Well, in light of the fact that I took my personality test and it came back as a ESFJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) and one of the big characteristics of my personality type is that I like to uphold tradition I felt that I should blog today sice I have blogged the last 2 Sundays.
Yesterday, my brothers led the Covenant Academy Rebuilders to a victory over the Hope House Heroes which earned them a 3rd place trophy in the CSAA. After going out to dinner with the cousins we decided to go bowling. I was still in my Business skirt that I had worn to The Idaho book Extravaganza that morning, but I managed. Besides the fact that I did fall over once while bowling and that I did look slightly strange in a "pencil" skirt with bowling shoes, I still was able to pull of a victory in the second game with a score of 117.
Tomorrow is my volleyball team's first tournament game. We are the fifth seed which means we are playing #4 Emmett. We are pretty evenly matched with them but I am confident that if all of us girls stay mentally and spiritually strong that we can win. But as they say.... "time answers all questions."
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Book Review: Deception
Hey everyone!!
Being a senior and all that I have been hard pressed to find time to get books from the Library much less read them. However, when the feeling of stress did nothing but increase I knew I had to face the situation head-on with my "old-as-time, Mercy fix-all" i.e. reading a good book. (Usually when I am feeling OVERWHELMED I do one of two things: 1. pound on the piano for at least 20 mins if not an hour until I know I am not scowling anymore or 2. disappear into the enormous landscape of a most amazing novel)
So this time I decided to "make" myself sit down at the computer and put "Deception" (by Randy Alcorn), the book I have been waiting almost 4 years to read, on hold at the Library.
I proceeded to read it over a span of 4 days (on a big-Azure weekend that my sister came home) and I thought it would be cool to use this blog to write a book review.
I am going to start this highly questionable post with a disclaimer: This is the First book review I have ever attempted and so please do not judge too quickly or harshly.
After 4 years of edge-of-your-seat anticipation, you would think that the book would have a hard time meeting those highly placed expectations , but this book passed the test with flying colors!
As you open the pages you enter the world, life, and even the mind of one Detective Oliver Justice Chandler. With his dog Mulch and his trusty guns Ollie faces murder every day. As a homicide detective with the Portland police he is one of the 10 criminal-catching masterminds that that city keeps on their toes. This beer-drinking, double cheese, double pepperoni pizza loving crime-fighter is also fighting the notion that a good God would allow the evil that he sees every day into this world. Haunted by the death of his wife to cancer and his subsequent dysfunctional relationships with his daughters, he fights on to serve the victims, and their families, the justice only he can bring about. When the mysteries of an elaborate murder continue to close in on him, he still refuses to look to God yet cannot deny the things that Jake Woods and Clarence Abernathy continue to point out as God's fingerprints.
Deception has many qualities which I admire in a novel:
The story's telling itself was absolutely superb.
One minute you think you have the case all figured out and the killer has got to be nailed down on the next page... you just know it... but alas, the next page comes and not only is the person you had already convicted cleared another suspect is definitely the killer and then on the next page after that you are wondering how anyone in the story could be such a devious schemer.
The Character development was amazing.
Not just Ollie's journey as he works through thoughts about Christianity but also the development of the sub-characters even to the personality of his dog.
The shifting of moods was very good.
I remember at one point (about 2/3 rds through) crying through one page and laughing at the next. The measure of suspense was moderate throughout yet fluctuated enough to keep your heart beating different rates.
The Parallels drawn were incredibly thought out and eye-opening.
The showing of the influence parents have on the out comes of their children I think can be convicting for anyone.
The truth that "things are not always as they appear" and that "deceptions" lurk everywhere could not have been more clearly shown.
I liked how quotable it is (almost as much as a movie :)) and I loved the Sherlock Holmes quotes that started each chapter.
All in all it was a fantastic read that I would recommend to readers above the age of 15 or 16.
