has been a huge success this year. If you haven't participated in the past, be sure to check our website for future Lancer Day opportunities. You enjoy them, I promise!

What a comeback!

2009-04-08T00:02:00.003-04:00

Last saturday, our baseball team had a double header against Taylor University. While our boys have put in a good effort over the past season, there haven't had many wins to show for it. I have been a faithful baseball attender (well at least the home games) since a few of my close friends play on the team. Loss after loss has occured, so by saturday we as the fans were pretty discouraged. It gets the bottom of the seventh inning and the score is 9 to 1 in their favor. I, at this point, had gone to the fence in left field and decided to take a short nap, since there was another game to follow. As I'm laying there staring up at the clouds trying to make shapes out of them, I hear it...CRACK! It was a home run hit by Ryan Combs which brought our score up to only being down by five. By the end of the inning we had scored 8 runs, including hitting two home runs, the other hit by Brent Easterday! The atmosphere was filled with excitement, you should have seen our boys jumping up and down shouting encouragement out to their fellow teammates! We ended up pulling off three more runs to beat them in the 9th inning. Let me tell you, there was pure joy flowing throughout of our boys. It was well worth it to sit through the three hours and even have a burnt nose, just to be able to enjoy the moment with them.

:)
-jMO: the face of Grace

-Steve Fee tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

Proverbs 30:26

2009-04-05T22:42:00.003-04:00

It’s a Sunday night and I am exhausted. The weekend has been crazy busy, but filled with a lot of fun. Junior/Senior banquet was on Friday night which was AMAZING food and fellowship. Then Saturday was a fun time watching the boys’ volleyball team and hanging out with the brother hall watching March Madness. Even though it was a great weekend, I have something else on my mind this evening as I’m fighting off the Zzzzz.
So today I learned something very interesting from a friend about an animal in the Bible. I bet you have never heard of a Hyrax! If you have, I’m VERY impressed. My good friend Val is an amazing artist and likes to color me pictures (yes we are in college). There is picture that she colored for me that I was unsure of exactly what it was. It kind of looks like a camel and a cow mixed with a llama. Anyways, coming across the word hyrax, we thought maybe this would explain the interesting picture. I must find out what a hyrax is so what do I do….I Googled it of course! Expecting an animal from the camel family, to my surprise was a strange little creature that I must say is rather scary looking. Kind of looks like a groundhog gone wrong. It’s no wonder why people weren’t allowed to eat it in the Old Testament. I wouldn’t pick a fight with that thing.
I’m sorry you took the time to read this blog. I know the picture is so intriguing you had to read. Now when you are reading through, Leviticus, Psalms, and Proverbs (yes that little guy hyrax is mentioned in all three) you will know what a hyrax is. Oh the things one learns at college!!

The Sad Little Music Major

2009-04-03T17:11:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the Junior/Senior banquet. Many couples and groups of friends are going to be dressing up and making their way to a fancy dinner banquet soon. I'm not going. =( I was going to, but then my 'date' accidentally (question mark?) gave our tickets away?? Haha. What a spazz. So now I am spending my Friday evening practicing for my solo voice recital which is in 2 1/2 weeks. I sound a little bitter don't I? So sorry, I really wasn't that attached to it besides the fact that this would be my last banquet before I graduate. It is always a lot of fun because you can hang out with a lot of friends and I don't know about you, but I always LOVE an excuse to dress up and go out on the town! :)

Anyway, I wanted to go tonight but it will also be good for me to get some more memorization done and work on my songs, which I am very excited about. This month is so full of music opportunities! The musical is coming up in a couple weekends, and there are several music seniors giving recitals towards the end of April. My hearing (which is a performance of my recital for the faculty so they can pass me to give my recital) is now this Tuesday morning. Yikes! *Adrenaline starts pumping* If you think about it, say a little prayer for me I know it will probably be fine but I'm still pretty nervous. AND, if I pass, please come to my recital! I am singing some absolutely gorgeous music by composers Mozart, Debussy, Mahler and Bolcom. It will be Saturday, April 25th at St. Anne's Episcopal Church - 4:30pm.

Be there or be...a loser. ;)

Till then,
elly

The great Grace water balloon fight

2009-04-02T08:02:00.003-04:00

My team didn't win, but we had a great time. It was a fantastic campus-wide event. Next year the team from enrollment will win the tournament. I promise!

The Great Grace Water Balloon Fight

2009-04-01T19:57:00.003-04:00

Not only is today April 1st, but it is also the day the Millennial Scholars Academy hosted The Great Grace Water Balloon fight. The Millennial Scholars Academy is a leadership development program here at Grace. I am a member of the MSA and also on the MSA Social Committee. As a result, I was one of the people who helped planned the event.

We set up the fight dodgeball style. It was single elimination with 7 minutes per round. Students signed up for teams led by faculty. The turn out was great! There were 9 teams that competed. The prize? A nome statue to be passed around among winning teams in future years. It sounds weird I know, but it fits with other campus awards... like the duck statue and stuffed giant rainbow trout for winning teams during the Hall T-Shirt Chapel.

I wasn't able to be there the whole time because of other commitments. I stopped by the event and found the event very entertaining. There is nothing like seeing faculty and students throw water balloons at each other! It was a great way to kick off April.

AHHH!!!!!!!!!!!1

2009-04-01T00:06:00.007-04:00

So my week has been ridiciously busy! 1 12 page paper, 2 finals, and 2 exams! All the work I haven't been doing is finally catching up to me :( But as I am reminding all my friends that I am going to extremely cranky, I was kindof slapped across the face by God. I was reminded that this is when I need God the most! Just because I'm having a rough week doesnt mean that the people around me have stopped watching me. Just because I'll be averaging 2 hours of sleep a night, doesn't mean the I have the right to be a jerk to my friends that care about me. It's how we as Christians act when we are down or having an awful week that our true character comes out and that is how people percieve us. So this is just a brief reminder that even though you might be having a tough week that doesnt mean we get to be a tool, but rather that God is still there and he will give us the strenght to get through each day.

- jMO

Snow, Chili, and Church. What a Sunday!!

2009-03-29T16:04:00.002-04:00

Is it really snowing? No Really…? It is March 29 and beautiful Indiana weather is not disappointing (Actually that is sarcasm there). I’m tired of this snow. I WANT SPRING!!! Anyways enough of me ranting and raving, my roommate is starting to get a little concerned.
Okay so that was my attitude for part of the day and then I remember, God made this day and He is showing off his beauty through the snow just as much as He is in the sun. Honestly, God could not have chosen a better day to have it snow because it was chili cook-off day at church. What meal is better than over 50 different types of chili to choose from at church? Holy Habakkuk it was fantastic! And having it cold outside makes the chili taste even better.
The church that I have absolutely fallen in love with since coming to Grace had an amazing time to come together as a body of believers and enjoy the blessings of chili this morning! The chili cook-off is a fundraiser for the mission teams supported through the church. Money was placed in jars beside your favorite chili and the chili with the most money wins! It is amazing to see God work to meet the needs of mission teams through a chili dinner. In conclusion I can pretty much say that this is the perfect day that my LORD has made. Bring on the snow, rain, sleet, or sun, everyday is God’s to do great things!

Water Balloons!

2009-03-28T23:36:00.005-04:00

When I was a child, many of my summers were spent filling water balloons and throwing them at my deserving brothers. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to relive this past-time by participating in the Millennial Scholars sponsored Great Grace Water Balloon Fight. This intense fight will take place on Beta Field next Wednesday from 3:30-4:30. I have not yet signed up for one of the five teams led by faculty and students, but I plan to participate in the free-for-all at the end, which will use up all of the extra balloons. I most look forward to nailing Glenn Goldsmith, my breakout leader as a means of revenge for my last parking ticket (actually, I have never received a ticket from him). Anyway, if the weather is warm and sunny, the Great Water Balloon Fight will be a refreshing and anger-relieving event for those students who do not mind getting a bit wet!

Day of Worship!

2009-03-27T16:28:00.003-04:00

WHASSUP GRACE COLLEGE?!? :)

Here I am, happy as a clam (are they happy, really? ;-), newly in awe of our Beautiful God after yesterday's Day of Worship. For those who don't know, once a semester Grace College has a morning completely devoted to worship: classes are canceled, and all students gather in the OCC for 3 hours of...*shhhh* always a surprise!

This Day of Worship focused on the Church's unification. We as a student body experienced church unified that morning: We worshipped with music together; We listened to a time of teaching together; We were given time to just laugh and and visit with each other plus reconcile with people on campus we are at odds with; We prayed for each other's needs, the needs of the universal church, and the needs of the world we live in; We took communion together after taking time to reflect, pray and be silent before God; We "broke bread" together with the clever idea of box lunches distributed from Alpha Dining; And finally, we cared for each other's needs with the use of a donation station that acted as an offering/Goodwill for students to give to or take from.

What a captivating idea! Now, my experience has been that there are a few students who take extremes on Day of Worship...some love it no matter what goes on, some save up skips for it so they can sleep in; some use it to "fill up" on God so they can be fine till next time. Others come to just mope in the back, others are front and center with hands raised the entire time. I for one am not always a huge fan of Day of Worship just for the sake of it...there have been a couple times that Grace hasn't done very well with planning relative student topics or activities for the day; and I can't STAND when Day of Worship appears manufactered. You know what I mean, just an image-driven routine (like a specific worship song specifically placed to make you start crying, etc etc)...

But what I needed, and got yesterday, in Day of Worship spring '09 was an oasis of healing and love with my brothers and sisters. I was given the precious gift of time to refresh my thirsty soul with focus on the Lover of my Soul; and I caught a glimpse of Church in relationship, as a beautiful living identity, the Bride of Christ! It has been a long time since I've actually wanted to be counted in with "the church". But now... Let's DO church, people of God!!! :)

Your sister,
Elly

Repentance

2009-03-24T12:29:00.002-04:00

Today the chapel speaker, Tom Hocking a Grace Brethren pastor from California came and spoke to us about Repentance. That is such a deep and amazing topic, especially for me recently. I've been dealing with hurt feelings over past relationships and I have been letting that bitterness overcome me in my day to day interactions. God was really speaking to me throughout Chapel about confronting my sin and challenging me to be forgiving and being humble enough to ask for forgiveness. Saying you have forgiven someone is a completely different experience from repenting and asking for forgiveness. He also spoke to us about how the world constantly is battling Christ for our attention and devotion. He asked us to turn to the person next to us and say "don't let the love of the world squeeze out your love for Christ". Needless to say, that statement was very impactful on those of us who have been struggling with where to devote our time. It's so very easy to be caught up in school, sports, clubs, and what not, so much so that we squeeze out our God time. And that my friends, is what our main focus in life should be is focusing on the Almighty Savior.

The Face of Grace
j-MO
p.s. Grace made the elite eight at Branson! Our boys played extremely well! :)

Where are you going?

2009-03-14T22:42:00.008-04:00

Unfortunately, my spring break will be spent in my hometown Sandusky, Ohio(home of Cedar Point, "America's Rockin' Roller Coast"), where the sun will not be enough to overpower the frigid cold. Usually spring break is characterized by migrating college students who head south for the week with the mindset the singer Sheryl Crow has always raved about; "I'm gonna' soak up the sun." Through my conversations with Grace students, I have heard spring break destinations such as California, Georgia, Kansas, and North Carolina. In addition, our very own Grace College offered three GO teams to Kyrgyzstan, France, and Great Britain, in order for students to soak up something other than the sun, culture. These teams left on Friday with the plans of evangelizing through building relationships, handing out Bibles, prayer walking, and sight-seeing. Although I am quite jealous of anyone who travels more than a 10-mile radius of their hometown, I have hope in knowing that I may be traveling to Romania next year with a GO team.
I believe it is a necessity to pray for these travels no matter how close or far away. So, I ask you now as you read this to take a couple of minutes to pray for the safety of those students, trip leaders, professors, etc. who partake in any kind of travels during break. May the Lord bless and keep them!

First Round Victory

2009-03-12T20:28:00.002-04:00

I waited until today to post because I wanted to share the Branson experience. As Jaimie wrote on Tuesday, we came to Branson, MO to watch the men's basketball team play in the NAIA Championship. This afternoon the men faced Warner Pacific. Going into half-time, the score was tied. By the end of the game, Grace had taken the lead and then won 82-72! It was such an exciting game to watch.

Me, Jaimie, and Kyla were the only students there from Grace. Other Grace students watched the game on campus in Alpha Dining and the OCC. Throughout the game we got texts asking for updates and people saying that they had just seen us on t.v. All of us are thrilled we were able to be there.

