Pomps (Splendor) and Circumstance ('s of life)

I have just entered my last day before I graduate from University and it is crazy to think that I have made it at all. This has been one of the most amazing experiences I have had. So many AMAZING people contributing to phenomenal memories. Who could ask for more. These past few years south of the Mason-Dixon line has changed my perception and taught me a great many things; Sweet tea is not for a northern, Chic-fil-a is for everyone, one of the best places to escape to is a bookstore or awesome coffee shop, and I think I may have contracted a drawl (scary I know, but that's what you get from having one of your best friends from NC).

Although these are important aspects to take further into life, there were a great many things I have learned which exceed the former.

Christ is indescribable and I can't believe I have the privilege to serve Him.
Don't take things at face value.
The best music is not found on the top 40!
Serving others causes many eye opening experiences.
A 12 hour drive to Chicago, staying for 6 hours and driving 12 hours back to the Burg is necessary!
Be intentional
As humans, we are resilient, we will bounce back.
It is OK if your hair is pink, it is not a testament to who you are.
Opening your heart to others is hard, it may even suck, but it is so important (in moderation).
Embrace the moments in life, they are gone in a flash.
Titus 2
Death does not stop a legacy.
Galatians 1:10
U2 has the power to blow your mind.
The beach will bring you clarity.
Be Real
Think of others. There are always people who are hurting.
104 LOVE
Water is a beautiful thing.
God can take you anywhere and teach you anything at anytime. Be prepared.
Family is so important.
The church is so important. A group of people united in LOVE.
Numbers 6:24-26

These are just some of the things that I have learned. University has taught me so much and most of it was outside of the classroom. I am so blessed by the University I have attended. Liberty was an amazing time of my life. The people have molded me and pushed me to the person I am. God is LOVE. I don't know what is coming in the future and what God has in store for me in the next "chapter" of my life, but I know that Jesus will help me and the Spirit will guide me. I can't believe how blessed I am. I can only say one thing in response to my experience at college;

LOVE

The first of many

Tonight is my first blog and I am rather unsure of what to write. I am a fairly opinionated and loud person so it is interesting that I have little to say. Tonight I had an interesting discussion with two girls I live with. In one way or another we began a discussion regarding demons which turned into a discussion about witches and later to vampires. We ended the night with what we thought were the sources of these new fads, insecurity, loneliness, and a need for community. This community is not just with others, although that is where some people find their identity, but how we as man desire a relationship with Christ.

We as man have a need for direction. I may say that I am a spontaneous person, but I rally like to know where I'm going, when I need to be there and what I need to do to get there. Luckily, Christ has answered those questions for me when it comes to my life, but many people do not have the same understanding. Now, I know that it may not seem as simple as I have said, "just believe in Christ and you will understand", but it kind of is that simple.

I worry about my generation. The Who wrote the anthem for their generation and we are still singing it:

People try to put us down (talkin' 'bout my generation)
Just because we get around (talkin' 'bout my genereation)
Things they do look awful could (talkin' 'bout my generation)
Yeah, I hope I die before I get old (talkin' 'bout my genereation)

This generation is so lost and confused and afraid of transition that many are looking to Edward Cullen and Harry Potter for answers and acceptance. Although it may seem whimsical and sparkly in the the movies, it is some really scary stuff. God is so stinkin' good to us, yet we turn our backs on Him and fill our lives with meaningless things in hopes that something will stick.

I don't want to sound harsh or mean, and yes I have seen the Harry Potter movies and even Twilight, but as my friend Tess said earlier tonight, "it is important to have a discerning heart."

Wow, this was a whole lot deeper than I wanted it to be. I guess that is what blogging is all about, sharing your feelings with some people who follow you, mainly your friends, and share in a community.

Well, for my first post, I'm not sure how this went, but I actually really enjoyed writing. This will be an interesting and fun experience. I will have to declare myself an official blogger. I will end this blog with the only possible and proper ending.

LOVE