Being a senior and all that I have been hard pressed to find time to get books from the Library much less read them. However, when the feeling of stress did nothing but increase I knew I had to face the situation head-on with my "old-as-time, Mercy fix-all" i.e. reading a good book. (Usually when I am feeling OVERWHELMED I do one of two things: 1. pound on the piano for at least 20 mins if not an hour until I know I am not scowling anymore or 2. disappear into the enormous landscape of a most amazing novel)
So this time I decided to "make" myself sit down at the computer and put "Deception" (by Randy Alcorn), the book I have been waiting almost 4 years to read, on hold at the Library.
I proceeded to read it over a span of 4 days (on a big-Azure weekend that my sister came home) and I thought it would be cool to use this blog to write a book review.
I am going to start this highly questionable post with a disclaimer: This is the First book review I have ever attempted and so please do not judge too quickly or harshly.
After 4 years of edge-of-your-seat anticipation, you would think that the book would have a hard time meeting those highly placed expectations , but this book passed the test with flying colors!
As you open the pages you enter the world, life, and even the mind of one Detective Oliver Justice Chandler. With his dog Mulch and his trusty guns Ollie faces murder every day. As a homicide detective with the Portland police he is one of the 10 criminal-catching masterminds that that city keeps on their toes. This beer-drinking, double cheese, double pepperoni pizza loving crime-fighter is also fighting the notion that a good God would allow the evil that he sees every day into this world. Haunted by the death of his wife to cancer and his subsequent dysfunctional relationships with his daughters, he fights on to serve the victims, and their families, the justice only he can bring about. When the mysteries of an elaborate murder continue to close in on him, he still refuses to look to God yet cannot deny the things that Jake Woods and Clarence Abernathy continue to point out as God's fingerprints.
Deception has many qualities which I admire in a novel:
The story's telling itself was absolutely superb.
One minute you think you have the case all figured out and the killer has got to be nailed down on the next page... you just know it... but alas, the next page comes and not only is the person you had already convicted cleared another suspect is definitely the killer and then on the next page after that you are wondering how anyone in the story could be such a devious schemer.
The Character development was amazing.
Not just Ollie's journey as he works through thoughts about Christianity but also the development of the sub-characters even to the personality of his dog.
The shifting of moods was very good.
I remember at one point (about 2/3 rds through) crying through one page and laughing at the next. The measure of suspense was moderate throughout yet fluctuated enough to keep your heart beating different rates.
The Parallels drawn were incredibly thought out and eye-opening.
The showing of the influence parents have on the out comes of their children I think can be convicting for anyone.
The truth that "things are not always as they appear" and that "deceptions" lurk everywhere could not have been more clearly shown.
I liked how quotable it is (almost as much as a movie :)) and I loved the Sherlock Holmes quotes that started each chapter.
All in all it was a fantastic read that I would recommend to readers above the age of 15 or 16.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
10 Blessings
I was very amazed as I looked back over this last week and realized how many blessings God has given me and I just wanted to share a few of them:
1. A loving, understanding, and supportive family
2. Friends that make me laugh when I get down
3. An opportunity to go to School to learn more and more
4. An opportunity to play sports with some of my best friends
5. The freedom to go to church and worship Him
6. The gift of a consistent job
7. The ability to run
8. The rain... so lovely
9. The most amazing piano teacher in the world!
10. The biggest and best God who actually cares about such a small person as me and is actually interested in not only being involved in but using my life for His purposes....
And the list could go on......
I encourage you to take a minute this morning to stop and count your blessings and I am sure that the number would be greater than you would have thought. :)
Have a wonderful week,
Mercy Faith Barrett
1. A loving, understanding, and supportive family
2. Friends that make me laugh when I get down
3. An opportunity to go to School to learn more and more
4. An opportunity to play sports with some of my best friends
5. The freedom to go to church and worship Him
6. The gift of a consistent job
7. The ability to run
8. The rain... so lovely
9. The most amazing piano teacher in the world!
10. The biggest and best God who actually cares about such a small person as me and is actually interested in not only being involved in but using my life for His purposes....
