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.