Follow Your Dreams

Today was the last day for one of our Graduate Assistants. As gaining entrance into law school is quite a challenge, Kim has decided to leave her position in order to follow her dream and fulfill God's will by going to law school. Her dedication to just up and leave her position spawned a little poem that I wrote today, and I thought I would share it with you... (yes, I write poetry)

Follow Your Dreams

Every day you wake and every day you pray,
Open your eyes to the dreams,
That will bring glory to God today.

Every day you work and every where you look,
Open your eyes to the dreams,
That will alter the path you once took.

Every day you rest and every day you sleep.
Close your eyes and dream away,
For the dreams you have are the dreams you should seek.

Follow your dreams.

If you have dreams that for whatever reason you have set aside, consider investigating them a little further. You never know what kind of journey upon which God will lead you...

Convenient Commercial Conversations

You know what really irked me today, well I was not really perturbed, but I have to question the integrity of one particular morning radio show host. Are we really supposed to believe that these announcers really use all the products they say they do and in the way they say? Granted, celebrity endorsements are nothing new in the world of advertising, but the manner in which it is done, I think, really speaks to the integrity of the celebrity. For instance, there was an announcer this morning talking about Purina dog food. He said someone recommended it to him and that he noticed “immediate results” and that the dog “had more energy, a shinier coat” et cetera. It was obviously a plug for Purina, but I guess what irked me is the manner in which it was done.

Speaking in a conversational tone about some product that nobody really has “commercialized” conversations about is misleading. Those commercials were a group of women are talking about the latest pharmaceutical are ridiculous. A group of twenty-somethings chatting in a lovely living room about ____________ (you fill in the blank with your favorite wonder-drug). They are laughing and giggling. Conveniently, one girl has all the answers and the rest all ask pertinent questions that provide perfect segues to the next important point. In 30 seconds, listeners are completely educated about the wonder drug. This of course, is not really realistic.

Now, back to the unnamed morning radio DJ. He started talking about his trip he took to see his brother-in-law in Vermont or some place like that. This brother-in-law of course had a dog. The DJ explains that during a normal conversation he mentioned that his brother-in-law should get Purina because it will help his dog have more energy, etc. Apparently, the brother-in-law walks over to the cupboard and opens the door to reveal a bag of Purina. He then proudly states, “I have been a Purina dog owner for years.” – give me a break.

Now, if that was a planned and canned commercial—fine. However, not for a minute will I believe that this radio DJ had the conversation he said he had in the way he described. Who really talks like a television commercial? Now obviously this guy (or the radio station) is getting paid for this advertising, but how much would it cost to get their personal endorsement? What about you? Do you have a price at which you would publicly say you only use a certain product, even if you never tried it? Would you do it? Some people say that all is fair in love, war, and advertising… what do you think?

Image from The Petticoat Porch

Amazing Grace?

Recently, I received an email from my life group leader prompting us to rush out to support the new movie, Amazing Grace. Some of my Christian acquaintances have also "pushed" the movie. To these advances, I feel some sort of rebellion...

Why should I go pay my hard-earned money to go see a movie just because it has a Christian theme or was produced by a Christian? Is it not possible for a Christian to make a bad movie? Is God personally involved in the scripting, casting, and production of all Christian films? Is there some sort of eternal penalty for not seeing these movies of which I am unaware?

A while back, I also received prompting from my life group leader as well as other Christians to go see End of the Spear. I did eventually go see the End of the Spear, and it was a great movie. While I may decide to see Amazing Grace, I will not see it just because it is a Christian movie.

While I am certainly not opposed to Christian movies or films produced by Christian producers, I will not support it simply because it is Christian. There are a lot of things that are Christian that I do not support and should not feel "obligated" to support. Whether it is a dealership, a restaurant, a hairstylist, or even a university, supporting something simply because it is Christian does not seem to be a solid policy. Supporting quality products, services, and entertainment, however, makes sense to me.

