Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Students are almost on campus!

- 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!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Perspective

- 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!!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Summer is here!

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...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Freshman Year

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.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Uncommon

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!

Friday, March 26, 2010

You're Beautiful

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! :)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Rest

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!