The team will play tomorrow afternoon and if they win they will also play on Saturday. We hope they keep winning! Getting up at 3:30 this morning and then driving 10 hours was worth it!

Branson, here I come!

2009-03-10T18:11:00.001-04:00

Our boys basketball team is currently hanging out in Branson, Missouri till Thursday @ 2.45 when they play in the Warner Pacific-NAIA National Tourney! Last year we made it to the elite eight, when we weren't expected to survive the first round which we are still very proud of! This year we didn't get past the first round of the MCC Tournament, so our chances of going to Branson were pretty slim. But we were invited to return this year and I decided that I am going to make the ten hour trip to watch our boys play! I talked to my professors (some of which actually encouraged me to take the opportunity) and decided that it would be worth it make the trip! So Christy (another blogger), myself, and another friend Kyla Zenan are going to get up Thursday morning at three and watch our boys get themselves a victory! GO GET'EM LANCERS!

Pizza Pizza

2009-03-08T23:35:00.002-04:00

This was the last weekend before spring break and midterms; so the stress levels are on the rise. What should you do when you have stress? Eat pizza of course. Due to the stress of the upcoming week, SAB is holding an all you can eat Pizza Hut night this Sunday. The campus heads 5 miles down the road to the local Pizza Hut. Students come out of the library and dorm rooms and line up an hour early to be the first to taste the cheesy goodness of some pizza. This is a great time to get together with friends and chow down, forgetting about schoolwork for awhile. Anytime college students can get their hands on pizza, the world is right!

Spring in Winter

2009-03-07T20:54:00.004-05:00

During my walks around campus the past three days, I have seen more students outside than the past two months together. I am overjoyed by seeing the many students engaging in outdoor activities together.
The Indiana Hall residents playing numerous four-square games, golf-enthusiasts driving tennis balls across the walking paths, kites flying in the clear blue sky, couples walking hand and hand down to the lake, bike-riders zooming past slow walkers to class, students eating meals on the picnic tables on the Alpha Dining patio, lounging on the grass to study, and even a unicyclist cycling past Westminster Hall are just a few of the outdoor happenings that I've witnessed. I praise God for the refreshing weather we were able to enjoy. Although I was rejuvenated by the 50 degree temperature and the sun peaking through the clouds, I still had a negative thought lingering in my mind; winter is not yet over. The Grace campus has come out of hibernation for a short time but we may see a blizzard some time in March. At least Grace students know how to enjoy the weather in many unique ways while it lasts.

"What's up, Grace?"

2009-03-06T13:34:00.003-05:00

"Grace is up!" Anyone who knows James Joiner, give a SHOUT OUT!!! He is returning this fall to teach a couple classes: Apologetics this fall, Ethics in the Spring...and I am so very excited.

For those of you who don't know James, for my first two years he was Grace's Chaplain and professor of several theology/philosophy classes (two subjects that interest me very much in my spare time away from music). Although I was never able to even meet him or take his classes because of my full music schedule, my respect of him grew as I heard him speak and watched him interact on campus. Finally, I introduced myself to him and was able to take his Logic class last Spring '08! Ever since then, I have looked up to him as a spiritual mentor and friend. He is a fantastic man of God and one of the most genuinely caring people you will ever meet. He brought an intelligent mind, reasoned faith, and gentle spirit to Grace's campus and never tired of sharpening students' minds with the encouragement to think for themselves, especially in their Christianity. He has been sorely missed ever since he left Grace College this year in order to pursue his PhD in Philosophy without any expectations of coming back. But thank God that He wants James back at Grace! I highly recommend his classes, but only if you are interested in being there and not afraid of thinking hard and being extremely challenged.

I also hope James never reads this blog about him because he would be very embarrassed by the attention... ;) WELCOME BACK SOON, JAMES JOINER!

Polymers Anyone?

2009-03-05T19:58:00.003-05:00

It has been a really busy couple of weeks. I'm starting to think that 18 credit hours of upper level classes may not have been the best idea. Oh well, live and learn.

This week I had a client presentation for my Public Relations and Advertising Writing class. The president of Rainmaker Polymers came into our class to share information about his company and their products. The class was split into groups and we had to create a direct mail piece for the company.