Does this stance make me a bad Christian? Hardly. In fact, I think it simply makes me a discerning person who is willing to suspend immediate judgment based on the category in which something has been placed. I think this train of thought holds value in other areas as well…

Consider the others’ perceptions when they hear that someone is handicapped, old, young, a certain ethnicity, or even of a particular worldview. Many times, people will make assumptions and they will make quick value judgments that may ultimately either put them in harm’s way or prevent them from discovering the beauty in others, a potential friendship, or even more.

I guess the lesson here is we should try to suspend or initial judgments long enough to think critically and maybe open our hearts. If God can provide us with the grace to do that, life would certainly be even more amazing.

Image from Michael's "Optical Illusions and Visual Phenomena"

Death of a Friend

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and Maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Caladryl, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

- Original Author Unknown

Be still, and know that I am God

Have you ever been in that place where you felt as if you should do more with yourself but at the same time you were doing what you were supposed to be doing? A place where your daily toil does not seem to bring forth the harvest you think is should, yet you do not starve. Have you strolled through your garden of life, glanced at the plump fruits hanging from the trees and smelling sweet, yet you knew that they were not quite ripe? Like eager parents in the second trimester, a holiday approaching in a week's time, or a pie in the oven, the anticipation stirs your spirit, yet you agonize in counting the months, days, or minutes until the prize has arrived. Have you ever been so restless that any of your futile attempts to be patient seem to dissolve at the mere rustling of the wind?

In the moments just before God is ready to work in our lives, he wants us to be still. In those moments of humility we should decisively lay our lives upon God’s altar in dutiful obedience. In those moments before any great gifts are received, we should be ready to deny them in order to glorify His name. In those moments, when all seems lost or forgotten, when the sun’s light dims, colors dull, and food loses its sustenance, we should give thanks for air we breathe and know that He will provide. God is good. Be still, and know that He is God.

Psalm 46

Jesus Inside

"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed.

"I'll cut your heart open," he continued,

"to see how much damage has been done..."

"But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there."

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly.

"When I see how much damage has been done,

I'll sew your heart and chest back up and I'll plan what to do next."

"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there.

The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."

The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well."

"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there." The surgeon left.

The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery," ...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure.

Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:...", he paused, "DEATH within one year."

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"

The Lord answered and said,"The boy, My lamb, was not meant foryour flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow."

The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in year, Why?"

The Lord answered,"The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb."

The surgeon wept. The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"

"Yes," said the surgeon.

"What did you find?" asked the boy.

"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

-Author Unknown

Message from Kyle:

Many things happen in life that we simply do not understand... the hardest part about accepting Jesus into my life was not understanding exactly how it all works. The best part, however, was finally having the faith to believe that it doesn't matter.

No Time to Be Human

In what seemed like only a few short moments, last Thursday, I lost a battle that I had waged against this year's bug. Yes, I actually became sick! For the first time in four years--to the day--I got sick. So what? Well, my "scheduled" life went into a mild tailspin.

By eight o'clock Thursday evening, I was literally too sick to type. Looking at the computer screen made my head feel as if there was a hot air balloon getting ready for takeoff inside (no jokes about my head being filled with hot air). I could not breathe, my vision blurred, and then I gave in. A little microscopic entity (well, in my defense there were probably millions of them) brought me down. Getting sick is one of the inconveniences of being human.

As a result, I missed my first discussion board post for one of my classes since beginning at Regent. The next day, I called in to work sick and dismissed any hope of doing anything more productive then sniffling, coughing, and dripping on my couch in front of the television. Most of the time, I was not even sure what I was watching. Over the weekend, I fell more behind on my school work and my reading, and even now that I write this post, I have more things to do. I was perturbed that my body chose this week to be sick. Ugh, the nerve! I simply don't have time to be human!

On the other hand, after as much whining as my wife could stand, and after as much sympathy as I could soak up, I began to pray--not for deliverance from my illness, but for the purpose. What is the purpose of getting sick? After all, God could have created the world without the flu bug, right?