And the list could go on......
I encourage you to take a minute this morning to stop and count your blessings and I am sure that the number would be greater than you would have thought. :)
Have a wonderful week,
Mercy Faith Barrett
Monday, October 3, 2011
400th Anniversary of the KJB, Part 1 by David Barrett
400th Anniversary of the KJB
(English Authorized Version)
Part 1
“The apple of my eye”; “A man after God’s own heart”; “Don’t cast your pearls before swine”; “At their wits end.” These and a multitude of additional sayings have entered the English speaking cultures worldwide from one book. They show the great impact that one book, the Bible, and more specifically, the English Authorized Version, has had in the lives of English speaking people. The English Authorized Version is more commonly known to us and throughout history as the King James Bible.
The King James Bible has united kingdoms and divided kingdoms. It has been accepted overtly and promoted covertly. It has inspired authors, play writers, housewives and athletes. The King James Bible has shaped the English Language and it has been a tool to teach the English Language. Many authorities would consider it the finest work in English Literature.
For almost its entire existence, it has outsold any other work. Only in the last 30 years have other versions begun to surpass it in annual sales. No work of the Bible will likely every pass it in total sales.
Only in the most recent generation are there a significant number of children being raised who are unfamiliar with the KJB. Yet, their language, the expressions they use, the version of the Bible they read from and the world they live in, has all been impacted by this monumental work.
The year 2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible. Few people know its history, yet this work has been a major part of their lives and their history. The history of the bringing forth of the KJB is a fascinating history of political intrigue and religious conflicts; yet, an ultimate uniting of followers of differing factions. A uniting under a single task to which all who participated in could agree. The history of the KJB is definitely a story that identifies the Providence of God. God is at work in all that occurs. There are times, however, that special acts seem to take place that, if they had not, the resulting historical events would never have taken place. This is the case for the coming about of the KJB. When the full history of that momentous event is considered, though the intrigues and designs of men are clearly evident, the hand of God cannot be denied.
The King James Bible was the result of 7 years of work involving 47 scholars working at times individually and in 6 separate committees. That alone is astounding, especially when one considers the factions within the Church of England ranging from committed Anglican to ardent Puritan. However, to start the story at that point, would be to miss so much of what had occurred previously to bring the history of England and its state church to that point.
One could begin the history of the King James Bible with King James I, the reigning King of England at that time and the one who approved, sanctioned and had the ultimate oversight of the plan. This would be a better point of origin for this story. However, to begin with his reign, which started less than a year before the idea was conceived, would again miss many great opportunities to see God’s Hand at work. For, you see, how James became the king of England is a story in which the Hand of Providence shows clearly. Additionally, to understand James as King can only come about through understanding his background and upbringing, which is a fascinating story in and of itself.
The make-up of religion in England at the turning of the 16th to the 17th century was quite unique. The primary Church was the Church of England, the State church. However, within this Church was a growing and influential faction of individuals called Puritans. The Puritans were gravely concerned with the external ceremonial aspects of the worship in the Anglican Church and wished to purify the Church of these and bring it back to what they saw as the more simple and pure worship of the early Church. Those that were impatient with the attempts at purifying the Church of England had taken a further step and separated from the Church. These Separatists met in homes and pursued “individual reformation with our tarrying for any.” They
also experienced the wrath of the Church and State causing many to flee England and some to journey to America as our early Pilgrim settlers. There was also in England a strong Catholic subculture. This group also had an influence upon what was happening in England in both the Church and the State.
In England, the king is head of both State AND Church. This unique united headship was what King James inherited. This dual headship had been formed almost 100 years before James was offered the English crown. Though the beginning of the Church of England would serve as a good starting point, to begin our story there would leave out one last and crucial element. An element that shows the dedication of committed Godly men and the mysterious, yet majestic workings of the Providence of God.
