The End

DIVA's:
It has truly been a great year. I made new friends, re-established relationships with old friends. Increased my GPA. Found some amazing shoes but most of became a better DIVA for Jesus. I love looking back and reflecting on the outfits, the cups of coffee, and the moments spent shopping and laughing. Reflection is for the soul we can look back and then try to improve ourselves. However, I am looking forward to the summer. Going to salons and going to the beach. But most of all Being a DIVA for Jesus in style. I love the new summer fashions!

The Truth

During my time in University I have come to realize what a different person I am than when I started. I have learned so much about God from my time here. I am so glad that i've gone to a christian University so that I can learn topics from a Christ centered point of view. the world is against us Christians, so we should stick together and be prepared to give an answer for our faith. Our classes have taught us to do that. I am so glad that I don't have to sort through non christian ideas, but can always have the word of God and God's truth pointed out to me.

The graduation station please.

In approximately 3 days, I will be an official college graduate. My parents are freaking out about what I will do with myself when I get into the real world, and they wonder if I will make it in this horrid economy. I feel somewhat bad, but I had to stop their worried rant the other night and tell them to chill out. I don't want to live my life in fear of what will be. Sort of like scripture says, do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough worries of its own. So true! I want to enjoy the last few moments I have of this chapter in life, and I just have to trust that God has something in store for me.

-Liberal Lucy

Intro to Theology

As I am studying for one of my finals in an introduction to theology class it came to my attention that most often we have no idea the actual theology that we believe. We are raised in childrens church with such a surface level theology. There is so much I would have never known or understood. My brother goes to a secular state University, and he had an introduction to theology class as well. He was taught the same things. It was so fun to debate him, but then I realized I needed to ask myself the question: is it worth paying so much more money for a "Christian" education when I could take theology classes at a state Univeristy, saving about 10 grand a year??

Left Behind

As this school year is coming to a close, it will be so sad to see everyone go there separate ways, at least for the summer. And to the seniors, I pray that they find success in their new lives and continue living for God. For the rest of us that are left behind, I pray that this summer we all will make good decisions and continue to stay in touch for the months we are apart. It's been a good year everybody. Good luck for the future!

Almost done

Today, in the midst of finals week and everything else that is going on, I wanted to encourage you all to think of how much God has been there for you. Despite the struggles and the confusion, despite the frustration and the "am I going to be able to finish this!!!?" He is there. Reflect, ponder, pray...
You can do it everyone! Only a few days left before graduation!

The Sun is Setting On Twilight

So, I rented the movie "Twilight" and I just about feel asleep half way through it. I am quite puzzled by all of the hype (and the fact that the main characters look just like Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl), and wonder how this became a sensation. Though I have not read the book, I have read all of the hype surrounding the film. That fact that it was praised for "being erotic but not sexual," due to the fact that the author is Mormon and is using moral boundaries. That's great, but that does not mean that it means that the storyline is any good. The fact that this movie is hyped because of its lack of sex shows that Hollywoods exception should be the rule and that way, we are not forced to watch bad movies just because of their morals.

Tribu-what?

Today in class we talked about the concept of tribulation. I've always chuckled a bit when this is talked about, mainly because I can remember a time when my dad played a prank on us. My parents made us watch that cheesy film, Left Behind one day, and the girls went out for ice cream or something afterwards. We came back, and my dad had laid out his clothes, watch, etc.. on the floor to look like he had been raptured. All I remember is how he could not contain his laughter as he thought this was the most hilarious prank ever, and how I just could not help but think that this was the most sadly Christian thing ever. I keep hearing about how obsessed people are with when Christ will come...who cares?! He will come today, tomorrow, or whenever he darn well pleases, so just live your life like you ought to and be happy.

-Liberal Lucy

I don't need a pep talk.

I tell you what, I love music. In fact, I grew up around it, and I have a passion for worship. But when I turn on my car every morning this week and here over zealous, cheesy Christian radio talk show hosts trying to get my hard earned money, I think to myself, "Wow, is this really what we have to show for ourselves?" I believe that God does gift each one of us with special abilities that are uniquely chosen for us, BUT I also believe, unlike many, that God calls us to live a life of excellence. This means many different things, but I think it means that we are called to use those gifts well and to the very best of our ability. There has got to be a better way to connect with the world than cheesy one-liners about how rough life is.

-Liberal Lucy

What do I do now?

