You gotta have Friends!

Last week I must say was the busiest week of my life. Projects, class, life in general, was filled with lots to do and not enough time to do it. Even through the busyness I was able to have some FUN. All week was the tournament for intramural volleyball. Volleyball intramurals take place for the second part of the semester. My team was with the floor of the dorm I live in. WESTY 4! Everyone plays with their hall mates on the floor they live on. It is always fun to represent your hall. My team made it to the championship game. We were playing another Westy team and they had beaten us the first time we played them. We were out for some clean Christian revenge. They gave it their best, but we were on FIRE. Everyone was playing great for our team. It was so much fun working together as a hall and building relationships with hall mates through sports. Winning a free champions T-shirt wasn’t too bad of a deal either.
Then it was Friday night and the night was full of excitement and an avoidance of schoolwork. It was our Brother / Sister hall event. Every girls’ hall is matched up with a boys’ hall to get to know them better and do events with them throughout the semester. Friday night was our Christmas party. First on the agenda was dinner so we went to the dining hall to have some taco salads with the fellows. Then we went back to the guys’ house (they got special permission because no dorm is co-gender) for a white elephant gift exchange (I got stinking Ramen noodles), piñata (Don’t use pool table sticks they break) and cookies. Then off to the boys’ basketball game where our hall cheered on the Lancers and a basketball player on our brother hall. Then back to the house for some hot cocoa and the movie Elf. It was getting late so we called it a night and headed back to our dorm. No matter the busyness, you have to make time for your friends! It’s always worth it.

In exactly four days I will be starting my last exam. Right now, those four days seem way toe far away from Christmas break, and yet, they seem like such a short time to finish everything. I'm not in too bad of shape. Four exams and one project are all that stand between me and Christmas break. I am so excited to be able to be home again with family and friends. It will be nice to be in a house again : ) 

This past week has been spent studying and then socializing. While the last few weeks are always crunch time for classes, they are also crunch time for hanging out with those you won't see for a while. I spent last weekend in Chicago with some girls from my hall to see a musical. It was an awesome time! The past couple of nights have been spent in our on-campus cafe studying and spending time with friends. It always turns into more socializing than studying somehow. That's is definitely one of my favorite aspects about here.

What has really hit me hard this week is that for some of my closest friends, this will be the last few days of seeing them everyday. One of my closest friends is transferring to a school back home. While I'm really sad to see her leave, I know that her time her at Grace is ending and a new chapter is beginning. Not a better one, just a different one. Someone else who is leaving is one of my suite mates, the every comical Christi Mann. She has the amazing opportunity to study at Second City in Chicago. Life in the dorm just won't be the same without being able to scare her out of her wits by walking, as she would say "like a ninja," into her room.  When the next week ends, I will have to say goodbye to some of the people that have impacted me greatly here at Grace. I know that there are amazing things happening and so the goodbyes are bittersweet.  

 

End of Semester

*Sigh of relief!* The semester is drawing to a close, exams will soon be over, and then it's off to California for me! Christmas seems to have crept up on me this year...no, not crept...more like SPRINTED and then TACKLED! :) This has been one long and hard semester, let me tell you. I don't even have time to feel any symptoms of senior-itus, but that's probably a good thing.

I wanted to share a truth I was reminded of the other night. I know for myself, when things get rough and I feel worn out and pressured beyond capability, there is a tendency for "Blah" to take over. You know what I mean? I see it on lots of faces this time of year. Maybe it's depression, maybe it's just not feeling interested in anything, or it's a completely pessimistic view of things...but it feels as if you just don't have the strength to deal. Wellll this kind of funk can go on for days, and you just survive without really LIVING! This is pretty discouraging and can happen whether you are still in high school dealing with high school pressure or maybe college decisions, or at college dealing with...well, college situations or maybe future plans; or even if you are well beyond college and are dealing with disappointing life or work situations.

The point is, a very dear friend reminded me of something the other night. I was expressing to her my feelings about it and she said "Elly, I'm going to be praying for this!" And with that she took a pen and wrote on my hand, JOY, and finished with the thought, "this will be your strength, and this is what you're missing." I didn't quite get what she was saying until after she left and this verse jumped into my head as I looked at at my hand: "The JOY of the LORD is your STRENGTH!" And with that reality jumped back into a true perspective as well! Saturate yourself with God's presence and the fire may singe, but it will not burn you. Great is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be GLAD in it! :)

I hope that's encouraging to some of you. Have a great last week, Grace College! I'm really going to miss a lot of you during break...but we will be back in no time! Merry Christmas and see you on the flip side!!!

Christmas Video

Members of the admissions team (counselors) host the ambassadors and the annual Christmas party held at CE National. The event was a great time of coming together as a team and celebrating the season. It also allowed for a lot of silliness from the staff, including this video of three of the new admissions counselors performing before the entire group. As you can see, we have a lot of fun at Grace and within the admissions department.

I warn you (before you watch the video) that I work with some crazy (and fun) admissions counselors. Merry Christmas!

Christmas at Grace

Because I am old, or, at least older than most in the enrollment division, it has taken me nearly a week to make this post to our blog. But last Friday night, the entire admissions team got together for a wonderful Christmas party at CE National. First, what a fabulous facility we used on their campus--which is adjacent to Grace! But what a great time it was to laugh and talk with the Ambassadors and admissions staff.

