Incase I don’t see you again…

So, after much thought I have decided to retire the Unofficial Lancaster Bible College Blog. I know, I know…but it will be ok…I promise. There are many reasons why I have decided to stop, and I hope that I will be able to explain some of those reasons to your liking.

First of all, I just stopped caring. I mean I should be honest. This blog never really took the direction that I thought it would. I was hoping that this blog would be an extension of the school newspaper…and well…that fell apart…and so I suppose the blog is following in it’s footsteps.

Secondly I have been recently become more cynical to the lives of LBC students. I hate to be so harsh…but seriously…we need to grow up. This is not directed at anyone in particular but stop wasting your education,your money, and your life. God has placed you at LBC for a reason and I challenge you to find that purpose…above all else! Let your own personal agenda take a back seat to the vision that God has for your life. College is a time for you to experience the fullness of that vision. Love others the way that Christ so sacrificially loved you. When that happens nothing else will matter.

I am honestly tired of the petty “problems” that people complain about here, and…oh man…hold me back from talking about people getting engaged and married too soon…oh…don’t even get me started.

Please don’t think that I am in anyway upset, or angry. I mean this in all honesty. I have made the most amazing friends at LBC. I don’t even know how my life would be if it wasn’t for the people I have met at LBC. The professors are also right up there, I have many friends here and know that I am very blessed to be apart of LBC.

That being said, that is the last post from the blog. Be blessed.

End of the Smemester

The time has once again come for us to all pack into the library, stay up till one am, and get stressed out over the littlest things...Yep! It's the end of another semester! Sorry, if that last sentence hit a little too close to home...but let's be honest, that research paper you haven't started yet...is due next week! Please excuse my terrible sense of humor, but unfortunately the fact is we don't have much time left and you need to get to work!

I say all that so I can tell you this. It's almost over! You are rounding the corner for home plate...don't quit now! The end of the semester always brings upon us several emotions; some people are happy that it's almost summer while others will be moving on to different stages in their lives. No matter which direction you are heading know that this semester is ending so that a new semester in your life might start!

Finish Strong!

Higgins

Forgiveness...and then some

The story of Joseph has always been a favorite of mine. Why? Because in it we see a story of human compassion in conjunction with the grace of God. We also see a perfect example of forgiveness.

Just to jog your memory, here is a quick breakdown of the story of Joseph. Joseph was a pretty lucky kid...well he started out that way. Joseph and his father had a pretty close relationship, so close that it made his brothers jealous. His brothers decided to do something about it, so at the age of seventeen they threw him down a well, sold him to slave traders, and told his father that he had been killed by a lion. I guess he wasn't that lucky of a kid after all.

Some time had passed and there was a great famine and his brothers, now older, traveled to Egypt to buy grain. At this point Joseph had worked his way into a pretty powerful position and was in charge of who would be getting food.

If you want to read the entire thing start in Genesis 37. I just want to get to my point.

Here is the thing. Joseph went through a lot. He was sold into slavery, had to deal with an accused adulterous woman, and had to confront his brother who placed him in the whole ordeal. That being said, who do you need to forgive? Who in your life is in need of God's grace? I would say that we all have someone in our lives that we need to ask forgiveness of. So what are you waiting for? Do it today! Don't let another day go by where you just continually put it off. Just know these few things:

1. Forgiveness can be a long process
2. Forgiveness is not dependent upon confession
3. Forgiveness does not require an agreed version of the past.
4. Forgiveness means letting go of my natural right to revenge.
5. Forgiving does not mean forgetting.
6. Forgiveness means not bringing it up again.
7. Forgiveness does not mean excusing the behavior of the other person.
8. Forgiveness is easier when we rest in God’s providence.
9. Forgiveness does not always mean re-trusting.
10. Forgiveness is incomplete until love replaces anger.

If you want to read more about forgiveness and the story of Joseph click here.

Back From Break...And Then Some

By now...hopefully we are all back from break. If not...where the heck are you? It's already Thursday and you have missed most of this week!

But seriously, I hope that you all had a great break. Hopefully it was a time of relaxing and taking some time to enjoy the break from all the school work and stress of the day to day. If your break was busy I hope that you got many things accomplished!

I was fortunate enough to take a bit of a road trip to Kentucky. My uncle has a cabin there and he was gracious enough to let myself and a couple friends stay there for about a week. While there, we went rock climbing, hiking, and do some really good cooking. If you didn't already know I love to cook and this trip gave me plenty of opportunity to flex my culinary muscles.

The trip also afforded us the opportunity to grow closer with one another. This happens after being in a vehicle with the same people for nine hours. Also, this happens when you are staying in the same cabin for a week. Each day we found ourselves taking time to spend with God individually as well as together. A really cool thing that always seemed to happen is that throughout the day we would find time to talk about things God was doing in our lives as well as what He was showing us in the Word.

Despite all the fun we had (and trouble we tried to get into), there was still time and importance for our individual relationships with God.

As this semester quickly tries to rush us into summer I pray that you make time for God. Make the time to fix things that might need fixed and rejoice in the things that God has made right in you. This goes for any relationship that you need to fix personally as well. Truth be told we have no guarantees on a tomorrow. Take time to do what's right.

Spring Break

Well, it's that time again. Break time! I first must apologize for my lack of posting the past couple weeks. I honestly have been lacking motivation and inspiration as well. So, with that out of the way, here goes...

I am constantly humbled by God each and everyday. I find myself going down what I think are the right paths. Then, God reminds me that I'm either going the wrong direction or that I need Him more and more each day. A lot has happened this semester and God has been working in my life as well as the lives of others. The crazy things that my friends and I go through continually amaze me. The blessings I see each and everyday take my breath and cause me to reflect on the glory that is God.

As I mentioned earlier break is upon us. Some of us will be traveling to see parents or friends that we haven't seen since Christmas break. There are some that will be traveling to West Virginia for mission work while others will just be taking the time to catch up on homework. I for one will be traveling to Kentucky. My uncle has a cabin there and myself and a couple friends will be taking sometime to refresh and just regroup. I will be taking time to rewrite a book that I have been working on for a few years. (It actually got deleted so I pretty much lost the first 3 chapters and now have to start over!) And if I don't get any writing done I plan on finishing The Lovely Bones.

No matter where your break leads you I pray that you will take time to enjoy the beauty of God. Even if you are just spending time with your family or working. Then, when you return in a few days finish out the rest of this semester strong!

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Mission Conference Week

Why do we do missions? Is it so we can live in a cool different country? Is it so we can experience cool new things? Or is it because we can’t bear to see the world around us god to hell?

That is a question that we should all ask ourselves. Our compassion for humanity should be so great that we are willing to sacrifice everything.

Today was very humbling for me. It also made me remember why I want to do what I feel God has called me to do.

As I sat on a train headed for a town in the hills of Japan I was struck with something. The people that surrounded me were not believers, was I ok with their eternal destiny? Could I just ride this train and not be changed? Could just let these people go without hearing about God?

What we learn as children makes us who we are. I was raised into a Christian home and believed that all I had to do was go to church and everything would be fine. My lifestyle was my choice and God would be in heaven waiting for me when I died. Since I didn’t kill anyone or do anything terrible I would be ok. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that Christianity is so much more than saying some prayers, going to a building on Sunday, and hoping that I lived a good life. God wants so much more than that.

How can I then sit here and not do anything with the gift I have been given? How can I sit here while the world is told a lie?

The Importance of Prayer

It's been a week since I last posted on here and I don't want you to think I've forgotten you all! Over the past couple of weeks many things have happened. I won't go into listing them because most of them are honestly very personal and I feel that they need not be written.

Either way I have been taken aback many times this semester. I have come across many situations that have caused me to look at life differently. I also have come to the point where I have had to re-realize the importance of prayer.

As I sit here and type I can list people on both hands that are going through tough times. Some are financial difficulties, others are relation issues. I guess where I am going is this. Don't forget that open communication we have with God. Don't rely on yourself and what you think you know. God wants to help and is waiting for you to ask. Don't take it for granted!

I can only imagine that there are many people on this campus struggling, whether it be staff or student know that God is willing to listen to you. Sometimes we just need to ourselves right with God.

Snow Day!

“Anything can happen!”

Enjoy your Wednesday, free from classes! 

Thanks where thanks is due

It’s nights like these that I’m glad I don’t work physical plant! Seriously, all those guys will be working throughout the night keeping our campus clear. So, tonight while you are enjoying the beginning of your weekend, remember that there are other people working hard to make your experience at LBC a little better. That being said, if you know someone or see someone from physical plant thank them!

Help For Haiti

Saturday I post that I had some big news. Well here it is, I'm giving up coffee. Why? I've decided that the money I spend on ordering out for coffee can be used for something better. So, instead of going out for coffee I will be donating that money to a group that will be helping out in Haiti.

How can you help? Here is an excerpt from an email that went out. Why am I re-posting? Because you probably just deleted it.

Many are asking how we as an LBC Family can help. So all next week, we are going to emphasize "Help for Haiti" and have boxes sitting around in several locations for people to give - Hollee's Cafe, Library, Student Services, GSC, ODC.

Specifically, there are two times that we want to highlight:

*Tues, Jan 26 - we have doubleheader basketball games with Valley Forge Christian College (women @ 6 pm; men @ 8 pm). "Help for Haiti" will be highlighted that night and everyone in attendance will be encouraged to give. Information was also sent to our friends at VFCC to encourage them to participate in the night.

*Wed, Jan 27 - during chapel, "Help for Haiti" will be highlighted as two of our young men who were in Haiti when the earthquake hit will take a few moments to share with us. Again, the opportunity to give will be given.

If you will not be able to attend either of those events, please feel free to give at any of the locations listed above.

All money collected will go directly to one or two agencies that are helping with relief efforts in Haiti. Consider giving sacrificially as we are very blessed here in the USA. Instead of buying your coffee or latte on any given day (or whatever you might normally drink), consider giving that money to "Help for Haiti".

Future ideas of ways to be involved with relief efforts in Haiti will be considered. For now, the best way that we can help we are told is through giving finances.

Continue to pray! It is so good to know that God is in complete control.

Thanks for considering how to give!

Big News!

Please be aware that I will be posting some big news in the next couple days!

A semester of honesty

So, hopefully at this point you have registered for all your classes and if you are reading this than it means you are not still standing in line at the bookstore. A new semester is upon us and for me I am taking this time to stop and be thankful for all the opportunities I have been given. God has truly blessed my life her at LBC and financially I have been able to make it. I also take the time to stop and think about what God has in store for the upcoming months and I ask that you do the same. Think about your previous semesters and what you have learned. Take that information and use it for this semester.

For me I feel as if God would have me work on honesty. I know that this isn't going to be a popular topic and it honestly won't win me any friends. But I feel that I'm at the point in my life where people need to know where I'm coming from and they need to know how I feel about things. This doesn't mean that I have been someone dishonest in the past, I just feel that it's time to take a deep breath, step back, and tell it like it is. Honesty, in definition is this: moral uprightness: the quality, condition, or characteristic of being fair, truthful, and morally upright.

So take the honesty challenge with me. Or make your own challenge. Don't just spend another semester at LBC sitting on the sidelines. Make a difference. Even if it's the unpopular thing to do.

Important News

I know that Bob sent this out as an email, but far too many times we just pass these things over. Please read the following and help out anyway that you can!

Thanks
Higgins

Staff & Students -

By now you have probably heard about the massive 7.0 earthquake that has struck Haiti. If not, you can certainly check any news website or Google it to see pictures and learn more info about the destruction and loss of life that has taken place.

As a College, there are some ties to Haiti right now. Two of our current students, Tyrell Getz & Ben Wingert, along with 2 of their other friends are currently there on a mission trip. They are safe and were about 90 miles away from the epicenter. Their parents have heard from them via text messaging and with the loss of power, they are unaware of how much destruction has taken place. They are not sure when they will be able to get off the island yet either. So pray for them for opportunities to continue to share the love of God in all they do - no matter what they are doing.

Are there other current students or alumni that are in Haiti right now that you are aware of? If so, please let us know.

We will be looking to coordinate some relief effort - whether by an offering or some other collection of supplies - in the next few days. As we begin the Spring Semester next week, more information will be communicated.

Mostly - pray. God is in control even when the world looks out of control.

For Student Services,

Bob

Bob McMichael

Associate Vice President for Student Services

Lancaster Bible College

Pep Talk

I've watched my fair share of movies. Some might even say I have watched too many movies. But, in any great movie there is a time when the protagonist is about to throw in the towel. He or she has gotten to the point where they have decided that failure is the way out. They have made it up in their mind that their situation is too far out of control and that they have no options left but to give up. And then it happens. The pep talk. This is the moment in the film where someone close to the protagonist steps in and convinces our hero that giving up isn't the only way out.

Often times this friend shares a story from the past, where they have overcome a certain situation. Sometimes they remind they why they are fighting. Most importantly they remind them of the goal. The point is made that they not lose sight on the light at the end of the tunnel.