Graduation is right around the corner. I can almost taste the freedom....and it tastes good. But all of a sudden it his, what do I do next? After graduation what is there for me? Am I supposed to wait for God to tell me specifically what to do? Or can I start moving in a direction. I watched a video the other day called 101 things to do with a degree in communication. It gave me lots of great ideas. I know our christian campus has done a lot to try and prepare us scholastically, but what about emotionally? Am I ready to not know where I am going?

Can I make it

This morning I did my yoga, meditated for ten mintues, drank some coffee, read the Bible, all to prepare myself for everything that I have to do today. All of these things are supposed to be stress relievers, and all of these things are supposed to help enorphans be realized, in return making us "happy". Yet here I sit absolutely exahusted, and still have 5 papers to write for tomorrow. Will I make it? I am confused at a Christian organization why they don't understand balance and boundries. All this stress is not good for my health, no matter how much green tea I drink. Shouldn't the teachers be more understanding? Shouldn't they have a little more grace? After all, we have grace for them!

the desert.

So, for the past year I have been in this weird desert place in my walk with God. I still believe in God, but I have been struggling with understanding what it means to truly be a Christian. Growing up in the church, I have seen my fair share of church politics. My dad, a pastor, was asked to leave the church he was pastoring because he wasn't speaking in tongues frequently enough. (At this church, the presence of God was determined by how often the pastor would speak in tongues) Although this happened when I was younger, these things have only become more apparent to me as I have changed to new churches. It seems that every church I go to, there is something off about it. Either the pastor doesn't use scripture in his sermons, or the worship team is more like a performance, etc.. I hate to be so picky, but I really just want to be in a real, genuine church, like the kind of church Christ envisioned. I remember learning last year about a thing called organic church, and I tried it, and it was very refreshing. It was genuine worship and sharing, which is hard to find these days.

-Liberal Lucy

Quality Education

As this semester winds to a close, we have been doing professor evaluations in every class. I have been noticing differences in my opinions of my instructors and this has caused me to reflect on my courses here. Was my private, Christian University education worth it? The answer may scare you, but I have come to the conclusion that because this is a Christian establishment, the standards here seem to be one of grace instead of one of good quality. Why don't we have the strictest standards on our teachers and our education so that we can be respected members of the working community? I am afraid that my education is outdated and shallow and not going to hold water against someone else from a secular college. I appreciate the Christian ethics I am learning here, but what I don't know is scaring me. What do you all think?

Keeping up the Faith

DIVA's:
As you know I always try to have a positive outlook on life. However, life has been hard. I have never been the kind of question that would got mad at God or wanted to not continue in my journey of faith. But recently due to events in my life it has been hard to keep the faith. But the scripture that says my grace is sufficient for you keeps playing in my head. I remember that and know that God will pull me through. I want to encourage all you DIVA's to keep the faith if when life is hard. Remember it is okay to feel but remember that we serve a God that is bigger than our trials and wants to comfort us.

Busy Busy Busy

Wow there is a lot to do to finish the semester. As I am doing it all I realize I don't remember the last time I stopped to pray, or to journal, or read my bible. It came to my conclusion that solidarity can be a good thing, and the quiting of the spirit. But more imporatantly does God ever tired of our business? The other day I came out of the library into the middle of shopping cart races on campus. There were people everywhere enjoying themselves and filling there evenings with community, yes, but is it just meaningless entertainment? Should we be this busy?

Dead WeeK

It's the end of the school year, and dead week is upon us. Still, I can't seem to find enough time to do all the things I need to do in the next two weeks! I know I need to give my stress and anxiety over to the Lord, and I pray that everyone will look to Him for strength in the coming days as another year comes to an end.

Testing 1,2,3...

Sometime I think God really enjoys testing us. Not in a mean, vindictive sort of way, but in a loving way. He likes to challenge us. To make us think to make us live out our faith. The film Evan Almighty makes this claim very well. Although the movie is spreading a message with some really wacky theology ,"God" (played by Morgan Freeman) does show some wisdom when he says,
" If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does he give them opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for their family to be closer, you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"
this is exactly the point I am trying to make. In the midst of the chaos of finals, the stress of finishing school, graduation, he is calling us to patience...

Think out of the bun.

I love Taco Bell, and not because of their ridiculously yummy food, but because of their tag line, "Think out of the bun." I realized today how easy it is to do things the way that we have always done them and feel comfortable doing them. Not that some of these ways are wrong, but I wonder sometimes if the church is falling behind in their relevance to the world. Some would argue that the church should never change because God doesn't change, but I think that we should follow the example of Christ. Christ never compromised Himself to reach out to someone, but He DID alter how he presented the truth so that it was relevant and understandable to certain crowds. We need to adopt more of this mentality. Time to think out of the bun...errrr box.

-Liberal Lucy

What's in the news.

I am an online news junkie. Seriously, on my break times at work I am checking redding.com for the latest and greatest on our good old town. Most of the time it's the same old, same old, but every once in awhile something really controversial gets posted, like a brief article on a business whose owners attend a local church. Oh man, step aside, as these articles receive a flood of comments. Some of the comments are arguing against the affiliation of a business to a church, and then the others are "Christians" throwing scripture back at the others for their "blasphemous" talk. I read to the bottom of these comments out of curiosity today and I remember shaking my head in disgust. This is why the world sees what we have to offer and turns away. Lately I've been thinking about how there is a real lack of unity within the church. If we can't all agree on some fundamental and even other things, then how can we expect someone else to get behind us? For all they know, we could be on the train to nowhere.

-Liberal Lucy

Drama Drama Drama

I've been taking Drama class this entire semester and we had our performaces last weekend. I find the idea of acting very interesting as a Christian. How is it that we are to put on a different role of a different person and mask who we are and Christ through us? I tried to think about it in the vain that if I am the best I can be at this craft than people will look to my life and ask why and then be able to see the Lord through my talent. But is that true? Also, I am struggling with the idea that some of the roles in the play involve kissing other students just because it is in the scene. I am shocked at what are we willing to do for an audience!

Chapel Attendance

DIVA's:
My school requires each student to go to chapel. At my school the chapels are not really diverse. I never really noticed this before it seemed the same as my church back home and I love the praise and worship leader. I felt she does a good job bringing in new songs and I truly admire her heart for worship. However, after talking to some friends of mine I now see their point. They feel they can't worship in a setting. But I say we have to worship God in anyway possible. If you worship God by Strutting it then you do that. Just because the worship is not your favorite type you still should worship from the heart. But I really want to talk about attendance. I feel attendance should not be required. We are Christians and know that we should gather together and worship God. But I feel making students Go doesn't promote our own spiritual growth and development. But since my school does require there are the super chapel goers who judge us who don't always have the time. Sometimes other things in life require us to miss we shouldn't be judge for a missing a chapel here and there! Plus I am a DIVA for Jesus and go to chapel or not going to chapel doesnt effect my relationship with him.

Good Friday

I love that we call this "good Friday." It IS good! Even though something bad was happening, God brought great glory out of it. And in fact, it was his plan all along. I'm so excited to see what he has in store for me, and for you. Good friday always reminds me of God's faithfulness and his ability to triumph over evil. Isn't that was good friday is all about? I don't think we christians should focus on Jesus' suffering, but on his ressurection, and the hope that we have in him.

A day of freedom!

There is no school today. I am sure there is homework I could be doing, but I am not wanting to yet. I find myself curious though, are we so busy as a culture becasue we dont know what to do with our spare time? As I have continued to grow throught his life I have noticed often when I have free time I don't quite know what to do. I paint, or go for a walk, but that only takes so long. I am curious as to what you guys think. Do you ever feel awkward when you have free time?

I Didn't Get My Spring Ring

What happens now that another year has passed and I did not find the perfect man that I had anticipated when I began attending a Christian College? Now I started to get panicked-- if I don't find someone here, where will I find someone who loves the Lord? I mean I trust that the Lord is faithful and will provide someone when the time is right, but if I wait until I get into "the real world" there is so much more filtering that has to be done to see if a man actually have a strong faith in the Lord. If only I can get that hottie from my Faith and Culture class to notice me....

Time

So I was reading this article in TIME magazine about fashion in young people. Apparently, more girls from the age of six to ten years old are using beauty products than have done so at any other time in history. From makeup to hair styling products, this young crowd is being groomed by the beauty industry as early as possible. they often have regularly scheduled manicures, pedicures and salon appointments. (I'm 22 years old and I've only had a pedicure once. and I go to Great Clips!) How sad that Americans are so obsessed with looks! When will it stop? Why do you think we are so caught up in appearance? Is is a cultural thing? Does it have to do with this time period in history? How influential is the media in fueling this obsession? Tell me what you think!