Of course, there was plenty of great food, which we all enjoyed. But the sense of this group being a team was very rewarding to me. And, the presents from the White Elephant game was truly special. I still can't believe I went home with an ice cube tray.

When I get the photo of the group from Katie, I will try to post it to this blog so you can see a part of the group. But until then, you'll have to trust me that it was a great night.

Oh, did I tell you that I won the game of Uno? It wasn't even close!

Christmas and Parties!!

I love all the holiday and the parties that go on. Even if you see people on a regular basis, it is still fun to get together and just laugh and relax. This is a picture of some of the admission staff at our office party last Friday night. The highlight of the evening was the white elephant gift exchange - where do people come up with their gifts? Of course some people had brought a nice gift which everyone fought over. I think I walked away with the prized worst gift award! Merry Merry Christmas! Hope all your white elephants are full of laughs!

Opera Performance!

What's up, Grace College? :)

Tonight I perform in our Opera Scenes Performance...I'm pretty excited for it, I'm hoping we will have a good crowd. So I'm pretty much just advertising that today, performances are tonight and tomorrow night, 7:30pm! It is a fun show with our own Christmas theme and characters (including a puppy dog, lol!) with awesome arias by talented singers!

AND I also want to say to everyone: these kids in the music department are something else. I am so privileged to be a part of this group of students, and also be close friends with such amazing people who hunger after Christ and excellence in their life, both freshman and upper classmen alike. I am so proud of each and every one of them, with the times of immense testing that have come our way this semester! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Break a leg, Opera!!! Come see us!!!

Have you seen?

Have you noticed the quality of the student ambassadors? They never cease to amaze me. Just today I saw several of the "guys" step in and help the office staff or a counselor on a project. Now, I could name names if I wanted, but I don't want to embarrass any of them. Well, do I? I guess not, but let me say this in closing, if I were a parent of a prospective student who was looking at colleges, I would want my child to be the type of students at Grace, especially the ambassadors. They are truly special!

Late nights on the Hall!!

So it’s 11:45 on Sunday night and almost everyone has returned from their Thanksgiving breaks to finish out these last two weeks of school. IT’S CRUNCH TIME!! Projects are due, there are papers to write, tests to study for; why does everything have to be due in the last two weeks? I guess if you are that person who works way ahead of schedule, then these weeks are a breeze for you. For the rest of us, these next two weeks mean little sleep, weight gain from late night pizza, and little social life. Ok so this blog is getting depressing, so let’s spice it up a little. You know what you need to do when your eyes are glazed over from staring at your paper for the past 4 hours? Take a break! No, not just eating a Kit-Kat bar. I have a much better solution. FACEBOOK. Well not just Facebook but Facebook video wall posts. They are AMAZING! If you have a webcam or a friend with one, then you’re set. Just start filming, make some ridiculous video, and then post it on a friend’s wall. My friends and I like to do this at around 1 AM when we are so tired our videos make no sense and are honestly just plain embarrassing. You could even be festive and enjoy the holiday season and record yourself singing Christmas carols to your friends. Now you may think I’m crazy, but next time you have that 20 page research paper that you are starting at midnight the night before, remember Facebook video wall posts will give you a little light in the darkness of the end of the semester :)

I committed a travesty:

I didn't eat a stitch of turkey OR stuffing this weekend! :)

I was really excited about that, because I've never liked either one. Now, don't hate me for that, all you fans out there, everyone's entitled to their preference. But I had a great Thanksgiving, with a lot of reminders to be thankful for what I have. And to all at Grace College who are starting the long three-week haul left in school, you can do it!!!

I'm excited to be back from Thanksgiving to finish up strong. I have a performance in Opera Scenes next weekend, and vocal and instrumental juries the weekend after that, and then finals week. As for Thanksgiving break, I hope everyone had an amazing time with their closest relationships this weekend, and my wish is that you truly appreciate each and every minute you get with your loved ones. I'm from California, and my two younger sisters bought plane tickets with their own hard-earned money to come visit their siblings who all happen to be here in the midwest. It was such a treat, I LOVE YOU BECCA AND SARAH!!! :) We had a lot of fun and it makes me look forward to Christmas time even more.

People, I'm telling you, it's all about relationships...not education, not careers, not fame or success. The relationships I've made here in college, the ones I've kept from back home, the ones I continue to develop in my family, and the one I continually deepen with my God are the best gifts I could ever ask for. And so, this Thanksgiving, I am very thankful! Now finish strong to the end... :)

It's Turkey Lurkey Time!!

The title is an obscure reference from a musical (Promises, Promises). Please indulge me. I'm a dork.

After a full day of running errands and taking quizzes, I am proud to report that I am finished with schoolwork for Thanksgiving break!! It feels so good to get things accomplished. Tomorrow I'll be driving with my mom and her fiance to Ohio to spend the holiday with my brother, Tim, and I couldn't be more excited. He moved to Akron, Ohio to pursue a job and I've really missed having him around. I used to love meeting him for coffee at the Tree of Life on campus to chat about life over a warm carmel macchiato (almost as much fun to drink as it is to say). Wait. What is this? I don't write sentimental ramblings. I'm a comedy writer, dang it! Ummmm...once we were at a coffee shop and he set a napkin on fire with the candle centerpiece. Ahhhh. A tasteful anecdote. That's better. Anyways, I'm looking forward to my sister-in-law's fabulous cooking and some good ol' fashioned "quoting Chris Farley movies until everyone around is nauceous and violent" with my brother. In fact, isn't that what the holidays are all about?

