Writing
Scripture Memorization
How many of you share those painful associations with scripture memorization from your childhood? Our parents and Sunday school teachers were doing a very good thing for us, whether we believed it or not at the time.
What’s Your Calling?
In The Art of Work, author Jeff Goins writes that the vast majority of people don’t know what their calling is. Those people who dream of being a professional ballerina from age 5 or being a doctor like their father are few and far between. Most of us need to do some heavy searching and discerning; we don’t generally “just know” our calling.
Fear No More
God has been calling me to a deeper level of intimacy and bolder expression of my trust in Him. I recently heard this quote: “Instead of waiting for fear to subside I have made it my friend.” WOW. The imposter syndrome is roaring inside me, so I turn daily to God, asking for His empowerment and provision. He constantly reminds me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m meant to do. So…I did a thing.
From Neuroscience to Higher Education: A Personal Narrative
When it came time to select a college, I ultimately decided on Messiah College—not because of the courses, but because of the opportunities to take my learning outside of the classroom and truly be nurtured into a well-rounded adult, grounded in my faith, fully ready to function in society four years later. I felt accepted by Messiah’s community every time I set foot on campus. From my admissions counselor to the student tour guide to the dining services employees: everyone made me feel welcome. I recognized that this environment would enable me to process my thoughts and grow as an individual and an academic.
4 Things I Learned When “Downgrading” My Career
I am an associate at Hobby Lobby.
We spent $120K to cover four years of education in Neuroscience and Mathematics, and I left a prestigious job in research to become a custom framer at a craft store.
If you’re sitting here, scratching your head and wondering what would compel me to do such a thing, you’re not alone.
February Fasting
I decided to try something abstract and fast from my time.
Most people look at me like I have two heads when I present that concept. But I found it to be wonderfully challenging and life-changing. Every single day, I went to a quiet couch, turned off notifications, set a timer for 10 minutes, and closed my eyes as I entered into my secret place with Jesus.
“fake it ‘til you become it”: BRAVE
What do you think of when someone mentions brave people?
Firefighters?
A knight in shining armor?
Yourself??
Lately I’ve been realizing that we don’t have to wear a uniform to be brave. There are plenty of daily tasks that we each face that require bravery. Recently, I have begun to see just how much fear is in my life.
I’ll admit it: I am scared of everything.
Defining GRACE: A Journey Towards Neurotheology
Grace. It’s my middle name. It’s something I frequently lack as I walk down the street. It’s the elegant quality that I crave as a dancer. It’s that sweet melody woven throughout Christian theology. The Oxford English Dictionary (n.d.) defines grace as “the free and unmerited favor of God.” I have grown up hearing that mercy is God not giving us what we deserve, and grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve. Coming to college, I quickly learned that grace is much more involved than that. Grace is not just God saving humanity from a life of sin, but also a way of living as Christians (Jacobsen & Sawatsky, 2007). I am certainly not a perfect, gracious Christian, but I can maintain hope for the future because God’s grace is sufficient for me.
Understanding Jesus
Okay, I know that sounds a bit far fetched. But, my faith has flourished over the last four years. Coming to college really forced me to step outside my comfort zone and adopt my own faith rather than clinging to that of my parents. About a year ago, as I was going through my headache battle, I realized that with each trial I walk through, I learn a little bit more about God and myself as framed by the fruits of the Spirit. So let’s take a look!