You see, the history of the making of the King James Bible is certainly a part of the history of the Political movements of England. It is also most certainly part and partial of the history of the Religious developments in that country. But, more than any of these streams of historical events, the history of the making of the King James Bible is the history of individual men responding to the call of God to bring the Word of God to the eyes and ears of every individual. The history of the King James Bible is His Story – God’s Story – of causing His Word to begin covering the
earth as the waters cover the sea.
Where do we begin? We begin with the life and work of one, solitary man – a man who heard and responded to God’s call to bring His Word to the common person of England, a man who risked his life to make that call a reality. This man preceded the event we are celebrating by more than 200 years. Yet, it is to John Wycliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation we must turn to appropriately begin the relating of the history of the making of the King James Bible.
John Wycliffe was born in Yorkshire, England in 1328 and grew to become an excellent scholar at Oxford College. There, at Oxford, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in theology and later his doctorate of divinity. He was a serious student of God’s Word, believing that it contained all truth and was to be the final authority in the Christian’s life. As a result, this belief led him to positions that were contrary to the Catholic Church. He did not hold the Church as the final authority because that was the place of Scripture. He did not hold that the Pope was the head
of the Church, because that was the place of Christ. And, he believed in a type of separation of spheres of jurisdiction between Church and State. The Church should be over the state in matters spiritual and the state was over the Church in matters temporal.
These and other positions held by Wycliffe put him at odds with the Catholic Church and he was eventually forced out of his influential position at Oxford and into a small country Parrish. But, what men had meant for the purpose of silencing Wycliffe’s voice, God determined for the advancement of His Word. For, it was under these conditions that Wycliffe could give his full attention to the ultimate conclusion that flowed from his conviction that the Word of God is the final authority in the Christian’s life. What was that conclusion? It was this, put the Word of God into the hands of people.
At that time, God’s Word was read, spoken and explained in Latin, a language few commoners understood. The little they knew of the worship of God was the ceremonial formalities of worship and the little scripture spoken of in English. Few could read English, let alone Latin. Wycliffe was determined to change this. So, he set about translating the Holy Scriptures into English from the Latin Vulgate Scriptures of St. Jerome. He began with the Gospel of John.
However, putting the Bible into English was not enough, for, as I mentioned, few could even read their own language. Thus, Wycliffe had to have a greater plan involving a number of helpers. These helpers came in the form of individuals that were called Lollards. The Lollards would carry out into the communities portions of Scripture that Wycliffe had translated into English. Wherever they could get people to gather, they would share the Scriptures with them in their own language. Even more importantly, however, they would find eager and bright individuals and teach them to read. In this way, their efforts were multiplied as those individuals could continue sharing God’s Word with their friends and neighbors even after Wycliffe’s Lollards moved on to other communities.
Thus, the Wycliffe Bible of 1382 became the first of the English translations. Being the first such translation, then, the Wycliffe Bible is in a very real sense the origin of the King James Bible.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
20 down, 120 to go
The countdown continues....
As I make my way along the twisted and treacherous highway that has been labeled "Mercy's Senior year", I cannot help but wish it would slow down and speed up at the same time. Slow down so that I can enjoy the views and take in the scent of the rain as well as the glorious rays of sunlight. Speed up so that I can reach my destination and start on the next path that God has for me. Slow down so that I can enjoy the times with family and friends, take deep breaths of life- sustaining air and drink deep of the water, that is Christ. Speed up so that I can see the end results, so that decisions will have to be made............... and on and on........................
So as I come to Today, Sunday, September 25th, a day filled already with fun, food fellowship, and friends ; and one that promises more of the same, I see that it is worth it to make myself slow down... Slow down to give a smile, a hug, and a pillow pet to my sister as she turns 22. Slow down to text with my brother who is on the front lines of the culture war as he goes to college. Slow down and spend 20 mins on the phone with my sister I haven't seen in over 2 months. Slow down to give my brother a hug as he congratulates me after a close volleyball loss. Slow down to make those memories with my family, slow down to remember them.