Paparazzi

Unfortunately, I have an obession with beauty and style magazines. I love to read about the latest trend, see the latest fashions, and read about the goings on in Hollywood. When I see the photos of celebrities out and about, I am excited that they do the same things as us "real people." Yet, when there is a photo in a magazine where someone has snapped a photo of them inside their own home or yard, I get very concerned. In my Mass Media class we learned that the rules of privacy do not apply to someone who chooses to be in the public eye and therefore, they can be followed to the point of danger in order to get photographed. I'd love to say that I refrain from reading the magazines that blatantly use paparazzi but aren't I feeding into the system simply by being interested?

Bad things

It is interesting to me as I continaully learn about how great God is through my classes and chapel that no one touches the subject of bad things, and howcome they happen. Is it because we are scared? Maybe even that we like to pretend like they don't exist. The other morning when I was drinking my soy latte at a local coffee shop I heard a young girl talking with her friend about the recent death of her father. How she had been trying to move on, as he pastor told her that it was best to "forgive and forget." I was astonished. Forget your father? What a rediculous concept! I am open to most things in the world, but not that! So I want to poke at the pastors, and theologians, lets touch the hard stuff, lets deal with reality. Why not be real?

Elle

Today, I was reading Elle magazine. This is not usually something I do, but I was curious about something that was written on the front cover. It was an interview with Reece Whitherspoon. I have always admired her as an actress, and as a celebrity who tends to stay out of the lime light. However, in reading the article I found out that she has recently gotten divorced. Normally, I would say that she was wrong, and should have stayed to work things out. But she stated that he was abusing drugs and alchohol. So..I understand her need to leave. If only for her children's safety. do you agree? Down south I see a lot of women who's husbands like beer just a little bit too much. what do you think of this? Is divorce ever ok?

Cover of Darkness

Last night was a pretty calm night on campus. I seemed to spend a lot of time just with myself and decided to go on a walk out in the fresh night air. I reached just outside the gate of campus when my stomach started to really hurt. I sat down and proceeded to watch the cars go by while I thought about stuff. What came to my mind really caught me off guard. Darkness itself is not always such a bad thing. It is what is done in the darkness that can be bad. I myself used the darkness to reflect on my life and my relationship with God. I calmed me and lifted my spirits. Strange, I know, but it worked for me. Everyone needs there place they can go to where they can reconnect with God. Mine just happened to be a starry night.

P.S. Happy April Fool's Day!

A Journey of Faith

When I was home this past week, I stumbled upon a file that was saved on my parents computer. I opened it and read it and realized that I had written this for fun (I don't do that anymore!) a couple years ago when I was not being as consistent with my devotions as I had been growing up. If you read between the lines, I was saying that reading the Bible was going to tell me what I did not want to hear at the time. Thank God for grace-- and redemption.

It's unassuming nature leaves much to be desired.

Desired and still untouched, intimidated by the sheer weight of what you'll find.

Awaking mystery, tempting faith, rousing fears, and provoking questions in the most hardened of minds and closed-off of hearts.

Secrets lie beneath the tough exterior. Before it's even opened, it whispers, "I know something that you don't...."

Light catches the silver-foiled edges, and you know that what you'll find inside will shine so brightly that you will have to avert your eyes, as if the sun was beaming.

Gradually, it entices, then entrances: "Just open and read." You grow thirsty and your stomach pangs with hunger.

In the blink of an eye, the pages fall open, and what is revealed is not as terrifying as you once thought it would be. The world melts in a pool of water at your feet and heaven descends to rest on earth. We then see with heavenly eyes as mysteries are revealed, faith gains strength, fear loses power, and questions are silenced with one simple word: Love. And as your thirst is quenched and your hunger is satiated, the knowledge that you know with your head is overcome with a knowing that floods your soul.

And then you have to avert your eyes once again -- because the Son is beaming.

Lost

Once, when I was seven, I got lost in a grocery store. I panicked, looking all around for my mom. She was no where to be found. I didn't know where to turn, or where to look. At first I ran around the store as fast as I could, searching for her. At every corner I thought I saw her, only to find out it was another woman with the same hair cut. Eventually, I got tired and out of breath and stopped running. discouraged, I sat down and started to cry. I was too scared to ask anyone to help me or to tell them that I was lost. So I sat, helpless.
All of the sudden, I heard the store clerk over the loudspeaker. She said my name! She told me my mother was waiting for me at the front of the store! I ran to my mom and was so happy to see her-so happy to be found.

thinking about this, I realized that God is like that. We can't always tell that he's there. we feel lost without him... wondering around looking in all the wrong places. but he is there. and if we lsiten closely, he will call to us.

