A/G Student Leader Conference

I just finished the 1st annual AG student leader conference in Springfield, MO. (thats the AG headquarters, for those that didnt know that). I was not sure what to expect going into this weekend, but coming out, it was a very positive and growing experience. I have been tried in a few areas of my life in the past few weeks, and then this on top of that and throw in being a student, and you have one stressed out person, outside of their comfort zone, not wanting to be there, and being very cynical about the entire event. I learned about other schools and the issues and concerns they have, i also learned that there are so many bible colleges and bible schools in our denomination, or as they say fellowship.

I was able to connect and get to know ASB from schools like Southeastern University, North West, Evangel and CBC (Central Bible College). i have learned that they have many of the same issues that we share and they are not all the stereotypical AG school and student. they are real down to earth people, their students struggle with the same things we do. we all share the common bond of not really feeling like we fit into the AG bubble. I was fortunate to get contact info for many of them and hope to stay in contact with them over the next year and even in the future. We all share the common interest of caring for students and wanting to see them grow and learn, but also want to represent them in the best way possible for our individual schools. hopefully over the next year we can travel around and visit the campuses of the other schools and get ideas from them and share ideas with them as well.

overall, through the stress confusion, and cynicism, i have learned a lot about other schools and about myself. this weekend was a great opportunity for me and i am so glad that i was selected to go on this trip.

I have the best friends!

I have the best friends in the history of the world!! when I am having a rough week, they know just by looking at me from across the sidewalk. I have had one of the worst weeks ever, and been getting phone calls and texts and hugs all week long. SO for all my friends out there that are helping me through this hard time. This week marks the 4th anniversary of the death of Brett Janzen, my youth pastor and mentor. It also marks the 5 anniversary of my grandmother and confidant passing away. So over all, plus all the crap that I had to do this week, it has not been so great. There are some high moments, but overall it was a rough week for me to get through. then to top it all off, Obama was elected as the 44th president...obviously i am a conservative republican, and Obama scares me, but I will be in constant prayer for him as he leads this country as our next leader.

Anyways..this is all to say that MY FRIENDS ARE THE GREATEST! thank you all so much for all you have done for me this week. I love you all and THANK YOU!!!

STARBUCKS RED CUP!!

so it officially Christmas when Starbucks starts handing out the red cup. I love this time of year...It just makes everything all better. as Ben Franklin says, "a good conscience is a continual Christmas." This is so true. Lets think about this: Christmas can bring out the best and worst in people all at the same time. According to me , Starbucks, and others the Christmas season starts on Nov. 1. all the music and coffee and life of the season start the day after Halloween! Another indication that it is the holidays (to be completely PC) is the installation of the coffeemate peppermint mocha coffee creamer in the local grocer's milk section.

i love this season, it is the best time of year. the clothes, snow, family feel, and movies: Grinch, Polar Express, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Charlie Brown Christmas...and many others! so please join me in listening to the greatest music ever created...the holiday songs!