Without inciting a heated doctrinal debate, I began to think of what I will admit is a shabbily supported theory...

Illness, frustration, anger, loss, sadness, and other negative emotions and experiences build our capacity to recognize, conceptualize, and realize everything positive in life that God has to offer. For instance, by Sunday afternoon, I felt much better--not well--but much better. In that perception of how I felt, I found energy. I found energy to do four loads of laundry, clean the toilet, Lysol the entire apartment, dust, and vacuum. Yet, in the preceding days, weeks, and months prior to my sickly experience, I did not have the energy or motivation to do any of those things.

To the extreme that we, as human beings can feel negative emotions, we can also feel positive emotions to the opposite position on the negative-positive feeling continuum. I wonder if this has any validity whatsoever? If it does, I have a great life ahead...

Years ago, before I accepted Jesus in to my life, life seemed very, very hard. I was always worrying, constantly fighting depression, routinely had strife, and the there was little joy in day to day living. However, since being reborn, everything has changed. I believe I am experiencing the feelings opposite of those I had prior. Joy, happiness, and a feeling of safety and acceptance are now a part of my daily life.

Had I not gotten saved, I wonder how far along the continuum I would have slid in the opposite direction? I suppose that if my capacity under God to feel the joy of the Lord's presence in my life is even one-tenth the capacity I had for negative, Godless living, then I am in for a wonderful, blessed journey.

So, the lesson learned is that in this temporal life, illnesses, sadness, and everything negative are not just temporary inconveniences; they also serve a good purpose. Whether or not you buy into my pet theory of building capacity or not is not my consideration. What I consider most is the joy of being a child of God and looking forward to all that my future holds... the joy and the pain, because each serves its purpose and in the end can be used to glorify God.

Pray with me for each other - Psalm 86

Steps in Walking by Faith

Nearly two years ago, God stirred my heart. I was working a rewarding, yet rather mundane job for Lakeland Community College in Ohio, a place that I was well known and well respected. I was still taking a few classes just to keep myself busy until starting at Myers University in Cleveland in the fall semester of 2005. For the most part, I was happy. Yet, each day that went by, I felt as if God had something different in mind for my life.

Still a fairly new Christian, I inarticulately asked God for direction—for help. Within two weeks, I met a person who began to challenge some of the assumptions I was making about where my life was headed. He asked about my college choice, intended career path, and plans for the next several years. I explained that I chose Myers because it was close to home, and I had received scholarships that would pay for nearly all of it. He challenged me to look outside the immediate area; however, I resisted.

Over several conversations with this person, I did begin to explore my reasoning for wanting to stay in the area. I had a job, a girlfriend (who I knew I would marry---someday), and we both had family and friends nearby. Yet, I felt a strong desire to explore my options, and one of those options was Regent University.

“Regent University? That is in Virginia,” I lamented. I had no desire to move, after all, I was fairly comfortable. Actually, I was in a serious “comfort zone.” Nonetheless, I did check out Regent. I had heard about them at a Phi Theta Kappa convention in California two years prior. The one thing that really stuck out at the time was how different the Organizational Leadership and Management degree was from the traditional Business Administration degrees touted by every other school in the country. The program intrigued me.

After more investigation and evaluating my options (online, on-campus, or a once per week commute) I figured the only way was on-campus, which meant moving—moving out of my comfort zone. I brought these thoughts to Laura, my girlfriend at the time, on May 20th, our four-year dating anniversary. It was that night that we decided to take a step in faith… that step meant finishing our classes, quitting our jobs, getting married, moving to Virginia, and starting school at Regent University.

Over the next two months, we executed our plan. We arranged and paid for our own wedding (August 6, 2005) and honeymoon (cruise to the Bahamas), conducted an inter-state apartment search, looked for employment in the area, and enrolled at our respective schools. I can truly attest that even though we had good event planning skills between the two of us, this was a huge undertaking. There was no way we could have done it without God’s help.

