Uncle Jon

Throughout life we inherit labels that gradually define our unique individual person. These labels consist of: Christian, Muslim, teacher, architect, son, daughter, mother, father... the list is endless. Of recently, I have possessed the privilege of adorning my self with a new label, Uncle. This of which I am pleased to bear. I look forward to his growth and having part in spoiling him rotten. He is just adorable. Grant Marvin Lasley.

Senioritis...

Though I am not a fan of the term, I feel it to be the appropriate diagnosis for my mental state. I told myself I would not capitulate to this life of apathy. Yet, here I am, bound to its forceful grip.

A gift of Significance

Open Arms - Russian translation

Сколько слез, сколько бед ты в жизни перенес.
Боль и страх держишь ты в хрупком сердце своем.
Ты сломан, разбит, спрятаться хочешь от всех.


Есть любовь, что может скрыть тебя в объятиях своих.
Бог Отец зовет тебя к себе, чтоб твое сердце исцелить.
Приди и пей, ты не будешь жаждать вновь.


Брошен ты, сирота, в сердце пустота.
В темноте одинок ждешь, когда найдут тебя.
Ты сломан, разбит, спрятаться хочешь от всех.


В Боге ты найдешь покой, в Его любви найдешь ты милость и мир.

Translated by, Olya Velichko & Marina Padiy - Thank you

Vanguard

Vanguard, the name generates a sense of elation. This due to my four years of attendance at the University. I appraise this time, because its end is rapidly approaching. Accommodating my chosen study, Vanguard has provided an atmosphere full of welcome and enjoyment. The memories are innumerable.  Among the fondest are the dear friendships that have been instituted. It is hardly possible to commemorate all that Vanguard has embellished my life with. Nevertheless, I reckon my time well spent and the moving on necessary. Lord, I ask you guide me in accordance to your will.
Thanks Vanguard.

Christmas time

As the years continue to pass, the warmth of Christmas season spent with family becomes ever-greater. The overwhelming nostalgic traditions furnishes an affectionate love and restful peace I like to refer to as "Home, Sweet Home".

Theology

What is theology, but for man's comfort? An antidote purposed for the implementation of morality or emotional stability? In our desire to know the God of the universe, it is inevitable that we conform Him to our liking. We try to fit the infinite being God is into our own box of consolation. Sooner of later that box of comfort is subject to affliction and then blown up with a new posed thought or idea. This process then repeats itself again and again. We can't fit God into a box.

Aside from this question, I adamantly profess ones theology of God is important to refine. That is, in the approach of an informative biblical matter. Even though we lack the capacity to fully understand the way God works, it is important to keep an open mind with critical and good judgement. We may be right or wrong in our comprehension of God's character; understand that and be okay with it. Perhaps, we were never meant to grasp the full knowledge of the omnipotent being God was, is, and will always be. Doesn't mean we shouldn't make the attempt.

What's next?

With one more year of college around the corner, one question frequently seems to be asked. "What are you going to do with your life?" A question I don't know if I will ever be able to answer my whole life. Taking a dive into the "real world" is rapidly approaching. Up until this point it seems as though  there weren't many choices to be made on my part except for Vanguard University, my school of choice. What's next... more school? get a job?  look into starting a family? move to another state or country for that matter? Is the perfect answer waiting right in front of me only by fate to fall under my footsteps? I believe God has a will and a purpose for my life. It can really be aggravating at times left to ponder what my next step may be. It seems almost selfish in a sense to plan where I will be in the future. Who is to say I may have another breathe? Life is such a precious gift, yet we tend to waste what little we do have. As created beings of the Almighty God, we are to honor and glorify Him with our lives. So which ever be my last... may every breathe seek to glorify the One of whom all worth is due. Though I compile my own plans, they are but little to where God may lead me. I think the song writer says it best "Take my life and let it be all for you and for your glory". So... it is okay that the question "What are you going to do with your life?" remains a list of questions and maybes. The only legitimate answer I hope and strive for is to glorify my God wherever I may find myself. Amen.

Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness"