Christian Universities

I am one of those Christians that believed one of those two notions at one point in my life.  I thought that my desire to terminate certain sinful habits meant that God would remove all temptation surrounding those areas.  I implored God to deliver me from these passions and expected God to change my desires so that I’d no longer be stimulated when temptations in these areas came my way.  Well, I was wrong.  I was disappointed and discouraged.  Don’t get me wrong, I believe God performs miraculous deeds and extends grace freely, but we are sinners and will always have struggles.  

Temptation of one kind or another is universal.  We shouldn’t be praying that we will no longer be tempted, but praying that when that temptation arises, God will allow strength and perseverance to overcome those temptations.  Since we will always be tempted, we need to learn to handle temptation in God’s way, not our way.  

Nate Salsgiver

Every year in March I hear the phrase “there’s just unique”…that’s right it is my annual eye appointment, and let’s just say I don’t have the best vision in the world. As a kid I never used to like going to the eye doctor maybe because of the “puff machine” as I call it. You know the one where you have to put your chin in the cup and they tell you to open your eyes wide and then they shoot a puff of air into your eye. I think I am still traumatized by those experiences. Plus, my brother and sister would always make fun of me for not being able to even read the top line on the eye chart. And to top it all of it is ridiculously expensive each time I go, although today I only had to spend about $500 since I didn’t order new frames. 

Well I am sure that you don’t want to hear more about my appointment, but it always gets me thinking about those times in life when you get really excited for something at first and then when it finally arrives fear takes over. I was always excited and felt very special that I got to get new glasses but when the time came to sit in the chair I was a nervous wreck. 

I had those same feeling my senior year at AU. The entire year, and even a little my junior year, I was so excited to finally be a senior, to graduate, and to move on to new things. But when graduation finally arrived, the celebrations were over, and I was moved out of my apartment fear came over me. Was I going to be able to find a job, support myself, find insurance, and do all of those grown up things? I remember the drive back to Oklahoma and for 12 hours feeling scared about what was to come. 

But nevertheless one year later I am still here, God provided a plan that I wasn’t expecting (getting a graduate degree back in Indiana), and one that I couldn’t have imagined. When my life enters new stages (start of college, graduation, starting a new job, etc) I have to remind myself of those times that God provided and that I don’t have to be fearful about what is to come. 

--Thankful for the way God provides—

 

Christin 

I have been told, “That’s just college.” True. Something about being in the collegiate setting encourages us to take on more than we could typically handle, to sacrifice self-care for success, and to push our bodies and minds past exhaustion and into burnout. I followed this cycle frequently and repeatedly throughout my years here, and it was not until this semester that I decided to do something radical to break the cycle.

I was quite alarmed when I realized, as I was flying back to Indiana from my Christmas vacation in Seattle, that my time away from school was insufficient in pulling me out of the very deeply-set exhaustion in which I had found myself at the end of fall semester. As I was looking out the window of the plane, I remember feeling overwhelmingly afraid that this semester would be the end of me—regarding my energy, motivation, and overall sanity. I had always taken on much more than my capacity could handle: double major, campus ministries, playing music, managing a traveling band, rehearsing, recording an album, mentoring, being mentored, having a moderately decent social life, and on and on. I knew quite well that I could not jump back into the schedule I had set for myself previously, but I had not the slightest idea how to escape from the inevitable chaos. For the first few weeks of the semester I convinced myself that I could manage for just a few more months. I told myself: “Push through the burnout, Anna, and when you graduate, then you can recover.” 

Well, this mentality proved fruitless. I ran myself into the ground within the first few weeks of school, but this time I responded differently to the absolute burnout. For the first time in quite a while, I began to take obligations and responsibilities off of my plate and put them back on the table. I now only participate in extra activities that I actually want to do. I dropped unnecessary classes for the first time in order to make room for bowling and yoga in my schedule. I practice self-care—spending afternoons away by myself, sitting at a coffee shop to read, getting my nails done, or just going for walks. And, I actually spend quality time with people, rather than simultaneously hanging-out and watching the clock for my next required activity. Now, as a soon-to-be graduate, I have finally found balance. Burnout does not have to be an inevitable end, and though I have been well acquainted with it in the past, I hope to never become friends with burnout again.