In other news, I'm still trying to get things into place to move to Chicago in January. As of right now, I'm planning on being starving and homelss, since I haven't secured housing and have no idea how I will pay for food. People tell me the Lord will provide, and I believe that, but no one is specific. I haven't heard anyone say, "The Lord will provide a fully furnished penthouse downtown with a live-in cook and twenty hunky man-servants for a mere $50 a month!" What if God choses to provide a trashcan with a nice warm fire going inside and half a turkey and cheese Hot Pocket that was given to me by a homeless man, because he felt sorry for me? Please pray that it all comes together in time. In the meantime, I'll occupy myself building up a nice ulcer and crying quitety in the fetal position.

I suppose this is where I should write some kind of corny conclusion; some thoughts on what I'm thankful for that would leave an image in your head like a Norman Rockwell painting. I could write that I'm thankful for family and friends, health and happiness. Just to top it all off and make it personal, I could wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I, however, have never been one to be conventional. In elementary school, we were putting on a Thanksgiving chapel for our families and we were told to come dressed as a pilgrim or an indian. I came as a turkey. This is a true story. That being said, I will leave you with some obscure reference unlike any you would see ending a Thanksgiving blog. You know what, what the heck. I'm a sucker for tradition. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It has been awhile since I blogged also. Wow time flies, but in a good way. The semester is now coming to an end. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not really sure if I see even a glimpse of that light yet but….things always get done. This past week has been exciting with Thanksgiving coming up. We will have a nice extended weekend where students are able to go home and enjoy food, family, and football. The 3 F’s. Grace Students always know Thanksgiving is just around the corner when we get that email from the dining hall saying “Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday.” My face smiles, my heart beats faster, and I am in a good ol’ fashioned good mood. I have not missed a Thanksgiving dinner at Grace in my three years here so far. You would be crazy to miss this meal. The employees of the dining common dress in turkey hats and cut the turkey. Plates are filled with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, and pies at every corner. The food is phenomenal, but that is not even my favorite part. The dining room is filled with students, faculty, and community members galore. I see the professors with their families, girls and guys eating with their hall mates, and everyone enjoying food and fellowship. It was at this moment I realized how THANKFUL I am for all that God has blessed me with since enrolling at Grace. Friendships that will last a lifetime, an education, and most importantly a stronger relationship with Christ my Savior!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone!

  It's been awhile. Oh the joys of technology : ) It's been a pretty standard week. Classes are starting to get a little more intense as the end of the semester nears. I realized how much time is left before all the lovely due dates for final projects and exams. Yikes! I think I will avoid the reality of the end of the semester for just a little bit longer or at least until after Thanksgiving.

There were two strong highlights this week. One was a concert by AG Silver that took place Tuesday night. The band led worship during chapel earlier that day and shared about the project they are working with called Blood:Water Mission. On their tour, AG Silver sells water bottles for one dollar. That one dollar goes directly to the mission and provides one African with one year of clean water. How cool is that? The concert went really well and it looked like everyone enjoyed it. I don't remember how much money was raised, but I know it was a good amount. 

The other highlight of the week was Thanksgiving dinner in Alpha Dining. It's probably the biggest dinner of the year. Dinner doesn't start till 4:45 p.m., but people start lining up at 4:30 p.m. and within a couple minutes the line is out the door! The traditional food items are there like turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, cranberries, rolls and salads, along with some non-traditional items like mac n' cheese. It was really yummy! Our hall decided to eat together. It was really cool to be able to sit with other girls from my hall and share and eat way too much. With how crazy our lives can get it was nice to sit and engage with the girls. 

Only a couple of days are left before heading home for Thanksgiving break. I must admit I am looking forward to being home again. I love living here in the dorms and I love the people I live with. At the same time, I love my family and being with them. Being away from home makes it all the more special when I am able to be at home. Hopefully the weather will be friendly this week so we can all make it home safely. Have a great weekend!

Give thanks to God the Father...

HELLOOOOOOOO! Whew, it sounds like everyone is apologizing for their lack of blogging. I'm right in line. However, I had such an excellent excuse!

The madrigal dinner I advertised here a few weeks ago HAPPENED this weekend!!! What hard work, but a ton of fun. :) The turnout was really decent every night, and people laughed their faces off and had an awesome time while we entertained them. It was a great experience, and I am so proud of Grace College for putting on such a cultured affair as a full-blown Madrigal Dinner. Now that it's planned to be an annual event, I hope word of mouth about this year makes it completely sell out next Christmas! The dinner was meant as a fund-raiser for the Grace School of Music Chamber Singers' ministry trip to S. Korea this December...I'm not sure how successful we were in the making money part yet, but if there's one thing I've learned since starting college: God is Faithful, always, and I know this trip will happen!

Actually, if I could put a prayer request on such a public forum: I'm not sure what you believe about spiritual warfare, but on my end I've had a couple experiences with it (loooong story in and of itself, if you really want to know you can email me!:) and I know that we are experiencing it right now in our Chamber Singers' group. There are many struggles, spiritual and emotional, effecting us individually and as a team right now making it hard for us to unite together as this international trip comes up. And I know that what dims the light of Christ's love most is division among his people. I just feel like this trip holds some challenging and important things for us, and there are powerful spiritual hindrances trying to keep this trip from happening. PRAY for us, please!!! I and the other singers would so much appreciate it!

