ENTRY #7 - IN MY EXPERIENCE: WHY I DIDN'T GO TO BIBLE COLLEGE

     Some may disagree with my views on going to Bible college, And that's ok, because really, I know some folks who've gone to Bible college and have loved it for whatever reason, whether it'd be because of the experiences they had, or the people they met, or things that God had done in their lives while there.But I want to dispel this ridiculous trend I have seen within many Christian circles. It has been a destructive power that, while ultimately is a good thing, can cause immense amounts of deception and heartache.

     So let's put this in perspective before we delve into this lengthy topic. I grew up in Apostolic churches up and down the East Coast, both big city and country churches. There's a fine dividing between the vibes I got in the many churches I visited, but one thing remained consistent: if you were very much so into the things of God, you went to Bible college irregardless of what your calling was. If you were a Jesus Freak, you went to Bible college.
     Now for some, that's all fine and dandy. If you are truly called to pulpit evangelism or music, then it's perfect. But what if you aren't? One of the pastors at my home church once told me a story of his time as a student in Bible college. He was new to faith in Christ and was expected to walk away from Bible college. Nevertheless he enrolled with a friend of his. This friend was proficient in the Word and wanted to enter into ministry, but by the time four years had passed, he was nowhere near a pulpit. He walked away from all of it. His calling was truly for ministry; as the Word plainly states that only some are called to preach, not all. Some are encourages, others are mentors, teachers, prayer warriors, etc. but only some are apostles and some are evangelists.
     That said, I truly felt called into student ministry. I thought if I went to Bible college I could obtain the skills necessary to be an effective minister. How mistaken I was. You see, in order to become something great, you actually have to physically do it. I didn't become proficient in bass and guitar by reading books about it, I actually picked up my instruments and played them. I did the heavy lifting of breaking in my fingers and working hard to learn my chords and notes. So how it is with ministry, and in particular, student ministry.
     As a graduating senior, I had already applied to several colleges and received back letters of acceptance to a few, but I really wanted to go to Indiana Bible College. I had sat and talked with my pastors at church, and they had given me some positive feedback on my reviews and recommendations to Bible college., but ultimately my mentors and leaders said it would be better for me to stay and go to a local community college for a while just to feel it out some more before going off to a college far from home. Turned out to be the best decision of my life.
     You see, I wasn't prepared at the time for life on my own. I lacked the discipline and the understanding of my own calling to really make wise decisions that would influence me for the better.  How do I know this? About a year later I started living more and more on my own. Eventually I moved out on my own. I discovered quickly how ill-prepared I was for life as Nick Lanza. I was still my parents' kid. Had I gone to Bible college instead of staying and being near my family, I would have crumbled spiritually and emotionally. I praise God and thank Him quite often for having me stay here in Northern Virginia near my family and stay supported by my church family.
     I had grown as a person and as a child of God by not going to Bible college. SAY WHAT? But isn't Bible college supposed to be a great place to grow in God and knowledge of the Scriptures? Indeed it is, but it is not for everyone. Had I gone away, I would have wasted four years of my life to discover that I'm not called to be a pastor. I am called to be a restorer, of both the physical and the spiritual. A counsellor and a mentor, showing our youths that there is a better way and that God's love is indeed for everyone, not just church people.

ENTRY #6 - POETIC THOUGHT: SKY GLITTER

 So I decided to just comment on all this crazy weather the DC area has been getting hit with and share some of my fonder memories cod the snow from my old home back in rural New Hampshire.

ENTRY #6 - POETIC THOUGHT: SKY GLITTER

    We all have seen snow. whether it'd be from a picture or we're stuck 3 deep in it. It can be a hassle to deal with, having to bundle up all nice and tight to stay warm and cozy while you sit and freeze your behind off trying to clear off the crystalized water from off our cars and driveways. Many hate it and many more love it. Children are so enamored by it (and most likely because they get a day off of school when the fluffy white powder falls from the sky) while parents dread it thanks to the poor driving conditions it brings with it.
     We all have to wonder why God allowed such a phenomenon to exist. If you ever read the comic series BONE, we all wish that snow like it does in their world - falling in one great blanket of white without any delays. It'd be so much easier to handle and manage. But instead it descends quietly.
     But there is something about snow that just forces me stop and look. Here in the busy DC area, snow is considered to be a pestilence, and honestly isn' very pretty. Back home however, it came in droves but there was a humble serenity to it.
     I may be Virginian born, but I would definitely consider the Northeastern United States to be home for me. I once lived in a town called Strafford, New Hampshire. I lived in the side of what felt like a mountain out in the boondocks. Trees on all sides, quiet isolation, and a stunning nighttime view of the stars... it wasn' the city, but my goodness how I can appreciate it now.
     Snow would fall quietly, like dust from a shelf. I would look out my window and just enjoy the beauty of the night sky, all lit up by lights from across the lake and neighboring homes. Absolute serenity. The next morning, I would get up and look out my window again and view the snow from elevated position. All you could see is white. Pure, unadulterated white. I was living in Narnia. The snow would glitter in the light like a beautiful white dress. You could reach into the fluffy cold and just sink into it like a dense low hanging cloud. I was love with it. The atmosphere would change from a dark and scary forest to a peaceful wilderness that just invites you in for a stroll, as I did many a time.
     Sure I hated shoveling it out of the walkways and such, but when I got to sit back and see it all.. breath taking, like glittery that fell from the sky. Sky Glitter. An absolutely breath taking piece of God's creation on a few of us have ever been able to see and experience.