As this semester begins the pressure is upon us, we are going to be pulled and pushed in many directions. My prayer is that we not give into the stupid insignificant crap that can so easily become part of our everyday life. For once let's try our hardest to fight for what we know is right, let's push to do our best, and let's not lose sight of what we are really doing at LBC.






Let this be your pep talk

Oh wow!

So I thought this was worth posting...

LBC's very own Bob McMichael

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

This is the end...for now

Holy Cow! That’s it! The semester is done. Where the heck did it all go? The daily chapels, the mountains of homework, the bonus bites at lunch…they’re all gone! I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad it’s over. This semester has been…I honestly don’t know. I’ve found myself crawling ever closer to the day where I will no longer be at LBC…and moving on to grad school (yes I know I will always be in school!).

And, while I could sit here and bore you with tales of my experiences this semester I figured I would interview a real LBC student and get their take on the semester. I was able to “sit” down with someone who was just ending their first semester here at LBC. Just so you know, sit down means the interview was done over facebook chat…oh technology how lazy you have made us, but I digress.

Transferring into LBC as a sophomore from New Tribes Bible Institute in Jackson MI, Leah Yarnell is a student new to the LBC scene. As the end of the semester comes to a close I asked her what her impression of LBC was thus far. Her response, not surprisingly was this, “LBC is a great place to learn and grow. There are great people who can help you to grow in your relationship with the Lord and also to model what that relationship looks like.” However, Leah is looking forward to getting home for Christmas, as this will be the first time in two years that her parents (missionaries to Papa New Guinea), will be home. Leah is planning on returning next semester to LBC and working on classes for her major in the Women in ministry program.

I feel that no matter what our individual perceptions of the semester might be I couldn’t agree with Leah more. LBC is filled with great people who are willing to help us out along the way. As in my previous semester I’ve grown much closer to my friends. The events in our lives cause us to rely on accountability with each other as well as the growing dependence of Christ in all situations.

Enjoy the Christmas season weather it is with family or friends remember the true reason why we celebrate! This will be the last blog here for a while but be assured I will return next semester in full force!

Higgins

Thankfulness

As I sit here, in my living room lights down low, with a candle burning on the coffee table listening to The Swell Season, I’m reminded of all the things that I have to be thankful for. So, I have decided to make a list in particular order.

My childhood – I’m grateful that my parents made the decision in impart certain things into my life as a child. Despite the mistakes I’ve made, those things have made me who I am today.

My friends – I seriously don’t think I could have made it through this year without all the guys from Bru. You have been there during my worst days and have been there to make memories with me that will I never forget (Almost getting arrested because of a Moose, almost getting in fights at the movie theatre, God Squad, Attack of the Easter Bunny, Barn Parties, the list could go for days). I have been truly blessed with the best of friends. There were even a few people outside of Bru, which have made an impact as well. Needless to say I’m thankful for you all.

My family – My family has always had one rule; do what you want. Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, do what makes sense to you. More specifically do what God wants you to do. Also, be a team player. My mom always compared our family to a basketball team, if one player wasn’t helping out the entire team would fail.

My school – I have been given an amazing opportunity, to study, to grow, and to figure out what I believe. LBC has given me a chance to do that, and has introduced me to many great professors who care about me more than my grades. I’ve never felt like just a number.

I look back in my life and can see that I have a lot of things to be thankful for. I see things as a scale, with the amazing things on one side and the…well not so amazing things on the other. Thankfully, the good has outweighed the bad.

So what are you thankful for?

Something to think about

I have wanted for sometime now, to have others do some writing for the blog. I also, am a big fan of stirring things up and getting people to question things. This post will most certainly do both. Without further adieu a post from Ricky...enjoy!

Worship, Women and LBC

There was a lot of talk about worship today after chapel. Rev. Hollingsworth’s “sermon” seemed to lead many to think. I know I thought about it today. I spent the better half of the day thinking about it actually. Thinking about women and their roles, how we worship, why we worship and how we could do it better. These are a few things that came to mind while meditating on our chapel today.

I do not like modern worship. I do not believe it attracts people to the church in fact I think it repels them. Watch a movie called saved where they make fun of it. Better yet the episode of south park (I am not a fan of south park I did a project on this episode) where they make fun of how the characters become Christian music singers because they couldn’t make it in the real music industry. Those who are not of us do not like our music and if you think they do you are sadly mistaken. They use it to mock us and make fun of it.