It was a fun and yet difficult task. We had to familiarize ourselves with polymers and some of the technical lingo. We had a total of two weeks in class to create the piece. I felt that ours turned out really well. We presented it to the client this afternoon. I'm glad it's done because it became really time consuming. I was the person who designed the layout of the piece which meant for about 2 days the only assignment I worked on was that project. We don't know which piece the company will pick as the winner. I'm hoping it's ours :) Either way, I'll be able to use it in my portfolio. It was great to be able to work with an actual client and get some real experience.

Beautiful Feet

2009-03-02T21:05:00.002-05:00

Romans 10:14-15 14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" This passage was the focus of the message today at the church I attend. Grace does not hold its own church service so students get involved in local churches. This message made me think a lot today about the way Grace prepares students to bring the good news of Jesus to those who haven’t heard. Several friends of mine have a heart to bring good news to unreached people groups all over the world, and Grace encourages this passion. The message today burdened my heart for people who have never heard the name Jesus and the hope that He brings. The idea of not having the peaceful, perfect relationship with my Savior is a horrible thought, so the idea of a people group never hearing the message is heart wrenching. I’m thankful for the reminder of the purpose of our lives whether we stay in Indiana or go thousands of miles away: we are to bring the good news to all. “How beautiful the feet of those who bring good news!” Lord give us beautiful feet.

Tearing Down Barriers

2009-02-28T22:28:00.004-05:00

One morning in February, during my public high school career, there was a celebration of Black History Month in a student assembly. All throughout this past month of February, I pondered the question of whether Grace would implement the necessity of Black History as my high school had the past four years. I departed chapel on Tuesday with this question answered. The theme of Chapel, "Tearing Down Barriers," along with the passage Ephesians 2:14, showcased the necessity to rise above racial boundaries that separate us from uniting in the body of Christ. That day, lunch at Alpha Dining had even embraced this theme by serving "soul food" consisting of fried chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and even root beer floats. Chapel on Wednesday and Thursday continued to incorporate the necessity of taking action against racial tension and discrimination and treasuring diversity within our college, community, and world. Needless to say, I was pleased that the Black History celebration I had once witnessed in high school was alive on Grace College campus.

DoDgE BaLL

2009-02-22T20:12:00.002-05:00

Ready, Set, DODGEBALL! Saturday night was dodge ball for the campus students. Teams of 5 or more came out to the Gordon Rec. Center to show off their skills and creative outfits. There were teams with names as creative as the Easter Eggs and The Hillbillies. I guess in order to be good at dodge ball you must be dressed in ridiculous outfits. The Easter Eggs' outfits were flamboyant colored wind pants and clashing colored, way too tight vests. The Hillbillies' outfits, well you can probably guess what they were wearing.
Teams took the courts and played their bests, hoping to come out on top. After bruises were forming from the sting of the ball and shoulders were so sore you couldn’t shake hands with your opponents, a champion was crowned. The champs were none other than the Easter Eggs, ugly outfits and all.

Congratulations PSC-ers!

2009-02-21T22:33:00.005-05:00

Today was quite an eventful day for prospective students, parents, faculty members, ambassadors, admissions staff, and all others who were involved in the Presidential Scholarship Competition. Despite the busy morning of essays and interviews, all of the students persevered while making new friends and experiencing the campus.
I cannot believe that an entire year has elapsed since I sat in the very same essay room in Mount Memorial, staring at the blue book while I wondered what to write about. Also, today while I played "Apples to Apples" with an outgoing group of Michigan students in the game room, I could picture myself in their place; the same class-room awaiting my interview. What excites me most about helping with PSC this year is that many of the friendly faces I met and talked to will be attending Grace in the fall. Also, it was a blessing to hear from so many students' mouths how God is leading them to Grace and that they could really see themselves striving academically and spiritually in the Grace atmosphere. As a result of the 2008 Presidential Scholarship Contest, I decided to attend Grace. Although, this may not be the same case for all of the prospective students this weekend, all students deserve congratulations for enduring the somewhat stressful competition and encouragement to seek the Lord's will for their lives no matter what college they attend.