And though weariness sets in, and toes have frostbite from the Indiana cold, and freakouts occur over how little time is left to do homework...

May the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Second Semester with the Second City...Be Still My Beating Heart

Hey all! So much to write about. Well, let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. (That was a cheap Sound of Music joke. Ba dum cha!) Anyway, the play, Flowers for Algernon opened this weekend! We've had a good run so far, with only a few minor hitches, but those are the things that keep us on our toes, focusing on making each show better than the last. Although I don't get much stage time in this show, the costuming has kept me very busy. Up until tech week, the guys were going to have to go on stage in their boxers, as I had nothing for them. As always happens, though, it all came together just in time, and I'm really proud of the outcome. I'm sure next weekend will be just as good, or better!

Next order of business: I GOT INTO THE SECOND CITY COMEDY STUDIES PROGRAM!!! Let me explain. I'll be moving to Chicago for the Spring semester to study comedy with the infamous Second City. I'm so excited and absolutely terrified. It will be very hard to leave Grace though. I have a lot of senior friends and it is sad to know I will miss their last semester here. Until last night, I had always thought of this adventure as "going to Chicago," not "leaving Grace College." I'm definitely struggling with missing my friends, but I can't pass up an opportunity like this. Many big names in comedy have come out of Second City and the experienes and networking I will get while in Chicago are unlike any I could get elsewhere.

Last night we had our first good snow. It was beautiful, so my roommate and I walked across campus to the mailroom. After doing so, we decided it was more beautiful from the window of our warm dorm room. This campus is so pretty on winter nights, watching the snow blow past the lampposts that line the sidewalks; very Narnian. I think I made a pleasant sentence very nerdy just then. I'm over it. Well, I must be off. I still have many things to do, places to be, and people to facebook stalk. Have a lovely day! Keep on truckin'!

We meet again.....

Why hello everyone,

As promised, I'm back. But, a lot has happened since I last wrote. The biggest of these was.....HOMECOMING!! Wow, what a great time! Being in SAB (Student Activities Board) it was awesome to be able to help in the planning of the dinner and variety show. It was a ton of fun! So that basically consumed my entire last week and weekend. I am so happy everything went well, and slightly relieved that it is over. haha.

Well, tomorrow is Day of Worship. All of the hard work in putting together a choir and performing will finally unravel. The choir sounds FANTASTIC! Not only will the choir be singing/performing a song with an accompaniment track, but there are 3 other songs they will be singing along with the chapel band....in 3 part harmony I might add! I am really excited for the whole day in general, though. There are some GREAT people heading it up this year, and I know that our God is going to be so present. I'm really looking forward to seeing where God will move. I know that God wants to do something amazing on this campus, and I can't wait to see what it is, and to know how I can be used in that process.

Until next time:

Josh

Campus Atmosphere

What a great time in chapel yesterday and today. Hearing God through Knute Larson, pastor of The Chapel in Akron, Ohio was inspiring and encouraging!

I was also thankful for how the students connected with this senior pastor. God is doing a great work on campus through our speakers and students.

Let them eat cake!

As often happens at this point in the semester, all the projects that you've put off are finally coming due and you feel guilty eating or going to sleep at night, because you know there's work to be done. Did I say "you?" Because, by "you" I totally mean "me." I feel like I have weeks of assignments to catch up on, I'm directing my one act, and the fall show is coming up in less than two weeks and I still have to put together about half of the costumes. I'm pretty sure I'm going to pull all my hair out. On the plus side, I can use the time I used to spend doing my hair for more productive activities. I guess the best way to handle this is one step at a time...and giving myself frequent breaks for snacks and Youtube.

On a lighter note, the Westy Masquerade was on Friday and I won the costume contest with my headless Marie Antoinette costume. My friend and I built it from scratch. I made the dress and did the make up and he made the body and the wig. It was pretty awesome. I love being the center of attention and it was really hard for people not to stare at me.

Also, my birthday was yesterday and I had a wonderful time! My mom took me out for lunch and my friends took me out for dinner. After dinner my friends took me over to a friend's apartment where they had a banner up and had made my favorite kind of cake. I really appreciate them going out of their way to make me feel special. Speaking of cake, I've been on the diet for going on 6 weeks now and have lost about twelve pounds. I cheated on my birthday, but I'm right back on the horse...that miserable, sugar free horse...*sigh* Oh well, I look forward to getting slimmer and feeling healthier. Well, I should go get more accomplished. So much to do and no where near enough time to get it all done in.

I wish you all a lovely day. Keep on truckin!