I think modern worship is nothing more than a distraction leading people away from truly worshiping Christ. For example when many people worship they use a light show. I have been told this sets a mood for worship. Honestly, this is nothing more than an unnecessary distraction. It causes people to focus their attention onto the lights instead of the object of our worship, God.

Another distraction is the worship leader himself, or after chapel today herself. Often times worship leaders treat worship as if it is a concert (and that whole song about worship being a concert for one is a crappy song). If we were to do away with worship leaders altogether then there really wouldn’t be any debate about women leading worship. This now leads me to a rabbit trail that I will take even though I probably should not take.

Men and women have different roles in creation. Men are expected to be the
leaders of their households, the church and creation itself. Women are to be in submission to men 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. It is the man's role and not the woman’s to lead worship and every other aspect of the church service. Now if you want to make this about the role of women in ministry don’t because it’s about worship. We can talk about the woman’s role another day. Now its time to go back to the topic of worship.


Modern worship is not only a distraction but I find it irreverent to God. We sing songs about how God is so close to us. Songs that sound like you are in a dating relationship with God. What happened to the songs that talked about his justice, his sovereignty, grace, wrath and mercy? Today we sing about how we want to feel him close to us.

I remember a story a good friend of mine told me about his brother at Liberty. He said there was this girl who would go down to the front of the chapel at Liberty and dance around while running her fingers through her hair. When he asked her why she did this she said this “when I am down there like that it is like I am having sex with God.” Now of course this is an extreme example however, I feel that is the mentality modern worship leads to. It is just to touchy feely.

Another huge issue I have with worship is that it all culminates with the sermon. In modern worship the purpose is to lead up to the sermon. Today the sermon is the highlight of the worship service and this should not be. It is my belief that every time we worship God we should end with communion and not with the sermon. Communion should be the culmination of the worship service. Communion is how we memorialize what Christ has done for us and that should be done weekly and should be the final step in the worship service. Christ’s death and resurrection should be the focal point of the worship service not the sermon, not the music and most certainly not the offering.

I apologize if these thoughts offended anyone. This was not my intention at all. I only want us to stop and think about the things we do. To consider is what we are doing is truly the right way. Or if we are only self righteous and hypocritical. If you disagree with me on these points that is fine and your questions, comments and concerns are more than welcome.

The bottom line is this. Worship is a heart thing and I am not entirely sure that modern worship leads the heart in the right place. I think it has caused nothing but division and strife. I think it is a distraction and irreverent to God. We need to look at these things openly and honestly and seriously make some changes because after today’s chapel it is clear we do not have it figured out.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsHH_HYSkH8

Music you should be listening to

Every once in a while I come across some music that I feel is worthy of many people listening to. One such band I started listening to, and then everyone else followed suite was Ocean City...so you're welcome. Now there is a new band that I can't stop listening to, Deas Vail (which is a combination of Latin and French meaning Humble servants of God).

I want you to close your eyes and imagine this band. Take 1 part Mae, 1 part Copeland, 1 part Mew (danish band I highly suggest listening to them!) The vocals in the band are incredible. The lead singer Wes Blaylocok's voice so melodic and smooth. When combined with the melodies of his wife (met her at the Chameleon Club very cool person) Laura, blend together so amazingly that you will be listening to this cd all day!

The band hails from Arkansas on the Mono vs Stereo label. They currently have four albums out and one EP. Their newest album came out (online only) on October 27th 2009, titled Birds and Cages. They are currently on tour with Mae.


"Anything You Say" from All the Houses Look the Same (Youtube link)

"Write me down, I am the words: falling apart. Take this broken world off of my heart. So I stumble down into the room where the templates are made. And you show me that somehow I can change these days."

Coming soon!

I promise there is an update coming soon! There have been many factors beyond my control as to why I haven't been able to update. Here are a few reasons:

1. I've been working a lot (at my job not just school work)
2. The school year is definitely picking up (work load is increasing)
3. I've been sick (I was sick for a couple weeks so I didn't feel like writing)

In my next update I will doing a cd review on a couple cd's that you seriously need to own! So, until then, I pray that your semester is going well and to those who are not feeling well, get healthy please, being sick sucks! 

Oh! And I almost forgot, congrats to the men's soccer team for winning game one of their play offs!   

Blessings!
Higgins