As I reflect upon that time, I realize that all the decisions we made were so right. All the details that needed to be in place found their way. Everything, including the many obstacles in our way, seemed to be “magically” removed, lifted, or otherwise handled. This was a major turning point in our lives. It was a great lesson in trusting God, and though we had to work hard to make it happen, we didn’t “worry” about the details. We simply knew it would all work out. It was our first true step toward walking by faith.

Since then, my wife and I have come to realize who is in control—and it is definitely not us. Sure, we make decisions, we plan for the future, and we work hard; however, we are now accompanied by God as our guiding light as we walk toward our future.

As I finish my degree here at Regent, I feel that there will be another big change. After receiving this education, I may be able to ask God for help a little more articulately than I could two years ago, but the fact remains that neither one of us knows exactly what our near future will look like. Will it mean continued employment at Regent University? Will it mean starting a family at the end of the year? Will we become more involved at church and in this community? Or, perhaps we will end up moving somewhere else.

The fact is that we do not know right now, and that is okay. God is in control. He brought us together. He brought us here to Virginia. In His time, he will let know what our next step will be… our next step in learning to walk by faith.

The History of Valentine's Day

"Be My Valentine." This is a phrase that conjures up a lot of different images associated with the celebration of Valentine's Day. Cards with hearts and little poems on them. Candy and flowers given to someone you love. And images of cupids flying around shooting their arrows of love into unsuspecting youths. Young and old alike expressing their affection for their sweethearts.

What we call Valentine's Day was at one time the Feast of St. Valentine. It was a religious holiday. Cupid was a character from pagan mythology. Originally, this holiday was a day to remember and celebrate the life and death of a Christian martyr.

According to church tradition St. Valentine was a priest near Rome in about the year 270 A.D. At that time the Roman Emperor was imprisoning Christians for not worshipping the Roman Gods. During this persecution St.Valentine was arrested. During the trial they asked Valentine what he thought of the Roman Gods Jupiter and Mercury. St.Valentine said they were False Gods and that the God that Jesus called Father was the only true God. So the Romans threw him in prison for insulting the gods.

While in prison Valentine continued to minister. He witnessed to the guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. Because these people had come to know Jesus, Valentine praised God right there in his prison cell.

When the emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he had Valentine beheaded. Valentine knew that he might get caught in his Christian activities. He knew that if he told the court the truth about the Roman Gods that he would be thrown in prison. And he knew that if he continued to witness to Christ in the prison he would make his captors angry. But he continued, because he loved the Lord and his fellow humans. He was willing to risk his life to free the prisoners and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who needed to hear it. The Bible Says: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."(John 15:13)

God showed us this love by coming in Christ to die for our sins. And St. Valentine demonstrated this love when he died for his friends. This is the kind of love that Valentine's Day is really about.

Originally written by Robin Nichols

Heaven's Grocery Store

Some people do not like to go to the grocery store. It can be time consuming and a hassle. However, there is a grocery store at which you may like to shop. Read below...

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago,

One day I saw a sign that read, Heaven's Grocery Store.

As I got a little closer the door came open wide,

And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels, they were standing everywhere.

One handed me a basket and said, My child, shop with care.

Everything a Christian needed, was in that Grocery Store.

And all you couldn't carry, you could come back the next day for more.

First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row.

Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith.

I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, for it was all over the place.

I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run the race.

By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some Grace.

I didn't forget Salvation, for Salvation that was free.

So, I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my Grocery Bill.

For I thought I had everything to do my Master's Will.

As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and I just had to put that in,

For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.

Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel, now how much do I owe?

He just smiled and said, just take them everywhere you go.

Again I smiled at him and said, "How much, now do I really owe?"

He smiled again and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago."
_________________

Boy, someone took a great deal of time to think this one out! Some of you may recognize this from one of "those" emails that are sent around, so quite obviously, this is not a Kyle original.