Crazy Love

“You will change a lot in college,” everyone always told me. Well, I had no idea! One of the most recent ways I’ve changed is in my view of reading. I’m embarrassed to say it, but I used to hate to read. The only time I would read was when I was forced to. I never realized how much I was missing until I read an amazing book called Crazy Love. I can honestly say this book has changed my life as a Christian. Much of my life has viewed Christianity as just a “religion.” I went to a Christian college, had Christian friends, and went to church, and therefore, I was on track. I knew I was supposed to read my Bible and pray, but this was routine and often not a priority in my life.
The book Crazy Love by Francis Chan helped me see how Christianity is not merely a religion but a relationship. It emphasizes truly developing a loving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. It hits on how many Christians today are lukewarm, doing as little as possible in hopes to one day receive eternal life in heaven. I was very lukewarm in my faith and the book discusses how lukewarm is not an option as a believer. Revelation 3:15-16 says that God spits out the lukewarm, and I’m thinking spitting out is not a good thing! I could ramble on about this book forever, but I truly believe every Christian should read it. You can even get it at our bookstore! Again, it’s called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Happy reading :)

Fall Break was lovely, but now it is time to be back in school, get serious, and GO TRICK-OR-TREATING!!! :) Autumn is definitely in the air, and it is time for fall festivities. Grace College has a campus trick-or-treat that happens every year, and it is always a blast to see tons of college kids in costumes (Grace College appropriate, of course)...because you can't get candy unless you're dressed up. There is definitely a spirit of excitement and outdoorsy-ness (?) in everyone I've run into today. Creative minds are whirring and Goodwill has been raided many times over by Gracies, I'm sure. My freshman year I was a yellow crayon, and those facebook pictures still make me laugh. Last year I had no clue what to be, but at the last minute my friend Bekah and I went as salt and pepper shakers (I was pepper!). Haha! I know many of us are really glad that Grace isn't uptight about Halloween or trick-or-treating, but turns them into an opportunity for the campus to fellowship and have fun with each other. Give a CHEER for the Student Activities always offered at just the right times to keep the campus alive and interesting! YAY!!!!!

P.S. Tonight.......................I'm Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy!

Ohio State or Grace?

I was pleased to talk with Dave from Columbus, Ohio about the value of a Christian education. I was equally pleased when he started talking about quality education that he immediately talked about Grace. I guess I had the thought he could have mentioned that one university in Columbus, Ohio that is has a football program. But he didn't mention Ohio State or the fact that Penn State beat the Buckeyes this past weekend in football.



Kudos to Dave for his straight talk about Grace College!

Cutting Carbs = Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth

Today begins the directing of my one act play for my directing class. My four peers and I held auditions this afternoon, and tonight we will be sending out the "Congratulations," or the "I'm really sorry, but there just wasn't a part for you this time; please, don't bash my head into the sidewalk," emails. I hope it all goes well. I look forward to working with and getting to know my cast. I'm being a bit ambitious in doing a show that I wrote that calls for a cast of eleven, and that's if I double cast characters, but when has not making a smart decision ever stopped me? Technically, I didn't have to do that show, but I wrote it for the purpose of directing it this semester. It's called, " The Creation of Theatre," and explains how God made theatre in seven days, as he made the world. I think it's pretty funny, but I suppose we will find out for sure on December 7th when it's performed in Little Theatre. Please come. Please laugh. Please. (I'm making puppy dog eyes so adorable that the Grinch's heart would swell into cardiac arrest.)

In other news, fall break is this weekend. I'm going to stay with my dad and grandma in Nashville, TN. I'll come back with a twang and a large cowboy hat. Don't judge me. We're going to an improv show to see a theatre company that I trained with this past summer. Spending time with my dad and grandma is always a good time, so I'm sure I'll enjoy the weekend. (And by "the weekend," I mean, "their fabulous Southern cooking." Sans carbs, of course. *Sigh*)

My friend and I have been dieting together for three weeks now. We've cut out carbs in an attempt to look like Tyra. (Only a little whiter and not quite as fierce.) Cutting carbs in Alpha Dining has been a nightmare. I've had so many burger patties that driving by a farm with cows in the pasture gives me a Nam-like flashback and I end up crying in the fetal position, chanting, "No more beef. No more beef." I'm also afraid all the salad I've been eating is going to turn my skin green, and I'll look like a much wimpier version of The Incredible Hulk and instead of "Hulk smash!" it's "Hulk buy shoes!" Arg. (That is the sound of hunger and utter desperation.) Well, at least I have a million things on my plate to keep me busy so I don't have to think about food. "On my plate..." That was kind of ironic...and sad. I'm going to go eat a handful of peanuts. Keep on truckin'!

Ice Packs and Corn Mazes

I had hoped to start off writing with a post about the Corn Maze/Fall Party that was hosted last night by the Student Activities Board (SAB). The night consisted of (or at least it was suppose to) a corn maze, pumpkin slinging, hayrides, and a bonfire. I was expecting to go and enjoy the festivities with fellow students. However, Thursday night ended up being the deciding factor of whether or not I went. 

On my way to Beta (one of the dorms) to watch The Office on Thursday night, I tripped, fell flat on my face, and strained all those fun things in my ankle. I didn't think anything of it because I trip fairly often and so continued with my plan of joining around 30 other students to watch The Office. It's a favorite on campus. It wasn't until later that night that I realized how much pain I was in.

The next morning, after sleeping on the couch because I couldn't climb into my lofted bed, I visited the nurse. She looked at it, gave me an ice pack, and wrapped it up for me. Her instructions? To stay off of it as much as possible. Those were not words I wanted to hear. While I could still go to the Corn Maze, I was advised to sit and not run around. I decided on not going because I knew that if I went I would run around in pain instead of being a good girl and sitting. 

My evening ended up being a lot of fun. It consisted of movies, a walk, and simply hanging out. It was great to be able to hang out with people I don't always hang out with and be able to relax at the same time. That is one of the highlights for a people-lover like me; you can always find someone to hang out with and something to do. Well, homework and ice packs are calling me. Have a great weekend!