With only 120 school days left, the highway speed limit keeps increasing and my vehicle, that is life, is keeping right up with it. With School 5 days a week, Volleyball 4 days, Running 3-4 days, work about 2 days, Piano once a week, and Choir every other week it seems as if I only get to blink in between Sundays when I get a respite and come before God to find peace among the craziness. but despite the intense speed, God has been good, teaching me a new life lesson every day and giving me time to nurture my relationships with family and friends...
In school, I am taking aton or super interesting classes, one of them being German Studies. I thought to give you a taste of what I am learning I would share with you the paragraph I wrote last week.
Ich ging einkaufen. Ich fuhr mein Auto zum Supermarkt. Im Supermarkt kaufte Ich Milch, brot und andere Lebensmittel. Auserhalb des Supermarkts, sah ich meine Freundin, Rebecka. Sie hat auch Lebensmittle gekauft, Ich ging aus den Supermarkt und ich ging auf die Bank und die Post. In der Post, fand ich einen Brief von meiner Schwester. Ich fuhr nach dem Park, um meinen Brief zulessen. Gegenueber dem Park gab es ein Cafe. Ich ass in dem Cafe. Ich trank Kaffee und ass Schokoeis mit Schlagsahne. Ich wurde krank, nach ich ass. Ich ging nach hause und ich lag mich in meines Bett. Ich schlief acht Stunde. Wann ich wachte, war es shon Morgen.
(If you don't understand any of this you can email me and I will give you a translation ;) :) )
I am also taking an Oratory class for which I have a speech due tomorrow which I have not done/finished/started yet...............................
Besides this somber fact, the weather outside is calling my name even as it makes me smile...
Tschuess,
MFB
As I make my way along the twisted and treacherous highway that has been labeled "Mercy's Senior year", I cannot help but wish it would slow down and speed up at the same time. Slow down so that I can enjoy the views and take in the scent of the rain as well as the glorious rays of sunlight. Speed up so that I can reach my destination and start on the next path that God has for me. Slow down so that I can enjoy the times with family and friends, take deep breaths of life- sustaining air and drink deep of the water, that is Christ. Speed up so that I can see the end results, so that decisions will have to be made............... and on and on........................
So as I come to Today, Sunday, September 25th, a day filled already with fun, food fellowship, and friends ; and one that promises more of the same, I see that it is worth it to make myself slow down... Slow down to give a smile, a hug, and a pillow pet to my sister as she turns 22. Slow down to text with my brother who is on the front lines of the culture war as he goes to college. Slow down and spend 20 mins on the phone with my sister I haven't seen in over 2 months. Slow down to give my brother a hug as he congratulates me after a close volleyball loss. Slow down to make those memories with my family, slow down to remember them.
With only 120 school days left, the highway speed limit keeps increasing and my vehicle, that is life, is keeping right up with it. With School 5 days a week, Volleyball 4 days, Running 3-4 days, work about 2 days, Piano once a week, and Choir every other week it seems as if I only get to blink in between Sundays when I get a respite and come before God to find peace among the craziness. but despite the intense speed, God has been good, teaching me a new life lesson every day and giving me time to nurture my relationships with family and friends...
In school, I am taking aton or super interesting classes, one of them being German Studies. I thought to give you a taste of what I am learning I would share with you the paragraph I wrote last week.
Ich ging einkaufen. Ich fuhr mein Auto zum Supermarkt. Im Supermarkt kaufte Ich Milch, brot und andere Lebensmittel. Auserhalb des Supermarkts, sah ich meine Freundin, Rebecka. Sie hat auch Lebensmittle gekauft, Ich ging aus den Supermarkt und ich ging auf die Bank und die Post. In der Post, fand ich einen Brief von meiner Schwester. Ich fuhr nach dem Park, um meinen Brief zulessen. Gegenueber dem Park gab es ein Cafe. Ich ass in dem Cafe. Ich trank Kaffee und ass Schokoeis mit Schlagsahne. Ich wurde krank, nach ich ass. Ich ging nach hause und ich lag mich in meines Bett. Ich schlief acht Stunde. Wann ich wachte, war es shon Morgen.
