Graduated! woot...

What a strange feeling. Everyone keeps asking me if I feel any difference now that I'm officially graduated, and I always have to shake my head and say "not a bit"! It's not like I love saying that, but it's the truth. I... I just... can't allow myself the satisfaction of graduating in my own mind. Probably mostly because I actually haven't finished, and I have perty much no confidence that I'll whip it out here quick and be done. And... I don't know what all to say. I just have major issues with myself that I intentionally set up to hinder my enjoyment of just about anything... grand. So, here is your seriously depressed, self-loathing, "accomplished and we're-so-proud-or-you"(ICK!) psuedo-graduate saying, fare well. Fare better than I, because I wish this trash on no one.

A shout-out to the few who will see this...

I just wanted to let you all know that whatever it is that makes you think I'm such a jolly guy with minimal problems who always has something funny to say, it's a mask, one that I wear so often I frequently forget I have it on. So... don't think that I have any answers or anything. And don't believe it when it looks like I'm happy, because I've just forgetten myself for a while.

That is all.

A Good Reminder/Refreshing Perspective on Legalism...

I found this is the book I'm read called Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. He's speaking in the context of tithing, specifically excuses people might make not to tithe. But what he says is so well put and important, I just had to post it. :)

Excuse: "Tithing is legalistic."

Response: "Any legitimate practice can be done with a legalistic attitude. The fault is with the heart, not tithing itself. What I have noticed, however, is that some people call anything "legalism" that sets a responsiblity upon them or requires discipline from them. If any principle gets too close to home, starts meddling in my life, requires sacrifice or commitment on my part, then I can dismiss it simply by calling it "legalistic". Hence, legalism easily becomes a convenient label to cover up my own unwillingness to obey God."

Christmas Eve and an Excited God

Last night, during Mr. Rouse's message at the Christmas Eve service, I was struck by how God, and probably Jesus, and the angels, must have all felt that night Jesus was born.



I mean, they were all there when Adam and Eve were created, and it was the grandest time anyone on this earth's ever had.



They were also there when the two human image-bearers decided that they wanted something that sounded better, and ended up getting the worst deal possible. Even though God knew it would happen, I can't imagine that there wasn't some sadness involved in the heavenly places.



All through the ages, prophets would come, angels would appear, and God would use various circumstances to point to the coming of a human Savior. But only God knew the timing on that one! What about the angels, constantly serving but just wondering "how long Lord? How long until you finally set your master plan in motion?"



And then, the night came. It's almost like opening night for the biggest Broadway production ever. And God's plan got seriously underway. Thousand of years of anticipation and foretelling were, at LONG last, beginning to unfold!



What would it have been like to hear those angels singing to the shepherds? What they said was just about the most natural thing to say, considering the situation. "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace among men on whom His favor rests!" God was firing up Phase 2 and it was EXCITING!

(continued from Christmas morning...)

So, are we as excited about the Savior coming as they were? And we even get to see the whole picture front to back! Perhaps we're in need of an enthusiasim adjustment... :)

Life...

Man, I have not posted in forever! I had a great Thanksgiving, and hope you all did as well. I am really looking forward to this Christmas season and all it may bring. Speech class isn't easy, but I am enjoying my duo with Rachel A. quite a lot. I am so thankful for all the awesome opportunities God has given me, for the unfathomable ways He has blessed me, and how He is working in mine and my friends' lives! He's just awesome like that..... :) Someday hopefully I will post the two great stories of the past months for your enjoyment and edification.

Resuming...

It's been busy since I got back from TPC, but many great lessons were learned, lots of practical knowledge was bestowed upon me, and I had a great time! Now, back to life as a sorta-senior. Cheers!

A New Adventure!

For the many who haven't heard, I am imminently (as in 30 minutes) departing for Georgia to participate in Teenpact's Challenge Basic and Challenge Extreme! I shall return late on October 18th. Please pray for safe travels, good connections, and much learning and growth on the part of the participants! See you all later!