This is the kind of story I hope to share with my children someday. Although it is written simplistically enough for a child to enjoy, there is a great deal of meaning behind this that adults can enjoy, too. I hope this little tidbit has blessed you.

Discipline

As I begin to ponder the totality of my college education, both at Lakeland Community College in Ohio as well as my time here at Regent, I realize that quite surely I will miss the experience and growth formal education facilitates. Some of the courses I have taken still replay in my mind, while others seemed to have fall through the cracks in my subconscious. Likewise, some of the teachers and professors that have given their time and talent will remain with me forever.

Reflecting upon some of those memorable courses and even more memorable instructors, I have begun to realize that much of education (particularly the first two years in liberal arts education) are as much about developing discipline as they are about learning the information, perhaps even more. Those classes are designed to introduce new ways of thinking, new skills, and new disciplines to (hopefully) eager minds.

Interestingly, six years ago I was at a time in my life when I knew I needed more discipline. I was in the midst of deciding between two life-changing paths: 1) go to college, or 2) join the military (U.S. Air Force). After much deliberation, I decided to forgo the military, and I began my post-secondary education at a community college in August 2001. While the military would have instilled in me a sense of discipline, I believe that I was called into education. Finally, through the rigors of approximately 200 credit hours, I have a small glimpse, dare I say a working conception, of what place discipline has in my life—and perhaps yours.

When many people think of discipline, negative connotations often come to mind. I used to think of strict schedules grounded in rigidity just for the sake of doing so. However, in recent times, my thoughts of discipline have changed.

In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul told us that “Everyone who competes in the race goes into strict training” (NIV). Discipline is the key to run the race so that you can finish well, and to run with purpose and direction. Paul admonished us to beat our bodies in order to make them our slaves, so that after we work for others, there is still energy left to live well. In this same sense, through disciplined study encountered in education we make our minds our slaves, so that we can use it to do God’s work, serve others, and live well.

Self-discipline is not some mystical-magical thing that only few people can possess; it is God-given to each one of us (2 Timothy 1:7). Unlike Esau, who succumbed to immediate gratification and threw away his inheritance, we must keep our eyes focused on our eternal prize—on our Father. Our enemy would have us be lazy and not do good works; thus, self-discipline is the battle against sin (Genesis 4:6-7), but we can look to the Lord for deliverance (Philippians 4:13). In the end, “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (Proverbs 12:24).

Introduction

I thought my first post should be somewhat of an introduction. I am what educators call, "a non-traditional student." I am older than 25 (I will keep you guessing), and I had been out of school for quite some time between high school and the time I started at a community college in Ohio.

Originally, I hail from Buffalo, NY (a.k.a. the city that gets snow dumped on it several times a year). I also spent time growing up in West Springfield, MA as well as near Cleveland, OH. In addition to the school of hard knocks, I have attended three different elementary schools, three different high schools, as well as one community college prior to Regent; thus, I consider myself to have a wide educational background. :) After I graduate this summer, I plan to take some time off from school in order to focus on my next two goals in life... buidling a family and a post-school career.

I have had many different life experiences prior to coming to Regent University and most certainly many experiences before coming to Christ. My worklife has consisted mostly of restaurant management, sales, not-for-profit, and various other experiences. In my posts, I will often share some of these things with you - my faithful readers - and some of these things will remain between God and me (wouldn't want to ruin the mystery behind the man).

Nonetheless, I hope to share with you things that will make you think - think more, think differently; things that will make you consider - consider yourself, consider your walk with Christ, and consider others; and things that will make you laugh as well as things that will make you cry.

You may identify with my experience having traversed the road less traveled, or your journey may have been vastly different; yet, it is not important. What is important is that God has led us all here to Regent to live out His call upon our lives for His glory. I humbly submit these posts for your consideration, and I would appreciate your input on anything that comes to your mind and heart.

In Christ,

Kyle Graham