BUSY

Hey Everyone! I'm back. I have no major updates, and don't have quite the strength to tell you about all the things going on in my life. I am POOPED (tired). I have been traveling like crazy and the first thing on my mind is to lay down- and relax, until I fall into a deep, unhindered sleep. I refuse to set an alarm tomorrow- just wake up whenever it is absolutely necessary.

Well, since I am so tired... I will leave with you one of my favorite worship songs called "Embrace This Place" by Among Thorns.

Embrace this place oh Lord

How we want to see Your glory

Embrace this place Oh Lord

How we long to feel Your spirit

Lord we sing so You can hear it

And receive all the praise

CHORUS

Draw us near to Your heart, Oh God

Let us rest our heads on Your chest

Place our hands in Yours, Oh Lord

Hold us face to face

Embrace this place

May the Lord embrace you, and you find rest in Him!

Love Ya,

T

New Developments

So, there are a bunch of new developments in my life- that I thought I would share with the BLOG community.

1. Major Change
I originally came to Regent to pursue an English degree. I wasn't REALLY sure it's what I wanted to do long term. I mean - I've always heard the jokes "What do you do with an English Degree?" and thought, along the same lines. I have two professional goals in my life. The first is to be an instructional designer. I currently work as a training specialist for a bank, and would like to get into developing the materials, instead of just delivering them. My second goal is to teach college- I would love to teach writing, but I'm flexible on the subject. So after doing some research, I found out that my bachelor's doesn't have to be in anything specific to teach in college (the masters degree is what matters) and most of the people in the instructional design team have degrees in Communications. So, my decision. And as an added bonus, my bank will pay for my degree if I am pursuing communications... and NOT if I am pursuing English.

2. Un-Retired
I used to lead praise and worship at my old church, but considered myself retired when I came to a new church 2 years ago. Well, ALL of the praise and worship leaders were out of town this week, so I came out of retirement to lead worship. It was WONDERFUL! We didn't have any of the regular musicians. But because God's hand was on us, due to being out of our element, it was the best time ever.
So, my friend Michele and Pastor Carl told me that I should be un-retired, and perhaps write a book about (I'm probably not going that far).

Well, I have no other developments. Just wanted to keep in touch with you...

Chip Fracture

Hey, I'm back!

Last week, I told you that I busted my toe. Well, because of my mother's prompting, I decided to go to the Urgent Care last Saturday morning. After x-rays and some uncomfortable "tugging" at my toe, I was diagnosed with a chip fracture. In other words, I chipped some bone off of the first joint in my toe. Meaning that I shouldn't bend my toe for about 4 weeks.
So, I got this BEAUTIFUL blue and white post-op boot that I have to wear... and was told to stay off of it when possible. Which means that my trip to work at ALIVE festival (Christian Music Festival in Canal Fulton, OH) was no longer possible.

Also, the amount of time that I have been off my toe- allows me time to reconnect to my source, my Saviour. I get to lay in bed and read, or watch t.v. - and since t.v. rarely has anything that captures my attention, I've been reading my Word and doing some praying.

Resting in God is something we all need to take time to do... there we find our rest. God Bless

T

BUSTED TOE

I captured your interest, didn't I? On Tuesday, I was walking into my room and tripped over the cable wire placed strategically in front of my door. Well, my big toe took a dive into the floor and it has not been the same since. It is extremely bruised, swollen and in pain. I have come to two very important realizations during this time:

1. I work too much.

I discovered this because the fact that I could hardly walk on my foot was completely overruled by the fact that I had to go to several meetings. I have neglected to go and get my toe imaged (x-ray) due to my work schedule.

2. I needed a break

I figured this out as soon as I understood #1. Not only do I need a break- but I'm being forced into taking one. I had a ministry engagement today, but due to my inability to walk and stand... I am sitting on my couch (blogging). I found that I am constantly running around, without time to breathe, reflect, spend quality time with God.

That brings me to a third realization. I have drifted from my source. Going without quality time with God, is like going without water in the middle of a desert. I have to get back to the place where it's the top desire.

So, here's my question of the week...

How in the WORLD, do you balance work, school and your spiritual life?

I would LOVE to hear about any of your tips...

Til Next Time!

Introduction

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited to be involved in the world of Regent's blog community. I am brand new to Regent, but decided to attend the online program because of my CrAzY work schedule, and because secular University started to wear me down... it becomes difficult to try to use all my mental-power for school and apologetics on a constant basis (LONG story, perhaps I'll share that one day).

Anyway, I decided to come to a place where I could feed my brain, my heart and soul all at once! YAY! (Luckily after a long search Regent begins offering the English degree - Praise the Lord for His perfect timing)

I am an English student here, and I transferred from Youngstown State University (what, where?!?) in Ohio.

I am heavily involved with the youth of my church... I also occasionally lead worship and teach Sunday School. I love it!

I work for a bank - and am in the training department as a training specialist on the sales side of things. (everyone's a sales-person for something). I am moving toward becoming an instructional designer - hence the English degree.

In my spare time, I love to watch Nickelodeon and Disney channel (they de-stress me), read, and I'm a big movie buff (but I have standards - so I may not watch a lot of movies that others will...it's a personal conviction). My all time favorite movie is "12 Angry Men," but I love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I just recently read the book so I could see if the original (Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder) or the new version (Charlie with Johnny Depp) was more accurate... (DRUMROLL)... the newer one is more closely related to the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." (I know, your life wouldn't be complete without that useless piece of trivia).

You know what I would love more than anything?!?!?!? Those of you who have attended and are attending Regent, what do you think of it?

• What are the major benefits of attending school here?
• What are some of the opportunities for improvement? How do I overcome these??
• Do you have any tips for me - the new kid?

I would love if anyone could share - especially those who are involved in the online degree program...

Well, I welcome any comments or suggestions... I hope to meet you soon. (you know what I mean)

Thanks!