(If you don't understand any of this you can email me and I will give you a translation ;) :) )
I am also taking an Oratory class for which I have a speech due tomorrow which I have not done/finished/started yet...............................
Besides this somber fact, the weather outside is calling my name even as it makes me smile...
Tschuess,
MFB
Friday, August 26, 2011
Adventure in the Big City!
This afternoon as 2 of my brothers and I sped through town, as fast as 5 o'clock traffic would allow :), I was imagining a nice quiet late afternoon in a nice restaurant with my Aunt, Friend, and Brothers with lots of good food and a time for creating memories for each of us to carry in our hearts through the long months of separation that begin as of this Saturday as my brother Jacob will be headed back to Hillsdale to undertake his sophomore year of undergraduate studies. However, even though the evening took some unexpected twists and turns, there were many memories made and 5 smiling faces at the end of our little adventure.
The adventure began the moment we stepped foot in the Restaurant....
As the door quietly swished to a stop we were informed by the head waitress that since we were under 21 and this restaurant was technically a bar (they had a bar area but it was not a "bar" and our Aunt already had a table reserved on the patio) that we had to leave the premises. When I them pointed out my Aunt seated at her table and informed her that we were here to meet her, she said the rule still stood and that we needed to leave. My aunt saw us and came over to see what the hold-up was; she then decided that she would pay for the food she had already ordered (the appetizers) and we would take it to go. The waitress said that that would be fine but that Jacob, Justin, and I needed to wait outside....
So we waited outside and tried not to look too awkward (quite a feat as we felt quite awkward :))
Our food and ourselves were ready to go in about 7 minutes, so the next decision we had to make was where to eat. There were some park-type benches along the curb across the street so we sat there and began to dig-in while my Aunt picked up the tab. When she came to join us, we saw that there was not enough room for her on the bench so we decide to walk up the street about 30 feet and sit on the "Thomas Hammer Coffee Co." Patio and enjoy our food a wee bit more comfortably. But alas, the sign on the window informed us that the Patio was for "valued customers of THCC only". So we decided that the only logical answer was to sit down and become "Valued customers of THCC". Which we did with a purchase of 2 glasses of sparkling cider and 2 iced coffees.
When we had cleaned up then last of the nachos and mini quesadillias, another decision demanded our attention: Where to eat dinner. Along 8th street, where we were at presently, there were a variety of restaurants and we settled on either the Pizza Parlor or the Mexican Restaurant. After walking a while half-a-block, thouroughly investigated both establishments, and a time period of indescission, we all settled on having Mexican. After we ordered and sat down to enjoy our meals of burrito, salad, and nachos; we spent the free time inbetween bites of food discussing our observations about the steady stream of people that were walking, biking or driving on the road in front of us. There were various couples as well as a motorcyclist who was trying to pick some one up; the buisness men and the boys in shorts and t-shirts; the families out for a pleasant bikeride in downtown Boise as well as people just out enjoying the wonderful weather.
The evening came to a close as my Aunt and friend had to leave to keep an appointment, however just for "old times sake", Jacob took Justin and I to Fanci-Freeze downtown and we all had soft-serve cones.
The evening, in spite of and because of, its many "abnormalities" and "spontaneities" was super fun and a time I will not be forgetting anytime soon :)
The adventure began the moment we stepped foot in the Restaurant....