Worldview of Grace College

Now, that title was really just to lure you in...hope it worked.....because I don't really want to talk about the worldview of Grace College in general. I actually want to remember back to what brought ME to Grace (in response to the blog "What's Bringing you to Grace?" by Mark Weinstein). I was one of those people who was looking for the school that was way out of my league, so I could feel worthy going there. I remember criticizing Grace College for its small-town feel and the School of Music for being in its growth spurt. But I also remember sitting down after my audition with the board of music faculty, and asking Dr. Kavanaugh, dean of the music school, what his worldview for the vocal department was. And you know what he said? "I think that Christian performers should be musicians of excellence, the best they can be, and I want to send them out into the secular performing arts to make a difference with Christ's love and bring glory to God alone!" WOAH!!! Nowhere in my search for a Christian liberal arts education did I find the desire to send musicians into the "dark world of the SECULAR arts"! That is what made me come to Grace, knowing that I would have the chance to grow in my faith as well as musicianship, and be supported in my desire to be a performer in the professional secular field of opera for God's Glory! :)

So, by way of advertisement, Chamber Singers is giving a Madrigal Dinner as a fundraiser for our trip to South Korea this December! PLEASE COME, one and all!!!!!!! It will be much fun and entertainment, along with a great dinner. I don't know prices or times yet, but the dates are November 21 & 22. Email me if you want to know more about it, or our Korea trip.

All the trees on campus are orange now, it's pretty cool. Don't forget to bundle up!!! (or for those of us thin-blooded people from warmer climates, don't lose hope, it really is possible to survive Indiana winters... ;-b)

What's bringing You to Grace?

I was intrigued when I came across some video that was taken by Cara McNamara at the start of the current school year. What I learned is that people are seeing Grace as a great place to get an education--one that will prepare them for life! These students talked about the positive relationships, the Christian atmosphere, and the gifted faculty.

So why did you come to Grace? Or, why should you come to Grace College?

Moving Forward

It may not be on the same level as space travel or becoming major league baseball's home run hitting king, but Grace College's decision to offer a degree completion program, named GOAL, will revolutionize higher education in northern Indiana.

The first class of adult learners is set to begin in January 2009. Thursday, Dr. Manahan and a group from Grace, visited Ivy Tech for the purpose of signing an agreement with the Community College. This agreement will allow all Ivy Tech graduates to automatically enroll in Grace's GOAL program.

In the picture below, Dr. Manahan (center left) and Randy Maxson (center right), vice chancellor and Dean from Ivy Tech, are joined with others during the agreement signing ceremony. Attending from Grace were Cindy Sisson, director of graduate and adult enrollment, Bill Katip, provost, and Steve Grill, dean of adult and community education.

To see the enthusiasm from both schools was rewarding. For years, Grace has focused on traditional higher education and, seemingly, never entered in the Warsaw world. That has now changed in a big way and everyone, including Grace and residents throughout Kosciusko County, are the significant winners.

Who Will Buy?

I don't know if you're familiar with musical theatre, however, this morning was one of those "Oliver!" moments. On a beautiful English morning, Oliver sings, "Who will buy this wonderful morning. Such a sight, you never did see. Who will tie it up with a ribbon and put it in a box for me." As I walked to Personal Finance, a Tuesday routine that I dread, I was awakened by the sound of crunching leaves and the smell of fall. I couldn't help but wish I could somehow box up the moment to return to it at a later date. The way I work though, I would probably box it up and forget about it, just to find it two years later, expired and useless.

On a different note entirely, I got into the fall play, Flowers for Algernon. I have a small role, which is wonderful, because I have my work cut out for me with costuming. My friend, David, got some books for me from the library about fashion trends from the 60's and 70's, which is wonderfully helpful as long as I don't dress the cast like David Bowie.

This past weekend was the 3rd Annual Acting on Aids Lip Sync at Grace. David Lepor (the same from the aforementioned paragraph) and I served as the emcees. It was so much fun. You can find the video of David and I emceeing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xroFc1ZuP8. I emceed the variety show in high school, so I was glad to have some experience, but I had completely forgotten how much I enjoy emceeing and improv. If the Acting on Aids leaders read this and would like to find an emcee for next year, I'm sure I'll be available. *nudge, nudge* This post is getting a bit long, so I'll go ahead and wrap this up. You should be outside enjoying fall anyway. Have a lovely week. Keep on truckin'!

Catalyst

This past week was quite a bit different from weeks in the past. I had the chance to go to Atlanta, GA to a leadership conference. I went along with other Grace students and some other community leaders on a 12 hour drive to GA. The conference was full of amazing Christian speakers. Messages from Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey; even Billy Graham’s son was there. The experience was amazing! Surrounded by 12,000 other believers, worshiping the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ was like a little glimpse of heaven. I was able to learn applicable ideas to apply to our campus ministry outreach programs and can honestly say my faith will never be the same. I just want to say thanks for Grace for this opportunity and would recommend this conference to everyone!
http://www.catalystconference.com

I'm a baby blogger!!! :)

Well, here I am taking my first steps as a blogger!!! Actually, I feel a little conceited because here I am writing about my life so other people can read it. Weird, haha. :)

I had a revelation this week: I forget what I believe sometimes. I am in Understanding World Religions class, which for my music major is a liberal arts course. Pretty interesting, you know, but not life-changing...until, believe it or not, I had to read 4 articles on the integrity of Christianity and write a review on them. Now wouldn't you think, BORING?!? Yep that was me. BUT, as a critical thinker who has struggled many times with the illogical side of the Christian culture because they don't want to critically think about faith and its relevancy in the 21st century, I was refreshed by the information I read. Without shirking reason or facts or educated arguments, the articles patiently took its reader through the fundamental questions of faith and reminded me that Truth cannot be misrepresented or altered and still be Truth. The Christian faith IS reasonable and modern! Thank God!