Be Strong

ATTENTION DIVA's:

Dramatic Drea here. I need to tell you all out there that we need to stay strong as DIVA's. I was listening to Ne-Yo's She Got Her Own and I realized that we don't need a man. We only need Jesus. The song talks about how the man character loves the girl because she doesn't need him. So for you DIVA's who don't understand me let me break it down for you:
We need Jesus and him only. Yes God does bless us with significant others but we can't let them get in the way of our relationship with God. Secondly we need a good pair of High Heels and girlfriends. Remember we are only as strong as the friends we shop with, the shoes you buy and the stores you shop at. So I hope you all finish the school year strong and celebrate Easter with family and friends!

Opra or Opera

Easter is right around the corner and I have started to think about how I will celebrate it this year. Being the eclectic girl I am I love all types of different celbrations. The Church of Opera is having a modern celebration....I wonder what that means??? But then, my parents church is having the traditional service with the choir (which i perfer to call an opera b/c it is just as boring!). So, when you don't know exactly how to celebrate something that you believe in, because it happened so long ago, how do you know what to do? Where do you go? I know Jesus died for me and rose again, but is that it? How do I fit that into my yoga routines? So much to think about....

Easter=Comical?

I can just hear your shouts now responding to my offensive title to the blog. Well, before you get on your high horse let me explain. I rain across a comedian by the name of Jim Gaffigan the other night...hilarious! He did a piece on holidays and a section of that was on Easter. Check it out before continuing to read:



So I hope you got some good laughs out of that clip, because I sure did! But really, when you think about it, so many of our Christian holidays are spent spending money on little trinkets, candy, and other material things that are not at all what the holiday itself is about. Sometimes I wonder what God thinks of what we've made of Easter. We have added things onto it, traditions and other practices like the Easter bunny. All He really wants is for us to take a genuine moment out of our day to reflect and praise Him for the magnificent gift we were given and His awesome power. I'm off to dye my Easter eggs....I get extra points at Bible Study for the best one.

-Sincerely, Liberal Lucy

Busy Busy Busy

So it is spring break at my Christian Campus but I have yet to see it. I like to volunteer in the community, and I am planning a wedding, so I have been running around like a crazy woman trying to plan everyones life including my own. Oddly enough I have found that my favorite part of this busy season has been my relationship with God. I have spent the least amount of time with him than ever before I thought I was going to collaspe this week - bad timing. So in the midst of this I realized...where does my God go when I get busy! I think I discovered he is always there...just waiting for me to "notice" Him...

Sorry Life gets in the way

DIVA'S
I am so sorry I haven't been posting! Well I caved in I started wearing heels again. I searched my heart and have realized that I was doing it because my friends were doing it not because I wanted too. I would just substitute something for heels like cute flats or wedges but not pray anymore. So I decided I will add things to my life during lent. I spend more time with God this way.

Thank you for your support

Dramatic Drea

Spring of Life

Has anyone taken the time to notice all of the flowers that are blooming all around campus? They are so pretty! Spring has truly arrived on campus. That makes me so happy. I love springtime. During the springtime, you can really see the beauty in God’s wonderful creation when everything is bursting with life.

It reminds me of the life I have in Christ and being made new in Him. It’s an amazing thought. No matter how long the winter lasts, spring is always right around the corner to bring new life to a deadened world. It’s a hope in all of us Christians for God to bring a renewing spirit and life to this world, and I can’t wait until spring is in full bloom.

The Oscars...

I know the oscars happened awhile ago, but I thought I'd bring them up. Did ya'll enjoy them? do you follow celebrities like most Americans? I found the Oscars to be intersting and sobering. Sean Penn's nomination was upsetting to me, because it is an indication of where our society is headed. We don't care about the sanctitiy of marriage anymore. And other films that were nominated, like Kate Winselet's Revolutionary Road and The Reader were both shocking displays of messy hurtful relationships. No wonder we can't get this dating thing down, when all we have to go off of are movies in which people can't hold their lives together. This is so sad! We should create films that don't show gay people, or people struggling in marriages. we should create films that show christian values and ideas instead. Hollywood would probably never respect them, but at least it would give Christians something to watch instead of all that mindless drivel.