 

Anna Long

Is it a dry tree branch being scraped down the front of a rusty metal washboard?  I cringe and my shoulders clench in strained anxiety and shock.  My hearing is momentarily muffled by the muscular tension, my cochlear turmoil.  Then, I relax and listen more intently for the source of such a wretched, cacophonous sound.  It’s certainly not a washboard, I am sure.  Then what else could create a noise that rivals the echo that I could imagine a man with severe emphysema making if he screamed with as much force as he could conceivably croak?  

 

Nickelback.

 

They’re a band with a decent instrumental presence, but a rather unfortunate lead vocalist.  I have never seen him sing live, so I always wonder if perhaps he just forms the lyrics with his mouth and uses the accordion bend and pull of a really wide crazy-straw to create a talk-box effect in the recording mic.  Anyway he does it, my ears are always sent searching for a more soothing sonority.

 

I was reminded of this mess just a few minutes ago when Nickelback’s single, “Far Away,” scanned across my Five For Fighting/David Gray radio station on Pandora.  However, after I listened for a while, unintentionally of course, I was brushed with a slightly more positive thought.  Though the lead singer’s scratchy, unrefined voice repels my desire to tune in, it also belts some pretty raw, passionate lyrics which I had never given much of a mindful chance, until now.  

 

The words, “Just one chance, just one breath…’cause you know…that I love you,” are spoken by a desperate romantic pleading forgiveness and redemption for the pain and alienation he caused.  He’s laying his heart before the one he loves and hoping for acceptance and assurance.  

 

How much are we, Christian faithfuls, like that man, pleading with God for a clean slate, a shiny new starting block from which to push off into a new lane of life?  And how often do we choke the pure meaning of a message by focusing on its presentation?  When we listen to a chapel invitation given by an unpracticed, disjointed group of students, do we not focus on the error in form rather than the truth of the telling?  

 

When I listened to Nickelback, I was always disgusted with the sound, but never took the energy and few extra seconds to listen through the lead voice to snag the lyrical meaning of the single.  In that same way, I think so often we trip on searching and agonizing over errors in a message’s presentation and neglect to seek its pure meaning, the truth behind the words or dance or song or skit.  Similarly, because we all communicate in different ways, it must be our proactive challenge and goal to understand the core meaning of a message, regardless of our taste for the conveying voice.  

 

Joey

This week was the end of the winter intramural season.  My basketball team, Beavers + 1, played in the pro league.  We had a really good season and the playoff games started at the beginning of this week.  When playoffs came, we were ranked in the number three seed.  We won our first playoff game pretty easily.  We advanced to the next round of the playoffs and tried to win again.  We played a pretty good team.  We were down most of the game, but we were up with just a few minutes left.  We made some bad decisions and ended up losing by one, but it was a really good game.  I hope to make it to the championship next year. 
 

Not only did our intramural basketball team end their season this week, but so did our men’s basketball team.  I went to the game on Friday night.  We hosted the conference tournament and their first game was against Manchester.   It was a black out night and the place was packed.  There was a huge student representation and it was really awesome.  We stood the whole game and our guys played really well.  Everyone was going crazy the whole game.  My friend even got kicked out for doing a cartwheel in the middle of the gym floor.  Late in the game, with only a few seconds left, Manchester came back and stole the lead.  It was their ball but when they passed it in they lost it out of bounds and turned it over.  We stormed down the court and made a lay up to take back the lead.  Manchester had the ball again with seconds to go.  They drove down the court and attempted a shot.  The ball seemed to bounce on the rim forever, but we jumped up and got the rebound to secure the win.  We stormed the court.  It was so awesome.  I have never been to a game like that here at Anderson. 
 