Kondo

2009-02-19T16:11:00.002-05:00

Yesterday in chapel Kondo Simfukue, a local worship pastor at Christ's Covenant Church and one of Grace's favorite speakers, came and spoke to us. And what he had to say was extremely moving. He spoke to us on how the world tempts us with its possessions, by waving them in our face. Satan's ultimate purpose in life is to draw us away from the Lord, but the fact of the matter is: he is smart! He doesn't place one person in a casino, when their struggle is alcohol but rather places them into situations that have the temptation of alcohol readily available. The scary truth is that Satan knows us and knows our specific weaknesses and that's why we have to rely whole-heartedly on our Savior. Our fight is not just against Satan, but rather against all evil and it is not an easy fight. But thank the Lord that we have Christ on our side for the victory is sure. Kondo managed to stir up within me a desire to keep fighting the good fight, because in the end we are the ones with the Almighty Redeemer!

-jMO: The Face of Grace

2009-02-18T23:13:00.002-05:00

Last week in chapel our president, Dr. Manahan, announced the price increase for the coming school year. For the upperclassmen, a price increase announcement is nothing new. Colleges all around increase their prices yearly. This year we were surprised by the amount. It's increasing by less than a thousand dollars which is amazing! There was actually applause after we heard about it. I know it may still seem like a lot, but compared to what others schools are expected to increase by, Grace has done an amazing job!

I really admire our administration and how hard they work to keep prices down for us. It can't be easy. I had the opportunity to talk with some our top administrators about the increase for an article I was writing for the school newspaper. It was evident that they really do care about us students and keep us in mind throughout the process. It's a great feeling to know that even the administrators keep us in mind and look out for us.

The PSC

2009-02-15T20:39:00.001-05:00

This weekend will be a busy weekend for Grace College. Starting Fri. the 20th is the Presidential Scholarship Competition for high school students who have qualified to win scholarship money. This is my second year working as an ambassador at the event. Working in admissions has been great over the past two years and the competition is one of the highlights. Over 150 students come from all over the globe to participate in an interview and essay. I remember meeting a girl last year from Israel. She was really fun to get to know and I see her around campus now which is very cool.
At the banquet on Friday, everyone is joined together in the OCC and served dinner. The food is amazing and it is great sitting at a table of strangers and slowly getting to know everything about each other. High school students can stay with Grace Students overnight to get a feel for the dorm and can even attend Grace Got Talent, the talent show fundraiser for the girls’ soccer team. I’m excited to see what this weekend will bring.

Change

2009-02-13T16:33:00.004-05:00

Well what a surprise I received to come on the website for the first time back blogging this semester and find the layout so pleasantly changed! :) It made me smile.

There are changes happening everywhere, with the weather (HALLELUJAH!), with people, with myself, and with Grace College. But though change isn't wanted in so many cases I feel as if the changes in this semester will be so necessary for better things in the end. I know this is all a little vague but I am a huge processor. This means that after receiving news of change -- such as hearing that we only have a 3% increase in tuition next year (as opposed to the usual 8-12% most schools are instituting) because Grace wants to keep from punishing the students in this economic slump -- it takes me a while to think through it, grieve for the unwelcome changes, and appreciate the welcome ones, such as the one just mentioned. Thank you Grace, for making the very hard decisions in order to better care for your students! That's all I have to say for now...besides:

Welcome dearest warm weather, I've missed you!!! :)

Mailbox Surprise

2009-02-11T18:07:00.003-05:00

It's been a busy day. I spent my afternoon writing articles for the school newspaper, running errands, completing homework, and I also had a meeting. Not really anything too exciting. The meeting I was in was with Steve Carlson who is the director of Career Services here on campus. I brought my resume to him and he worked through it with me. I learned how to think of the big picture in my resume and also gave me ideas of other items to include. It was really helpful and gave me a new feeling of confidence in my resume.

I did have something exciting happen to me yesterday. Last week I shared about my car troubles. Since then, I've found out that the car is fixable but would cost around $300. On a college budget, that's a lot of money. Anyways, last night I went and checked my mailbox. Inside was an envelope that just had my box number on it. I wasn't expecting anything so I opened it right away. Inside was a note that "car" and $60 in cash. I was so amazed and surprised that I started crying (that's funny because I almost never cry, and I never cry in public). It was such a blessing to find that and know that someone was there for me. There was no name or indicator of who sent it. That money was an answer to pray and reminded me of how good God is and how amazing this campus is.