Also, in other equally important issues ;), just when I thought Grace School of Music couldn't offer any more excitement for me as I finish up my last couple years, Dr. Jim Kraft tells me that I can pick ANYWHERE to perform my senior recital! In the past I've only seen music majors give their recital in Byers Music Department, but he said that isn't a requirement. So I am getting really excited now, my voice teacher and I are looking into these beautiful music pieces for me to learn, and I'm looking for a great accoustical environment to do it justice. YAY I can't wait, this is such a motivation as a musician!!!

Till next time, when hopefully I'll have a picture and everything for my profile! :)

What a day!

I have bounced around campus today like a rubber ball. Meetings with Jim Swanson and Aaron Crabtree in the morning, student ambassadors in the afternoon, followed by a chiropractor's appointment late in the day. What a pleasant day it has been--and did I say that it is 70 degrees and there are no clouds in the sky?

But, that's not the best part of today. The best part was when I learned in a meeting about the incredible unity and harmony that exists on campus among faculty, staff and students. This is quite unusual on college campuses. At least it has been unusual at the four other colleges that I've worked over the past 22 years.

This is a tribute to the great students who are learning at Grace. Keep it up because you (the students) make this a fun place to be every day of the week.

We are GC

BAGPIPES!! Who would have thought I could write a blog about bagpipes, and it still be about Grace too? So it’s fall, and soccer is in full swing. The student section at the games is CRAZY fun, and one of the main reasons is the bagpipes. There is a young man from the guys dorm (Beta 2 South) who owns bagpipes, and I must say is a fun addition to the student cheering section. Here’s the scenario… The game is tied 1-1 and there is a minute left. The Grace soccer team needs some encouragement, so what do we need? Let’s get some bagpipes!! Everyone starts clapping with the music, the team feels inspired, the kick…and it’s GOOD!!!! Grace wins, and the bagpipes play on. So the next time you are at the Grace soccer game listen up for the amazing tune coming from none other than bagpipes :) I wonder if he will be at the basketball games?

The Grand Premiere!

I realize I could have just titled it "My First Blog," but I feel that "The Grand Premiere" sounds far more exciting. So many things to say, and a mere few minutes to type them in. The semester has been going really well, thus far. My roommate and I are still getting along fabulously, which always makes life easier, and by "easeier" I mean bearable. In a few minutes, I have callbacks for the fall play, "Flowers for Algernon." Whether or not I get a part, I'm costuming the show and will really enjoy staying involved. I feel that If I'm not doing something theatrical at all times, the world falls down around me. See how dramatic that statement was? I was born for this. You will find out next Tuesday if I got a part. I know. You can hardly handle the excitement. I suggest filling your time with reading up on all of my old columns from this year and last. I have a humor column in The Sounding Board, Grace's newspaper. I have a lot of fun writing it. My goal is that you have a lot of fun reading it. This post is going to be shorter than most, as I must away to the theatre to wow the director with my dramatic skills. That's the idea anyway. Have a lovely day. Keep on truckin'!

I love my family

Wow, it’s been a month since I’d been home and I was starting to miss my family and friends, so I was excited to hear they were coming to see me this past weekend. As soon as they got here, I helped unload the car that was filled with homemade goodies!! Mama’s cooking!!! After a quick walk around campus, we decided to go down to the lake (Winona Lake) and play beach volleyball. There were a lot of people there ready for action. Several of the guys from my brother hall (the guys’ dorm that my hall is matched up with) were there to play. We played until the sun set over the water. Quite a sight to see! We headed back to the dorm and there were free root beer floats being given away (compliments of a local church)—can’t go wrong there!! We ordered some pizza and the people came running. The lobby was packed with football, cards, and pizza. The perfect trio. Then… oh wait… we wanted more ice cream so we headed over to Ritter’s—the best frozen custard in town—and we indulged once again! My family and friends loved Grace and I loved that they could come see the beautiful campus during the fall season. It’s probably a good thing they don’t come every weekend. The Freshman 15 weight gain would hit me as a Junior. ;)

Ambassadors

I just stopped down at the visitors center to ask the "Wonderful" Wanda and the "Lovely" Lee Ann some question (they run the office and take care of all visitors). While there a couple of the student workers (ambassadors) popped their heads out of the room to say hi. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to rub shoulders with this batch of students. I think they're awesome! Not only do they help contact potential students but they give tours and spend time with visitors. For me personally it is always so refreshing to chat with them, feed off their energy, and learn from them. I'm thankful that I get to share the office with them and hear about the stuff they are experiencing as students at Grace. It keeps me feeling young (which of course I am!!) and also keeps me in touch with what's going on around campus. Thanks for all you do, Ambassadors!!

A Cabaret!

