GG Update

This winter break has been enjoyable after completing my first semester. Thanks to hard work and almost certainly some divine intervention by God, I got all A's my first semester! Although it has been a lot, and I mean, A LOT of work, i've thoroughly enjoyed graduate school. I definitely feel like I'm in the right place right now. My studies are heavily centered on theory and research, rather than anything practical. But that will help prepare me for a PHd program if that's what God has in store for me.
My non-church related small group this semester has been a Christian group for grad students dedicated toward exploring ways to blend our academic studies with our faith. Whereas last year was the BPB ministry, this year my small group has been this Grad Resources group. We divided into two groups. The group I was in has been reading "The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex and The Meaning of Life" by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. It's a very good book and I thoroughly recommend it. It's interesting to see the two competing worldviews. I don't know if I'll ever pull it off but I thought it would be interesting to get a Freud expert and a Lewis scholar to actually debate each other on these points in an educational forum on campus. That could be used as a good tool to draw non-believers. I think it's a good idea for someone to do, even if I or my group never does.
Anyway, it's been a good experience.
The other thing that has touched my heart is international students. One-fifth of the students in my master's program are international students. I've enjoyed befriending and learning about other cultures from my classmates from Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia and Africa. We play badminton together weekly, play basketball some, eat dinner together often and even go to church regularly (with one girl in particular). Some of the Koreans are already Christian, but I'm hoping some way God might use me to help share the gospel with the nonbelievers.
As for the principles of the BPB ministry, I'm the exact opposite of all of you: I'm taking on more and more debt, rather than eliminating it. But it's for school, which I'm hoping will pay off in the long run.
I'm also hoping to take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to me. I hope to take part in a study abroad program to France in May. I'll also go to New York as a student judge for the Peabody Awards. I'm not worthy of any of these opportunities so I must definitely give all the praise and glory to God for all of these things.
I have set this goal for New Year's past but I hope I actually acheive it this year: I want to read the Bible this year. I've never read the whole Bible. I hope I can remain faithful and grow in Christ as I consume the holy Word.
Yes, let's definitely get this blog going again. It can be a great resource. If nothing else, I enjoy hearing how everyone's doing. :)

Putting the Christ Back in Christmas

For the first 25 years or so of my life, Christmas meant presents, rampant commercialism, Santa and so forth. Lately, I've focused more on Christ at Christmas than I have Santa and presents under the tree.
It's somewhat shameful, I'll admit, that I become a better Christian at Christmas time. I should strive to act and focus my efforts on Christ 365 days a year, not just a few around Christmastime.
I just feel this year I've been much more focused on Christ. Since Christmas Eve fell on Sunday, I went to my church service on Sunday morning. That was an enjoyable experience.
Today, I was also in more of a spirit filled mood. After listening to some John Legend songs (some of which talk about God), I listened to some Canton Jones, some Kirk Franklin, some Fred Hammond and some other Gospel songs.
I've also found myself praying a lot more lately. Over the holidays, I've spent time with my grandmother, who has Alzheimer's. There are good days and good times and bad days and bad times. But the bad times are painful. I pray for her, for all the suffers of this dreadful disease, for peace for my mother who must care for her and other families.
I've also been touched by foreign ministry of sorts. Just last week, I had four Asians come visit me at my parents' house. Three of them are classmates of mine at Georgia. I felt bad for them, being alone in a foreign land, over the break and holidays. They are not Christians but I hope slowly in time at least one of them may come to know Jesus Christ.
Do you all have any suggestions or resources that could help me minister the gospel to international students? I have a tremendous opportunity being in a college town to reach a few people from foreign countries.
These have been the things on my mind this Christmastime: international students, Alzheimers, and Christ.
I don't want to sound all negative though. It's amazing to me to think what a difference a year can make. Last year at this time we were all in Gastonia. Now look at us! We all seem to be well off in our respective locations. God bless!

-GG

Mojo update

Wow, I finally made my way back to the blog. I have been quite busy these days with my transformation. I moved into an apartment (finally!) in November. I love it; the complex has brick exterior apts with hardwood floors and plaster walls (built in 1950s). It's also closer to my job downtown and right next to an arboretum and a few blocks away from the rec center and pool.

I'm on vacation now just taking it easy, handling some tasks and doing a lot of reading. I also cut my hair off! I have a TWA (teeny weeny fro) as they say. I got tired of the relaxers and want to relearn my hair in its natural state. I'm also changing my diet and going more green. I have a host of resources if you guys are interested. I'm hoping to start a simplicity study group soon. If you want to know what I'm reading, it's ceruleansanctum.com, simpleliving.net,unconventionalideas.com and coopamerica.com.

K-Young, glad to hear of your progress. I just canceled two credit cards this month, leaving me with one for emergencies. I am reading Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin, which is excellent. I'm quite disallusioned by the prosperity gospel and am looking for Christian teachings that align more with the message of Jesus as humble servant instead of victorious king (for balance-sake).

I hope we can revive this blog! Ttyl. Mojo

Dormant is Not Cool

Good Lawd! This site has become as "dead as a doornail." Whatever that means. We need to fire this back up. ESPECIALLY after our good conversation on all these "bpbministry" topics, MoJo. Post some links to all those readings, you were talkin' bout. K-Young, WHERE ARE YOU?!?!! What's kickin' down in Nawlins'. We want to hear what's up with you. Keep in touch, kids. Keep in touch. I've done a poor job of posting too. Let's get this thing up and running again.
If I can find the AJC article on the wealth ministry stuff, I'll post it. HOLLA!

-GG