As the door quietly swished to a stop we were informed by the head waitress that since we were under 21 and this restaurant was technically a bar (they had a bar area but it was not a "bar" and our Aunt already had a table reserved on the patio) that we had to leave the premises. When I them pointed out my Aunt seated at her table and informed her that we were here to meet her, she said the rule still stood and that we needed to leave. My aunt saw us and came over to see what the hold-up was; she then decided that she would pay for the food she had already ordered (the appetizers) and we would take it to go. The waitress said that that would be fine but that Jacob, Justin, and I needed to wait outside....
So we waited outside and tried not to look too awkward (quite a feat as we felt quite awkward :))
Our food and ourselves were ready to go in about 7 minutes, so the next decision we had to make was where to eat. There were some park-type benches along the curb across the street so we sat there and began to dig-in while my Aunt picked up the tab. When she came to join us, we saw that there was not enough room for her on the bench so we decide to walk up the street about 30 feet and sit on the "Thomas Hammer Coffee Co." Patio and enjoy our food a wee bit more comfortably. But alas, the sign on the window informed us that the Patio was for "valued customers of THCC only". So we decided that the only logical answer was to sit down and become "Valued customers of THCC". Which we did with a purchase of 2 glasses of sparkling cider and 2 iced coffees.
When we had cleaned up then last of the nachos and mini quesadillias, another decision demanded our attention: Where to eat dinner. Along 8th street, where we were at presently, there were a variety of restaurants and we settled on either the Pizza Parlor or the Mexican Restaurant. After walking a while half-a-block, thouroughly investigated both establishments, and a time period of indescission, we all settled on having Mexican. After we ordered and sat down to enjoy our meals of burrito, salad, and nachos; we spent the free time inbetween bites of food discussing our observations about the steady stream of people that were walking, biking or driving on the road in front of us. There were various couples as well as a motorcyclist who was trying to pick some one up; the buisness men and the boys in shorts and t-shirts; the families out for a pleasant bikeride in downtown Boise as well as people just out enjoying the wonderful weather.
The evening came to a close as my Aunt and friend had to leave to keep an appointment, however just for "old times sake", Jacob took Justin and I to Fanci-Freeze downtown and we all had soft-serve cones.
The evening, in spite of and because of, its many "abnormalities" and "spontaneities" was super fun and a time I will not be forgetting anytime soon :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Year 2
As August 2011 quickly retreats towards the cesspool of months past, the view ahead reveals coming attractions that both excite and daunt.
First, Boise State football is peeking its beautiful head above the horizon of our lives. It now bears down upon us with the exhilarating speed of a runaway train. A Blue and Orange blur of beauty and power, destination: Georgia Dome, September 3rd. All Aboard!!!
The train and I are headed for a crash course meeting in Toledo, OH on September 16th. The countdown to 2 and 0 begins now.
Second, the excitement of a fall sports season reminds that Fall is indeed on its way and the school year is beginning far and wide. This Saturday (Aug. 27), I embark on perhaps my most harrowing mission to date. I begin my second year at Hillsdale College. My first year of College presented many challenges, provided many learning experiences, opened up new friendships, and fulfilled my fullest expectations. This year I expect more of the same... with a few changes coming that I hope will enhance my experience towards perfection (maturity) in Christ Jesus.
On the school side of things, I am mostly clear of Hillsdale's core requirements, allowin me to focus on the special calling on my life. With that in mind, I am taking two Politics course this semester moving me towards that major. These are Introduction to American Foreign Policy and Regimes: Classical and Modern. To say that I am looking forward to these would be a gross understatement. Not far behind are my two philosophy courses: Ancient Philosophy and Modern Philosophy. These will put me in a position to pursue either a minor or major in this discipline. Rounding out my academic coursework will be a University Physics class. This class serves the purpose of fulfilling a core requirement and giving me a final insight into my decision whether to pursue a minor in this science.