25 cent Jesus

You won't believe what I saw last night in Food Maxx. Seriously, I was just walking out, feeling quite content with all the money I saved on groceries, when I noticed one of those 25 cent machines that all the kids love. This one was particularly interesting because the title of the machine read: Instant Faith. I'm not even kidding, I wish I was. Basically, you put in 25 cents and you can get a number of things: a toy Bible, prayer beads, etc.. Wow...thanks, I'll take my 25 cent Jesus today too.

-Liberal Lucy

Day of birth..

Hey everyone!
So sorry I was late with my blog post this week. Life gets a little crazy at times, as I'm sure ya'll know. Anyway... I was just thinkin about birthdays. The cake. Pin the tail on the donkey. Friends. Blowing out the candles.... Birthday parties as children were FUN! Remember when you were a little kid, and you wished for a pony, or a new toy or a sunny day for the rodeo? Wishes sure change when you grow up... Or do they...? Thinking about birthday wishes got me thinking of prayer. How often do we actually pray for someone else? How often do we take the time to ask God to help our friends and family in distress? Do we still ask God for "toys" or some other type of reward? I'm ashamed to admit I've asked God for one too many ponies when I should have noticed the sad look on my best friend's face, and prayed for her sick family member instead.
Its easy to think of ourselves. Its easy to ask God to meet our needs. But really, we should be praying on other's behalves as well...

Lent as the Pocket Fuzz of Christianity

Here's the thing about lent, it's something we do as a showy act of our supposed Christian faith. The concept itself is really good: giving something up to God so to show Him that you are committed and faithful to Him alone. What it has turned into is a showy affair of: guess what I'm giving up for lent? My point is proven by a Facebook event someone had created. The event: I'm Giving Up Facebook for Lent. Yes, it's true, this girl had decided to give up Facebook for God and announce to her entire Facebook network. I was shocked, in my opinion, these acts shouldn't be put out there to glorify yourself, rather, it should be done in private to glorify God, the purpose of lent in the first place.

-Liberal Lucy

Lent...What do you give up?

Attention DIVA's:
Yours truly has given up high heels for lent. Yes I know shocking right? You are probably asking your self how can a true DIVA do that? Well this DIVA loves Jesus. My life desires is being a true DIVA that loves Jesus just with better shoes I have decided to fast.This was a hard decision girls. Because I had to decide what I loved the most. Well we all know that I love high heels the most so in order to grow closer to my Jesus I gave up high heels for forty days. I want change y'all and I am will to do anything to change myself for the better. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice, so I will deny my flesh so my spirit can draw near to him. I love the process of changing and I know power is perfected in weakness.

Dramatic Drea

Midterm sickness

It is very unfortunate that midterms have to fall during the time of the year when everyone seems to get sick. The bug that has been going around school has been majorly affecting students on campus. They are kept from their jobs and it has a negative affect on their school work and attendance. Now is the time when we all need our strength to study and do our homework so as to pass our classes, but it is hard when everyone around you seems to be getting sick and even passing along the sickness. I believe it would be in the best interest of all the students if we helped one another out during this time. Those that are healthy to take care of the sick, especially if one of your roommates is sick. It is part of our Christian duty to take care of those in need.

Guess what I found out?

I found out recently that when our student handbook changed, the school newspaper was told NOT to run a story informing the students of the changes. What was the change that the newspaper wanted to cover? That it was no longer against the rules for students over 21 to drink alochol in moderation during the spring/winter break and during the summer (which changed from no drinking, ever, as an enrolled undergraduate student). Now, I don't get why anyone would want to drink anyway, but I do wonder how many changes happen that we aren't told about. Why the censorship?

Bambino!

I've been thinking about children lately. specifically, children in single parent homes. It's so sad-I see so many single moms these days. It just sickens me to think of those poor children who have to be raised without a father in their lives. Kids just don't have a fighting chance. Abortion, because it is legal, is happening ALL the time, and only makes the situation worse! Moms think they can go out and have sex with whoever they want. If they don't want to keep the baby, they just have an abortion. But then their biological clocks start ticking and they decide they want to keep the baby and wham! another child is brought into a terrible and unfair home situation. single moms are just incapable of giving a child what he or she needs. They so often go off and party and leave their child with a day care provider without thinking twice about it. It shouldn't be legal for single parents to have children (unless its a situation where a spouse died). When my grandma was in her 20s there were no single moms-people were married or they got married once they had a child together. That is how it should be. and if that isn't an option the child should be put up for adoption.

MILK! and cookies??