The guys advanced in the tournament and played again on Saturday night.  Of course, I went again.  The gym was packed again and it was another black out.  The fans were just as excited, but unfortunately, our team didn’t play as well.  We started out behind and stayed that way for pretty much the whole game.  We tied it a few times but they always responded.  We played Defiance and they pretty much outplayed us.  AU really struggled getting the rebounds, and I think that’s one of the main reasons why we lost.  It was a really good exciting season and the boys played really well.  The great thing is that most of our starters will be returning next year.  

Myron El

Gina Farmer

I spent the summer being a nanny for three incredible kids, then came back to Indiana in August to start the RMBA program. There I met new friends and re-connected with people I had known in undergrad. 

I am about to graduate with a MBA degree, start a new job, and potentially buy a house. I remember in undergrad never really stopping to think about how much has changed and where God has brought me. Life flies by and I can’t imagine a faster time than in college. I am that will change when I get married and have kids but I hope that I stop more often and think about how far I have come rather than what is coming next. 

--Remembering How Much Life has Changed—

Christin

 

Anderson University students will soon release a collaboration album of many minority students from the university’s campus. 

 

The album is titled “The Conspiracy of Color.”  The intention of the album is to expose minority talent on the campus of the university.  The album is comprised of various styles and genres of music such as hip-hop, electronica, gospel, pop, jazz, and R&B.  Each song has its purpose on the album.  Most of the songs address issues such as race, relationships, and real life situations. Vince Patton is the main producer of the album and has also been a writer for most of the songs. 

 

I am also a producer of the album.  I am an artist and have songs such as “Behind Closed Doors,” “No One Else,” and “Hometown” on the album as well.

 

Countless hours have been poured into the “Conspiracy” project.  Orangehaus Records, AU’s record label, has been a major resource for the project.  Becky Chapel is the president of Orangehaus and has been an overseer and has provided us with a marketing team.  Not only is Orangehaus a major resource, but Michelle Williams, Associate Dean and Director of Multicultural Students, and Jim King, Director of Admissions, are funding the project.  Faculty stepped up to help, but students have also dedicated countless hours of their time to make the project a success. 

 

We have yet to decide upon a release date.  But, throughout the semester we are having a series of concerts with some of the album personnel.  These will occur on March 5th and 9th in Mocha Joes. Alex hill, Tiffany Vega, Jermani Milton, Dave Evans, Leah Ashton, Dee Greene, Annamarie Hosei, and many more campus artists will be joining us for these shows.  

 

It has been a long process comprised of many stages, but when you hear your music being played back to you, it’s the greatest feeling and makes it all worth it. 

 

Myron El

 

 

I had a moment recently during an English class—one of those epiphanic seconds when suddenly the years of uncertainty culminate into one peaceful, certain moment. Yes, I had one of these. While my favorite professor babbled on regarding his love for Thoreau, I recognized that most people would be fighting sleep with a heavy hand; however, I found myself wanting to absorb every syllable of every word of every sentence. In the words of Thoreau (because I feel it is appropriate), I wanted to ‘suck out all the marrow of life’ (Walden): not only out of life but also out of my education: out of the books I am set to read: out of the art I am set to complete and study. This craving has bled into my relationships, into my service, into my spirituality…and, to think that I entered Anderson relatively certain that I would graduate with a degree in Marketing. Business. Yuck (pardon my colloquialism)! At some point along the line, thankfully, my plans were thwarted (I argue that the thwarting was done by a gracious God), and I began to pursue an entirely unexpected academic path—one that has challenged and grown both my intellect and my personhood.

 

All this to say, as I approach the reception of my English and Art degree, I can say now (with certainty) that college has become less about earning a degree in a particular field and more about the journey that inevitably unfolds along the way. 

 

 

Anna Long

 

There are many ways of reacting to such fear and uncertainty, but which ways are you deciding to implement into your own thoughts and actions?  Are you simply relying on God’s grace and provision?  Are you trying to fix these problems on your own?  Are you apathetic or bitter about your situation? Well, I would have to say that I’ve said yes to all three of these questions at one point in time.  I realized quickly that the only way of finding true peace and hope is through God’s grace and provision.  
 