This weekend some of our students are performing a cabaret on campus. The show is a combination of music, comedy, and talent. Some of the songs came from Broadway, some came from popular artists, and one was even written by a Grace student...

I went last night and had a GREAT time. I love seeing people utilize and enjoy the talents & abilities with which God has blessed them. I have some friends in the production, so I almost went hoarse from cheering. My favorite number was a rendition of "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" from Annie Get Your Gun. Christi Mann and David Lepor were the performers and they had great chemistry on stage.

If you are a Grace student reading this, go see the show this weekend! If you're a visitor to our website, then come visit us so you can see awesome productions like the cabaret!

Remember 9-11

Earlier today, Dr. Manahan spoke at Convocation on the paralells between the world we currently live and those written in Isaiah 6:1-8. Dr. Manahan illustrated his point through some photographs from the terrorist attack seven years ago today in New York City, Washington, D.C., and near Pittsburgh, Pa.

I was working at the time in Pittsburgh and vividly remember the day when airliners hit the Twin Towers in New York and at the Pentagon. The plane that landed less than one hour from my suburban Pittsburgh office caused the most fear among us because we considered evacuating the campus since the plane was in "Pittsburgh airspace."

But today, Dr. Manahan used the historical events from seven years ago to frame a talk about change and how Grace College students must seek knowledge from classes, but not at the detriment of missing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Such a relationship will result in the ultimate change in our lives.

How will your life be changed by attending Grace College? How has your life changed since 9-11?

Let me know by posting a comment to this blog.

So, for my first convocation as a Grace administrator, I found the hour meeting quite memorable, emotional and convicting.

Who are the bloggers?

Some people have asked the question, who are the bloggers? Well, the bloggers are members of the enrollment division at Grace College (seen to the right). They are, from left, Matt Little, Mark Weinstein, and Cara McNamara. All three have joined the Grace team since April 2008.

We're having a lot of fun sharing our thoughts and experiences at Grace College. You should join us.

Write on!

Fall Sports

It was a beautiful morning as I walked over to work today. Very crisp. Fall is in the air...corn maze anyone? I love a corn maze in the fall....being from Iowa its very natural for me : )But fall also means some great sports: soccer, football, volleyball, cross-country, and tennis. Which speaking of football...be sure to weigh in on the poll we have going on regarding this weekends big game: Ohio State vs. USC. We have a big OSU fan in the office......not me! I'm excited about this afternoons men's and women's soccer games. On Saturday there was a GREAT student turnout for the game. They had faces painted, bagpipes, drums, colored hair, and lots of energy. It was awsome! I'm sure that there will be another large group of students there today to energize the rest of the fans and students. Of course I love the men's soccer team because my husband is the assistant coach!!!
Well, I'm off to lunch (one of the best parts of the work day) and hitting up a big clothing sale at a local store.

Excitement

What a morning it has been on campus. There is so much excitement about the start of the new year among the students and faculty. I could just see it while I walked to the Orthopaedic Capital Center. WOW--great fun!

The admissions team, which is now called "The A-Team" met with the athletic staff this morning. The A-Team understands the importance of athletics and how it plays in the fabric of college life.

You should come for a Lancer athletic event soon. It's a wonderful experience!

Perfect Alumnus

Everyone knows that most Grace College alumni are typically happy people. Today, perhaps there is no one more happy than former Grace basketball great Doug Noll. Why? Not because he will be in the first class of the Grace athletic hall of fame, but because he just shot a hole-in-one this afternoon at Cedar Creek Golf Course in Leo, Indiana. I just finished talking with Doug on the phone, in between holes, and he shared the news of his perfect shot. This is the second time in his life that he's recorded a hole-in-one (1973).

Noll, the assistant coach of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants basketball team (affiliated with the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons) aced the Par 3, 115-yard hole at Cedar Creek.

Interesting Challenge

What a day it was today, trying to help an international student come to Grace. With classes just underway and some paperwork still to be processed, time was short to make it happen.

By the end of the day, though, we were successful. And the benefit was very rewarding when I gave him his class schedule. A big smile encompassed his face and it was clear to see his excitement of pursuing a bachlelor's degree. Last year he completed an associates degree at an area junior college--but now he is building upon his education.

That's just one reason why I work in higher education. It is very rewarding to help our students and future leaders!

In the beginning...

Today is the start of the 2008-09 academic year. Without question, it has been a year of transition, both for me as well as for the entire enrollment division at Grace College. Over the past five months, the College has hired five new people in admissions--the bulk of them are outstanding counselors. I am sure they'll do a great job of bringing in quality students to Grace.

Immediately following lunch, Matt Rupple, a junior from Defiance, Ohio and Lindsey Eilbacher, a sophomore from Centerburg, Ohio take a break to enjoy the day and each others' company by throwing the frisbee. Also attached is Jenn Gaylor, one of the newest admissions counselors talking with Sarah Humberd, a senior from York, PA about her plans after graduation. Take a look at these videos and see why I am so excited about the upcoming year in the Enrollment division. The staff and student staff members are great people--they just like learning, growing and working together.

After lunch today, I met with the student ambassadors, our group of students who interact with prospective students when they come on campus--or on the telephone. What an impressive group of young leaders!

In our post-lunch meeting, we talked about transitional items for the department and touched on some very aggressive, or stretch goals for our area. They all seemed excited about our future and playing a role in reaching our goals. I am sure they will even exceed my expectations.

It is going to be a great year!