Thursday, November 1, 2012

Week 5


This week has been such a week of growth for my entire link year class, both individually, and holistically.  We heard from three different speakers that challenged us to work together and interact as a group, but also make us think about our own lives, and the ways we view real world issues. 

Monday we were privileged to hear from Mary Willis, a Nutritionist from Kansas City.  She taught us a lot about eating a balanced diet, and making sure that we are getting enough of every food group.  She laid out all that we needed to maintain a healthy diet, and showed us simple ways to eat healthy on a budget.  Most importantly, she told us how fortunate we are to be in such a close-knit community.  Studies have proven that it is easier to stick to a healthy eating plan when you are surrounded by a group of like-minded people with similar goals.  She challenged us to challenge each other to work for the goals we have set out for ourselves. 

            Tuesday and Wednesday we heard from Marvin Daniels, the director of Higher Ground at KAA. Marvin challenged us to express our opinions about several different topics as a group.  We all moved to the back of the chapel where he had designated one side as ‘agree’, and the other as ‘don’t agree’.  Six slides crossed the screen with statements that could be argued either way.  With each different statement, we were asked to choose whether we agreed or disagreed, and stand on the corresponding side of the chapel.  There was no option of middle ground; we were forced to pick a side.  As we discussed each statement, and our own personal standpoints behind them, we could choose to change our minds.  It was interesting to hear the different opinions of my classmates and peers behind each of the issues, and really defend my own beliefs against those of others.  We were also split into discussion groups to talk about different areas in our lives that are more personal to us individually.  It was good to be forced into some interaction during class, and have to participate, instead of just sitting back and listening to another speaker. 

            Thursday Morning, we were truly blessed to get to have Keith Chancey come and share with us.  Keith is the director of the Kanakuk Institute, and a phenomenal speaker.  He walked us through the first three chapters of Genesis, and really dug deep into the text.  He talked about why we were created.  God was looking for TRUE worshippers who will worship Him.  Then, he began to unpack the scripture.  He used verses from these first few chapters, and applied to them to modern day issues that Christians often deal with.  It was a good eye-opener to see why the Old Testament is still important to our lives today. 

            This week was definitely a good week of growth for our entire class.  We were forced to talk out our own personal opinions, not just those of the people around us.  It helped us to see what areas we need growth in.  These things will be crucial to be able to defend all throughout my life.  

"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

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