You may disagree with me, but I am a firm believer in God’s promise.  A verse that declares this promise is located in Jeremiah 17:7, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”  This verse resonates with the hope that God has made available to anyone who accepts His promise.  In times of uncertainty and fear, our faith is tested.  God doesn’t want people suffering; he allows circumstances to take place to see how we react to them.  Do we blame God during these times?  Do we give up on God’s promise?  Or do we simply accept these circumstances as they are, and remain faithful, allowing God to provide.  I know for me, relying solely on God is much more hopeful than trying to deal with circumstances as these on my own.  I encourage and challenge you, that whatever you are going through, God is bigger.  Because where worry starts, faith begins.

 

Nate Salsgiver

 

Gina Farmer

 

I still remember the first time it snowed my freshman year. I woke up and immediately saw snow on the ground and ran to my friend lauren’s room “Lauren we aren’t going to have class today it is snowing!!” She quickly looked outside and informed me that the light inch of powder that was on the sidewalk was not going to stop us from having class. In Oklahoma we would have been shut down for a week, but in Indiana I had to wait until my sophomore year to have a snow day. 

 

It was right around valentine’s day, because all of those people who had plans had to cancel them, and we got a huge storm probably like 8 inches or something like that. It was the first time in about 25 years that AU had cancelled all classes and activities because of the snow—we even got two days off! But what I remember more is what we did that day. 

 

In the morning we went sledding down in the valley (you know like the Christmas card P-Eddy sent out this year) and then in the afternoon we had a day I would never forget…

 

We went to shady-side park and went tubing, sledding, all of that. But then we had this great idea that we were going to build a ramp to tube over. Let’s just say that it was so popular other people wanted to do it and we even got interviewed by the paper. It was a day to remember and hopefully there will be many more. 

                

Even though I hate getting up in the morning in the freezing cold and having to wait for my car to warm up I am not wishing winter away just yet. The winter season has provided me with many memories and I am hoping for some more…

 

--Happy Winter—

 

Christin Dawson

 

After my junior year, I realized why people weren’t attending and supporting our athletic teams.  The general consensus was that our teams were bad and always lost, so what was the point of going?  Well, I understood this thought and agreed with it for some time.  This year, I began to question my thought and perspective on supporting our athletic teams.  I believe a big reason for this majority feeling is because we give up when our teams lose or are having a bad season.  Where’s the loyalty and support?  We as a student body shouldn’t give up when the going gets tough.  Personally, when I was playing soccer and our stands were empty, it was hard to perform well or have the motivation to play.  On the other hand, when the stands were filled and our students cheered for us and got into the game, we played much more aggressive and had much more motivation to win.  Having a big crowd definitely gives any team an advantage over their competition.  

This past Wednesday, our fellow AU basketball team visited our rival school and conference adversary, Manchester.  This was a huge game and a lot of us decided to make the 1.5-hour drive to the game and support our team.  To make a long story short, we won by 2 points.  We rushed the court and congratulated each player and took part in the celebration of a great game and great win.  Afterwards, the players were so thankful and appreciative to all of us who came.  They said that we made the difference in the game.  That game changed my perspective tremendously on supporting each team.  Regardless of any team’s success, we as a student body should support them in the good and bad times.  You never know, we could make the difference in a win or a loss.  We are only in college once; why not take full advantage of it?

Nate Salsgiver

 

This morning at church I have never seen more colts jersey’s than before. On the morning of the AFC championship I saw old and young decked out in their blue shirts, jerseys, earnings, hats, anything that contained a colt’s logo or color. Honestly I am a little afraid that people aren’t going to be able to survive this next week if the colt’s loose. What will we have to talk about? Well I guess if they lose we will talk about that for months on end. 
 

