It's the final countdown! (cue synthesizer)

It's finals time, and I am in the thick of it.

Thankfully, I only have 2 take home finals to do, New Testament due on the 5th and World Religions due on the 9th. Both shouldn't be too hard, I've just got to make sure I use the next few days wisely studying. I've been studying most of today, and looks like tomorrow will be more of the same. Coffee will be my friend, yes it will.

I got my grade back for my final sermon! I got a 96, and I'm really happy about it. I took a lot of risks with it, and I'm happy with it (for the most part.) I preached on the Ascension of Elijah, from the perspective of Elisha. It was my first fully memorized sermon, which is a huge step for me. Now that I know I can do it, I hope I can do with more regularity in the future.

I wrote a reflection on preaching earlier this week, and I'd like to share a bit of it with you all.

"In the course of the semester, I've had to confront and discern a theology of what preaching is and does. What I've discovered is that it is not so much what the preacher does or says; it is much more about what God does in and through the preacher and the assembly that is gathered to hear the sermon. For me, preaching is equal parts worship, teaching and mission. Out of these three ideas, a sermon is integral to the work of the people towards God, the fellowship of the church among itself, and the preparation for the church to be the people of God out in the world."


I really hope that one day, I can live up to my own ideals. I've got a long ways to go, but God willing, I'll be able to do what God has called me to do well.


--Grant

Going the Distance

Going to San Marcos today! I am excited. Yes.

You know, I bet you are all wondering how the heck Laura and I manage this long distance relationship. Allow me to elucidate! To be honest, it's really tough. It's really tough to not live in the same city, to not be able to see each other and be physically present with one another, to spend time with each other the way other couples do who aren't separated by 200 something miles. It's really quite frustrating. At the same time though, we do talk. We phone, we Skype (a lifesaver, by the way!) and we do whatever we can , and I relish every minute I get to talk with her, or see her. I get to see her every few weeks, which is a blessing in and of itself, and I look forward to every time I get to see her smiling face. Is a long distance relationship difficult? Yes, but not impossible. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Now to other news. All things considered, today is going great. Many of my friends are participating in the National Day of Silence, an event being held across the country to heighten awareness of bullying in schools, specifically anti-LGBT bullying. Sadly, I'm too much of a blabbermouth to really do this well, but I do support them! Bullying is no joke. If you've ever been the victim of bullying, you know what I'm talking about. Anything that works to end bullying in schools is fine by me. 

Well, that's all I've got for now. Hope it's all gravy out there for you all out there!

--Grant

Laura's first post!

 Hey all you people out there in internet land!

 This is my first post on our little blog.

Well, I had an interesting day. It started out by sleeping through my 8am class (Professional Writing)! Not so great.  Although, I will confess that this class is boring, and I when I'm there, I kind of zone out. I am still learning a few valuable things.

However, the day redeemed itself by getting to see my friend and her insanely precious 6 month-old daughter! My friend and I started at Baylor, were both Kappa Deltas, and then transferred to Texas State (I transferred the semester before her though.). We had lunch at Italian Garden (delicious!), stopped by JC Penney about her daughter's Easter portrait and then headed to the outlet mall to get her some cute little outfits!

The rest of the afternoon was pretty boring, and now I'm just relaxing since it's the start of the weekend for me! Tomorrow night Grant comes down to visit for the weekend. I'm excited!

Cheesy announcement: Today is my best friend and her boyfriend's 4 year anniversary. Happy Anniversary, y'all! He got her a beautiful present - he did well!  :  )

Til next time....
Laura : ) 

Welcome!

Hey there everybody! Thanks for stopping by. This blog is a joint effort between Grant Barnes and Laura Richard. We will put whatever we darn well want to on this blog; life stuff, cool stuff, stories, whatever. Enjoy!

Love and Peace,

Grant Barnes