So...I think I was supposed to post on this thing like two weeks ago...oops! Sorry, so many more important things to do. Did anyone see Sean Penn's AMAZING speech last night at the Oscars? Wow, definitely a man to inspire the masses. What's even better is that while he isn't gay himself, he really just believes in the movement to make all have equal rights! Personally, I think as Christians, we should be embracing all walks of life...we do anyways right? You know that person that sits next to you in church every week cheats on her taxes every year? Or that man you work with lies all the time? Oh and that friend of yours that you take care of every week when she comes home drunk, yeah that's what we call loving an alcoholic. Isn't it interesting how we can CHOOSE to love some people despite their life choices, but for others we immediately put up the wall. Sounds very Christ-like to me. I still remember that quote from Ghandi once, "I like your Christ, but I don't like your Christians." Hmmm...a little food for thought.

- Liberal Lucy

Truth or Consequence

My hermeneutics teacher brought up something interesting on Friday. He asked the class what happens when we sin. The class came up with the usual, "God is disappointed," and "We have to repent." And he said, "What does the Bible say?" The class came up with all of these passages that have to do with our sin already being forgiven and that we won't be judged on our sin. He then prodded us further: "Then what happens when we sin?" A girl in the class raised her hand, "perhaps when we sin, there are no cosmic consequences, but only the consequences that naturally occur when we do something wrong. Lying means getting caught and having to apologize, stealing means having to go to jail. Maybe the Bible is simply the best way to live." The teacher nodded his head and said, "What are we so afraid of in sin if we are in Jesus?"

I'm afraid that this will give people license to go crazy and break the rules if they think they are forgiven from the start. Guidelines are in place for a reason! What will happen if people are content with settling for the natural consequences?

Touchy Feeliness

As Valentine's Day just passed, I began to wonder about the need to clearly clarify the rules for dating and even non-dating couple's amount and type of physical contact with each other. I love seeing all the adorable couples around campus holding hands and looking all cute but it seems that each individual has their own perception of how far, physically, is acceptable. As one of those couples at a Christian college, I often get confused on what is acceptable and what is not to each individual. For example, one time I saw this couple in one of the boy's dorm lobbies. They were all hugging each other and teasing each other. Their friendly atmosphere was interrupted when someone with a little authority in that dorm came over to them and said they were in trouble for "awkward cuddling." Without the rules for physical contact clearly defined, it is often easy to misstep, especially when everyone has different ideas of what is acceptable and what isn't. Couples at our college need to be able to know their limitations so that they do not have to worry about getting in trouble for showing their feelings for the other person in a physical matter. I would rather see the happiness of couples on campus or the stressed out, upset couples that fight.

This is My Space

We have our own personal. And we choose to invite people in our space, well those whom deserve to come in. Our space can include the chair we sit in class, our bed at school, dressing room etc. Space is important!!! People around the world should respect it! Let me just tell you about an invasion of space I had yesterday. I was at the mall and I was trying on dresses, you know just preparing for my Friday. I was talking to my friend whom worked at the store and she brought me out this dress to try on that I thought was horrible. Like talk about ruining my DIVA status. Well I tried it on anyway. Well even after I tried it on I was still not feeling the dress. Well I came back out of the dressing and this lady who was shopping with her sister and niece. I was complaining to my friend and the lady joined us in our conversation. So my friend gave me another dress. But as I was trying on the dress my DIVA sense came on and I knew it was NOT going to WORK as I was putting it on. I told my friend that the dress just was not rockin’ and that lady came BUSTING into my dressing room. She adjusted my dress. So I told she better get to steppin and back up off me! She told me that I shouldn’t have an attitude! Then she insulted my new pair of boots and called them man boots. I told her she wouldn’t know a good pair of boots if they hit her in the face. I told her I was going to hit her in the face if she didn’t stop talkin’ at me. She told me I wasn’t gonna hit anybody. So I took out my ear rings and told my friend to hold em’ and the lady saw I was serious and backed off. Just because I’m a sister and so is she does not give her a right to come in my dressing room and invade my space like that. SHE DON’T KNOW ME! People all around the world respect people’s space!

True Love?

