A Great Read...

OK first off, I know I am a nerd. A complete nerd. I have come to grips with this fact so that's why I am so comfortable (and excited) about this post... :)

So, Me and Heather are taking an advanced composition class together this summer. The book we have to read is probably the best book I have ever read on writing. Just ignore the fact that I have read little, no close to nothing, on writing... but still... I have never enjoyed a book for school so much. Writings on writing can be so dry and boring, but Zinsser is hysterical. I never laugh outwardly when I read; it's usually just an inward chuckle. But this guy has me laughing constantly. He's witty and engaging, but gives such interesting insights and practical tools to improve your writing. It's just a couple bucks on half.com and totally worth the investment if you write regularly, which is everyone. OK I'm done now with my little plug. Heath, you can stop rolling your eyes... :) and high five to those of you who didn't stop reading after "advanced composition class..."

Stick a fork in me...

...'cause I'm DONE!!!

Yep, just finished up my last final and boy does it feel good! God has been so faithful to me over this last semester. It is so encouraging to look back and see His hand working. He is so faithful! I was in a panic at the beginning, frantically trying to drop two classes and take two different ones because I was overwhelmed at the workload! Those two classes actually ended up being my favorites!! Yay summer!

And so it begins...

During my quiet time Monday morning, I was praying about the day and the coming semester. Along with seeking to be a more effective witness for Christ, I pray this semester is highlighted by a content heart. In other words, I don't want to be a complainer. There is so much to complain about and I constantly indulge my desire to disagree with how my teachers lecture, go through their syllabus, give tests, give quizzes, don't give lecture notes, grade papers, and the list could go on and on without even touching on the parking situation at Old Dom! I was reading in Philippians 2 earlier this week and the Lord brought verses 14 and 15 back to mind (plus I put stars all around it)...

...

"Do all things without grumbling or questioning..." Now, I know this is super straightforward and a verse you memorize in second grade, but the second half of the section was so illuminating. Why should we do all things without grumbling or questioning? "...that you may be blameless and innocent, Children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked generation, among whom you shine as lights of the world."

...

Granted, complaining holds many other strong implications, one being that it is a direct assault on God's character, as we are basically disagreeing with the situations our loving, sovereign Lord has placed us in. But, this verse ties in with the burden the Holy Spirit has pressed on my heart over the past few months to be a more joy-filled witness for Christ and more passionate about the truth of the Gospel. It is so easy to complain, especially because every student on a college campus does it. The Lord revealed to me how often I used this medium to try and blend in on campus, using complaint as a conversation starter or means of small talk, even when I didn't really feel what I say! The Lord has called us to be salt and light in a dark world, blameless and innocent in a crooked generation. By not questioning and grumbling about assignments, teachers, or how tired I am when everyone else is, is another way I can be a witness for Christ. Salt and light. Different. Set apart from a crooked generation. This doesn't necessarily mean correcting everyone or standing up for my teachers as much as just biting my tongue or not muttering a "yeah" in agreement. There are so many more better conversation starters than, "Can you believe that test isn't graded on a curve," or "She's actually going to lecture the full 5o minutes and not let us out early!" Maybe something more like, "So what are you doing this Sunday?" or "Do you go to a church around here?"

...

So there are some quick, incoherent thoughts...I've written that verse on a sticky note to put on my steering wheel to review each morning as I get out of the car to head to class. I've gotta go now, though, because it's getting late I've been putting off this reading assignment for American Government! Peace.