Swing-Dancing

2009-02-10T22:40:00.002-05:00

So I know my blog last week was about SAB, but I always write after I've attended our meetings and it's the first thing on my mind. So Grace is offering swing-dancing at the end of the month on the 27th. It's the first time that Grace has allowed choreographed dancing on campus! We are so excited as a student body to have this opportunity. Not only are we being allowed this privilege, we are also being offered lessons twice before the big day, so we dont look like big apes out on the dance floor. The music is being conducted by our very own Jeremy E. Smith, a genuis in the music department who has headed up a group of musicians to play for us! It's just going to be a grand night, a night to relive the 20's!

FAFSA Advice

2009-02-10T08:59:00.004-05:00

This article was written by one of our Journalism and Communication majors.
Students must file FAFSA by March 10
By Brittney Ching
March 10 is only a month away, which means one thing for college students: It’s time to file the FAFSA. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it is the form students file to apply for financial support from the government. The form is available online at www.fafsa.edu.gov/.
“The FAFSA is filed to enable a school to determine eligibility for federal and state aid. Without the information that is required when filing the FAFSA, schools can’t make good decisions on who needs help and who doesn’t,” said Charlette Sauders, Director of Financial Aid at Grace College.
Though students might think they are not qualified to receive governmental aid, Sauders said to still file the FAFSA. “In these uncertain times, it is best to file a FAFSA because if a family’s situation changes, then special consideration can be given and perhaps the family could get federal or more institutional aid than if a FAFSA is not filed.”
Sauders said that students looking to make filing easier can download the FAFSA on the Web worksheet. “[It is] really essential to getting all of the necessary data in one place so that filing online is a painless process. A student will need parent and student tax returns and W-2s. Also, cash, checking, savings and investment account balances.” Students can access the worksheet at www.fafsa.ed.gov/fafsaws90bw.pdf.
When filing the FAFSA, Sauders said, “Don’t leave anything blank. If the amount is zero, put in a zero. Also, if you need to file by the deadline and don’t have a tax return filed, estimate as best as possible. Blanks will cause problems and could cause your FAFSA to be rejected.”
“Also, make sure that both the student and one parent sign (via PIN number) the FAFSA. If both don’t sign, the FAFSA will be rejected,” said Sauders. Students and parents can apply for a PIN number and securely sign the FAFSA online. See www.pin.edu.gov/ to apply for a PIN number. For students looking for support other than governmental aid, “Outside scholarships can be a good alternative,” said Sauders. Fastweb.com includes a scholarship search engine that tailors results to your specific profile.
Sauders said, “Community foundations are often overlooked and have scholarships that aren’t claimed.” To search for your county, go to www.cof.org/locator.
“Other places to check out are local civic organizations such as Rotary Club, Kiwanis and Optimist Club. They usually have scholarships for local students,” said Sauders.
Another good way to earn extra support is to apply for scholarships in your home church, or see if your church will support you. “Grace will match what your church will give you up to $500 each year,” said Sauders.
If you are struggling to find scholarship or financial aid options, “There is more scholarship info on the wall outside of the financial aid office that can be accessed even when the office is closed,” said Sauders.

O brothers!!

2009-02-09T12:28:00.002-05:00

Friday night was my halls’ first brother/sister hall event. If you are unfamiliar with what a brother hall is let me give you a quick original definition. A brother hall is a residence hall filled with the male gender that is matched up with a female resident hall with the intent of forming friendships with our brothers in Christ. In short they are supposed to be nice to us. I just want to say that I have the best brother hall this year (shout out to Gamma Townhouse). The guys are so fun to hang out with. Last semester my favorite event was when they cooked us spaghetti dinner. With a little help from the ladies the boys turned it into a great evening.

This Friday was game night with the brothers. Some girls went over early to cook some snacks in the rarely used boys’ kitchen (I say this because we found milk from the middle of January). The tasty treats consisted of veggie pizza, brownies, and country style Choc. Chip cookies. Then it was game time. There was a variety of games such as Cranium, Settlers of Catan, Around the World ping pong, Dance Dance Revolution, and Guitar Hero. Everyone was having fun and showing off their mad skills. The highlight of my night was the Guitar Hero battle of the sexes, girls versus boys in an intense head to head battle. The first gender to win 7 games would be victorious. I would love to say the females came out on top…well… we didn’t and I almost cried. But it was still great with the adrenaline pumping and I can confidently say the ladies did hold their own. Next time we will get the WIN. I’m so thankful for our brothers and I think of them as my true brothers because I know they would do just about anything for their sisters. Thanks guys I love y’all!