What I've Learned...

I'm currently starting my very last Bible class, John, at Liberty University, where I have been a student for five years. Its been a frustrating time for for me, but I have learned some pretty important things, and gotten to know myself better. Here is some advice that I would give to others.

1) God gives you passion/compassion for a reason. Use it. I've found that I'm not content with sitting on my hands when it comes to seeing the church in Europe dwindle. In the future, I'd love to be able to write an article or book on why this is occurring and how to combat it.

As you may have guessed, I rediscovered that I enjoy writing. I may not have a lot of time on my hands, but I keep working on my book, The Chronicles of Aleria. (You can read my currant story 'frame work' on my page.) I believe that stories can change people's lives for the better by allowing them to see things with a different perspective or by inspiring them. The church needs more high quality movies, books, music, etc.

2) Always be teachable. I've had the opportunity to study whole books of the Bible, yet I feel as if I've barely scratched the surface of what it means to know and live for God. The Lord is coming soon, and we must know what we believe, why we believe it, and be able to make arguments for it. This is for the sake of unbelievers and the next generation. With all the Bible studies, books, and study materials that have been put out, there really isn't an excuse.

3) Learn to be content with either little or much. I've worked for a non profit in which I didn't know when I would eat,  sleep or shower. As tough as that was, I learned to save money and only allow myself to buy things that I really enjoy/ will get use out of in small quantities, or that I need. I'm hoping that this will help me down the road, it already has!

4) Don't give up! I started going to college because I wanted to have a stable income and do something I enjoyed while pursing my creative endeavors. I've probably hit just about every financial, family, and mental road block possible, but I strongly believe that its very important to follow your dreams and find the time to do things that are rewarding for you, even if you can't make a living doing it/them. I get mad when my Muse speaks to me and I have to focus on home work instead of writing, but I know that the future will be brighter for me.

5) Do the right thing, even when its hard. I lost my Granny last October, and found that I had to submit to God when it came to how I would handle situations involving other parties. Even if other people are not believers and don't see that you are being faithful, God does.

6) Create healthy boundaries. Treat yourself like you have worth. When other people don't respect you and are continually being unkind to you, there comes a point in time when enough is enough. (Pray about your situation before you leave it. God may have you in your circumstance for a reason.) Enabling people is not loving them and your ultimate aim is to seek the Kingdom of God and God's righteousness!