New to this year, I am a member of the George Washington Fellowship. This program is put on by the Kirby Center wing of Hillsdale focusing on research of Constitutional issues. The benefits of this program are both monetary (tuition scholarship) and practical (through it I am automatically accepted to the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program, giving me the opportunity to intern in DC sometime during my Junior or Senior Year; my plan is for Spring 2013). Not without its costs, I am expected to spend 10 hours a week on "Constitutional Research Service". This will be a large time commitment, basically like adding another class, but I am looking forward to the experience.
Back to the tried and true, I once again plan to participate with the Hillsdale Rugby Football Club. Last year, I learned rugby and enjoyed it immensely. It provides ample opportunity for physical exercise within my budgeted time schedule.
As far as new goals for this year, I plan to: 1. Get more involved with clubs on Campus and make wider connections among those with similar interests; 2. Start a campus chapter of the national organization Young Americans for Liberty, creating greater opportunities for political involvement; 3. Develop deeper friendships; and 4. Deepen my relationship with Christ and use my knowledge to help those that God has given me moment to influence.
All in all, this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest of my life. Your prayers are definitely appreciated. I find great thrill in the amazing plan of God in my life and generally.
Lastly, I hope to keep greater contact with many of you this year so feel free to contact me on Facebook, by e-mail, or via this blog.
Jacob Barrett
Virtue Rejoices in the Challenge.
First, Boise State football is peeking its beautiful head above the horizon of our lives. It now bears down upon us with the exhilarating speed of a runaway train. A Blue and Orange blur of beauty and power, destination: Georgia Dome, September 3rd. All Aboard!!!
The train and I are headed for a crash course meeting in Toledo, OH on September 16th. The countdown to 2 and 0 begins now.
Second, the excitement of a fall sports season reminds that Fall is indeed on its way and the school year is beginning far and wide. This Saturday (Aug. 27), I embark on perhaps my most harrowing mission to date. I begin my second year at Hillsdale College. My first year of College presented many challenges, provided many learning experiences, opened up new friendships, and fulfilled my fullest expectations. This year I expect more of the same... with a few changes coming that I hope will enhance my experience towards perfection (maturity) in Christ Jesus.
On the school side of things, I am mostly clear of Hillsdale's core requirements, allowin me to focus on the special calling on my life. With that in mind, I am taking two Politics course this semester moving me towards that major. These are Introduction to American Foreign Policy and Regimes: Classical and Modern. To say that I am looking forward to these would be a gross understatement. Not far behind are my two philosophy courses: Ancient Philosophy and Modern Philosophy. These will put me in a position to pursue either a minor or major in this discipline. Rounding out my academic coursework will be a University Physics class. This class serves the purpose of fulfilling a core requirement and giving me a final insight into my decision whether to pursue a minor in this science.
New to this year, I am a member of the George Washington Fellowship. This program is put on by the Kirby Center wing of Hillsdale focusing on research of Constitutional issues. The benefits of this program are both monetary (tuition scholarship) and practical (through it I am automatically accepted to the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program, giving me the opportunity to intern in DC sometime during my Junior or Senior Year; my plan is for Spring 2013). Not without its costs, I am expected to spend 10 hours a week on "Constitutional Research Service". This will be a large time commitment, basically like adding another class, but I am looking forward to the experience.
Back to the tried and true, I once again plan to participate with the Hillsdale Rugby Football Club. Last year, I learned rugby and enjoyed it immensely. It provides ample opportunity for physical exercise within my budgeted time schedule.
As far as new goals for this year, I plan to: 1. Get more involved with clubs on Campus and make wider connections among those with similar interests; 2. Start a campus chapter of the national organization Young Americans for Liberty, creating greater opportunities for political involvement; 3. Develop deeper friendships; and 4. Deepen my relationship with Christ and use my knowledge to help those that God has given me moment to influence.
All in all, this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest of my life. Your prayers are definitely appreciated. I find great thrill in the amazing plan of God in my life and generally.
Lastly, I hope to keep greater contact with many of you this year so feel free to contact me on Facebook, by e-mail, or via this blog.
Jacob Barrett
Virtue Rejoices in the Challenge.
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