Good evenin' y'all!
This weekend I went to see a movie with my momma. We don't get out too often, but decided to treat ourselves to day off, and watched He's Just Not That Into You. She and I were both very disappointed! As you probably know the movie follows people who were either looking for someone to love or were in a relationship. It is really sad to think that people believe that they can find their soul mate by dating.
Let me tell you guys, that is NOT the way God would have wanted it. God doesn't want us dressing up all fancy and polishing our belt buckles to go to dinner with a guy until suddenly, we find The One. I think he would want us to be pursed by a guy through courtship, like they did in the Bible. A guy shouldn't call a girl before he talks to her dad and asks if he can court her. The guy and gal should be friends first! They should never be alone together as this only creates temptations. They should be friends, and ask each other what they are looking for in a spouse.
People in that movie were dating when they weren't ready to be married. Why else would you date? There is no point unless you want to settle down and have a family, right? The guys and gals in that movie were reckless, they gave themselves away to people who didn't really care about them. One of them even LIVED with her boyfriend of seven years before they got married!
I wish people understood that dating is wrong and that courtship is really the way to go. If you want to know about it read a book called I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris.

Thinking outside of the box

I am currently a student at a Christian University too. When I first stepped my little black stiletto on campus I thought it was great that I was going to be able to be surrounded by Christian friends, be apart of a Christian environment, and eventually become a pastor. I never questioned why we weren't aloud to drink, or have sex, it just was the way it was. As I have gotten older, and in my opinion wiser, throughout the last few years it seems as though everything I hoped for in the beginning I now despise. Here is why:

Why should we just be told something and believe it? Why is it not OK to drink? Why should I not have sex with my ever so dreamy fiance, I mean we are spending the rest of our lives together right? As far as my theology goes do I really believe everything I have been taught? What about the major "hype" we have been hearing over the past year of Oprah's church? I love Yoga, is that wrong?

It is easy to get into a Christian box, and never question, never wonder, and become a strict regimented robot who only believes what they are told and does not search anywhere else. However, as I have continued to find my solid footing over the past 42 months I have found that sometimes you need a little Oprah, a little yoga, a little worship, a little sermon, and a little (or big) glass of white wine. It seems as though all that combined is my recipe for a great life, and religion.

Pretty Snowflakes Falling on My Head

Hello everyone,

I am Gentle Jeanie, a romantic and kind-hearted soul upon this beautiful and wonderfully made earth.

Oh, um, anyways, did anyone see the beautiful snowfall that fell on the campus the other day? It was very pretty. The preciousness of it all was the snowball fights between all the boyfriends and girlfriends. So cute! God was blessing our wonderful Christian campus by allowing snow to fall and us to enjoy it. Thank you, Lord, and please continue blessing our school. :)

Who are you representing?

ATTENTION DIVA's:

As a DIVA's we all want to look good and represent right? But we always must remember who are representing. As Christian DIVA's we should not be walking around all boobalicious or bootylicious. I mean I love a good pair of Apple Bottom Jeans and I do have boots with fur but I remember that first and foremost I represent Jesus then my fellow DIVA's. DIVA's you should not be dressing for that brother sitting behind you. If he is a good brother then he should want your mind and not what is below your waste. Think about it DIVA's next time you put on a outfit look in the mirror and ask what is it representing: your true self or your need for attention. Being a DIVA doesn't mean you should dress all scandolous but being a DIVA means you love yourself and others. DIVA is the version of a woman with respect for herself. Tyra says to look in the mirror and take off an accesory but Drea says to look in the mirror and ask who does this outfit represent?

Always Being a DIVA for Jesus,
Dramatic Drea

Godly Teaching

Hey y'all!
This is the first post in the chapel chicks blog, and I'm excited to start our conversations off with a bang! I'm not the type to sugar coat things, and I tend to be very opinionated, so don't be offended if I sound harsh at times.

As a student at a Christian University, I want education that is presented in a godly way. I LOVE that professors open every class with prayer, and that they have the freedom to do so. I think it is wonderful that students are required to take Bible and Theology classes along with their major courses. In my opinion, every class should incorporate Christianity in some way. After all, we came to a christian University to learn from a christian point of view, not from people who do not old the same values we do. When it comes to the subject of science, I'm a little perturbed at how some schools are choosing to handle the subject. The theory of evolution is taught in christian schools. Should this be happening? I do not think it is honoring to God to be teaching a lie about his creation. If you believe that the world was created, not in six days as the Bible says, but that it happened over the course of billions of years, you are denying what the Bible says. If you choose to deny that part of the Bible, why not deny all of it? Why would I go to a school that doesn't teach how every subject (including science) fits into the Bible and Christianity? Isn't that what I'm paying for?

How do you feel about it? I'd love to hear your comments!