Something that I remember most about starting to watch the colt’s play was from my freshman year at AU. Every Sunday there was always a group of students that came over to Rice Lobby to watch the games. Then at half-time it was a quick sprint to the Haven to grab some food before the second half started. Even though we missed a few weeks here and there or we switched the location those memories were some of my favorites with friends. I am sure our professors saw a decline in our homework performance and had more students fall asleep in class after late night games during the season. But, it was worth it!
 

College is a time where just those random times create memories that last far longer than the years you spend on campus. Speaking of…the game is about to start (sorry if this doesn’t get posted until after the game and so that line may not make sense). Off to watch the game with some AU grad students. 

 

--Go Colts--

Christin Dawson

 

 

I am the co-director for the choir and I love being involved.  I love music and I simply look forward to Wednesday night practices.  They always seem to be the highlight of my week.  As soon as we returned to school this semester, the choir was involved with Tuesday’s chapel which reflected upon the life of Martin Luther King Jr.  Monica Williams directed a skit and the choir was also involved.  We sang some songs to add to the effect of the presentation.  It was cool to be in the background and not be the focus.  It was a different kind of participation for the choir.  We usually are more involved with leading worship on Sunday mornings or chapel.  

 

Not only did we participate in the chapel on Tuesday, but we also had our first rehearsal on Wednesday for the first time this semester.  It was great to be back with the choir.  We have been very active this year.  During first semester we sang at several churches.  We have participated in worship services in Anderson, Indianapolis, and even Northwest Indiana.  We are currently preparing for our participation with Park Place Church of God here on campus.  We love having the opportunity to minister to people. The choir has a great representation of students. There are members that range from freshman to senior.  There are also different races, majors, and backgrounds represented.  We still all serve the same God and we love to fellowship together. The Choir is definitely an inspiration to me and an outlet for me to use my gifts for the glory of God. Here is a link to our page on AU's website.

 

Myron El

 

At the beginning of this year, I felt the need to continue my desire to be involved on campus.  I am involved on campus, but not like I have been in the past.  I decided to relinquish myself from being overly busy and decided to pursue a semester with openness and time.  This semester, I have difficult classes and a hefty load, but I wanted to leave space for my social life.  Throughout my college career, I have been told by past students to enjoy relationships and take opportunities to enhance them.  Doing well in school is a top priority, but making the grades isn’t everything.  College has so many lessons that don’t involve good grades.  In my opinion, relationships are eternal and matter more in life, not grades and performance.  I’m not condoning slacking off, but simply implying that taking the time for relationships and enjoying your college career outside of grades is imperative.  That is why I am taking a new approach and taking advantage of opportunities that I may not of taken in the past.  The last thing I want for my last semester is to have regrets for things that I didn’t do. 

 

Nate Salsgiver

 

Gina Farmer

 

 

All of this is to say that counseling is ok.  Anyone can go and it’s not a huge deal.  I think the unfortunate but general perception of counseling is negative and sense that people view it as a crutch, something that one can’t live without and which offers them psychological balance which cannot be matched or paralleled.  Some are afraid of counseling because they value independence and seek exclusive control of their emotional health.  Consequently, they fear that if they enter counseling, they will develop a sick dependency on a counselor’s wisdom or a doctor’s prescribed meds, thereby relinquishing control of their own lives.  Independence is the staple diet of America, and going to counseling is perceived as voluntary fasting, or more drastically, anorexia.  

 

This is currently just conjecture.  I’m merely voicing my perceptions of counseling which are based upon personal rhetoric with family and friends and a palpable negative aura which clouds the idea of counseling services and which is composed of and consistently permeated by many of the root motivations wedged deep within our cultural experiences, from education and the concept of cheating to patents and the concept of originality regarding copyright dispute which plagues the music industry, from making friends to forming a rich relationship with Christ.  In the next few blogs, I want to first dispel this negative notion of counseling, then discover the fundamental cause through a little research, and finally apply that discovery to the make-up of a maturing relationship with Christ and how he encourages his children to commune with each other and Himself.  

 

Until next time,

Proudly and thoughtfully in counseling!

Joey

  

 

Gina Farmer