Hello! My name is Kayla. I’m a senior here at PBU (a place that has totally changed my life), and I am studying the Bible
and preparing to be an elementary school teacher. I am the Student Senate President and I’m beyond excited about serving
the student body in the year ahead. I like white daisies, I love to travel, my favorite color is pink, and I enjoy making purchases
at the dollar store.
November 14, 2009
Operation Christmas Child
Each year the PBU community- students, faculty, and staff members alike- comes together to fill shoe boxes with Christmas gifts with the international OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD organized by Samaritan's Purse.
Growing up, the annual trip to Walmart to buy presents for another girl or boy became a tradition for my family. It's so neat to do the same things with friends now that I'm in college. This morning members of the Senate Cabinet woke up on our Saturday morning to head to Walmart and fill shoe boxes together. It is so incredibly joyful to spend $20 on someone else. Walking through the aisles picking out crayons, rainbow colored hair ties, and cute stuffed animals, it's hard not to imagine the smiles on the faces of the kids who will receive our boxes.
[Derek, Stephen, & Becky- who recently sprained her ankle in an Indoor Soccer Intramural game.]
Today, I simply want to challenge & encourage you
with a song that has been my heart's prayer lately.
"Heal my heart and make it clean.
Open up my eyes to the things unseen.
Show me how to love like You have loved me.
Break my heart for what breaks Yours."
One of my best friends (who also happens to be my roommate) is getting married to the love of her life in December. Laura and I have been friends since our freshman year at PBU. It's been such a joy to watch Laura and Dave meet, fall in love over the past few years, and plan a wedding- that is now less that 40 days away!! This weekend we celebrated at Laura's (not-so) surprise Bridal Shower. :-)
(SIDE NOTE: Watching two people who LOVE God, desire to serve Him, and love one another in light of Christ's love for us is a truly beautiful, pure thing.)
[The Bridal Party.]
[Laura & me.]
[College friends: Karah, Laura, Sarah, Dallas, and me.]
Today, I attended PBU's annual Worldview Conference, hosted by the Center for University Studies. This year, the conference aimed to answer this question: how does technology impact a biblical worldview?
The session that impacted my biblical worldview- and, in turn, my thoughts on daily Christian living- the most was Dr. Gary E. Schnittjer's session titled, "The Movies: Manufacturing New 'Realities'." http://www.pbu.edu/academic/faculty/gary_schnittjer.htm
I'd like to share with you a portion of his notes: "The movie is a powerful technology. Movies reflect culture as well as shape and generate culture. The close relation between culture and the moviegoer's perception of reality supplies one part of the power of film. This workshop will illustrate how movies created/create new qualities within genres of 'reality'. The purpose is for Christians to raise questions regarding if and how the manufactured realities of the movies bear on their own perceptions of reality."
I was challenged more than I thought possible at 3:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday, and just want to share with you some of the questions I was forced to wrestle through:
1. Has Hollywood captured my imagination? Do I form my expectations for life based upon the false perception of reality that film portrays?
Do scenes like this one- the infamous proposal scene between Patrick Dempsey and Reese Witherspoon in the 2002 film Sweet Home Alabama- capture our imagination and give us unrealistic expectations based on a false reality? I'm asking you.
2. Does film confuse our concept of reality? Does film thwart our ability to grasp it? Movies such as the Matrix present such a complex version of reality and false realities that affect our perception and thought processes in a way we all too often dismiss.
3. Is it appropriate to use film to escape reality- good or bad? Is that not our purpose in settling down on the couch or heading to the movie theater some (if not, MOST) of the time?
4. How does film portray America and how does it affect our view of America? Dr. Schnittjer asserted that the reality of America portrayed in movies is so far from the true reality that is overshadows actual reality, is understood as much more popular, and thus, we come to associate actual reality with the fake, shallow version. The films created during the latter half of the 20th century and into the start of the 21st century have presented radically different pictures of life in America than what is real. How have musicals, as a genre, affected this as well?
Do scenes like this one from the 1950's Singing in the Rain paint a false reality of American life?
5. How have Disney films falsified our expectations, blurred the lines between imaginations and reality, and meshed or juxtaposed the real and the impossible to such an indistinguishable point that we are uncertain what to believe as real... and that we often live in light of the unreal instead of the real?
Does this scene and others from Disney's Enchanted display such a confusion between what is real and what is imaginable that our perceptions of reality become deeply conflicted?
I ask these questions not because I have all the answers, but because I am struggling through them myself. I wrote these thoughts in my notes at the end of the workshop- I hope they challenge you.
At the height of false reality that is often presented in film, I find a way to feel the most reality. I allow myself to empathize with the characters, to imagine myself in that setting, to pretend as though those experiences and emotions are my own. I allow myself to live, think, relate, and feel in a false reality presented on a screen. Why?
How does film- and technology- affect my life as a believer in Jesus Christ, a believer in ultimate truth and reality?
As October ends, I want to share with you (my dear friends & faithful readers) some things that have been going on in my life.
1. Yesterday, I got the awesome opportunity to visit St. Joe's University (with three friends: Trevor, Stephen, & Franko) to share my story & perspective on Christianity with students in a religions class. Why do I believe what I do? Why did I choose to go to a biblical University? I think it is essential that we discuss religion, faith, beliefs, and the issues they present us with in the 21st century. It was awesome to dialogue with the students in the class about my life and faith. And so, here's a shout out to the fabulous people in Dr. Oxx's class at St. Joes- thanks for listening to us share- I'd love to talk more if you're interested!
2. I'm working on the PBU Student Senate facebook page. As our fans increase, we want to use it as an effective communication tool to reach a huge number of students, faculty, staff, family members, graduates and prospective students with news about what is happening with the students. As Student Senate represents the clubs, organizations, class governments, and resident sites, we are not lacking in exciting news to share. Check it out, add us as a friend, and keep in touch with student life at PBU. [www.facebook.com/student.senate.pbu]
3. One of my best friends, Laura, is getting married to her fiance Dave in... let's see... SEVEN weeks. My bridesmaid dress arrived earlier this week and it is simply beautiful. I'm overjoyed to be a part of the marriage of two of the most wonderful people I know. It is such an incredible experience to look back over the past three years of life at PBU- remembering how we giggled about Dave before they had really met, how I watched from the window as he (failed to) open the (locked) car door to leave on their first date, and how excited we were when I saw the ring on her finger for the first time. It's a blessing and a joy to share in this exciting time with them.
4. The homework load is starting to build up as we head into the last third of the semester towards finals week. If you think of it, pray for me, and for the students at PBU. Between my Educational Psychology research paper, Development & Diagnostic Reading lesson plans, Issues in Contemporary Literature book presentation, and Doctrinal Statement, I am becoming increasingly overwhelmed with the amount of work I need to accomplish. Pray for diligence, clarity, patience, and that learning takes places that affects my life long after the assignments are turned in.
I'll have exciting pictures to post for you soon- no doubt. Stay tuned.
The 2009-2010 Student Senate adopted this motto to describe the way we want to live each day as intentional, passionate, loving, Christ-centered individuals on our campus. Student Senate exists (in the most formal sense) to do three major things:
1. facilitate effective communication between the Administration, Faculty, Staff, and students at PBU.
2. support & encourage the student leaders of clubs, organizations, classes, and resident sites.
3. build up Christ-centered student leaders who desire to serve God and others with their lives.
Serving on Student Senate for the past two years has been, quite positively, the best experience I've had as a college student. I've served (and AM serving) alongside some of the most fabulous people I've ever known- we're like a family, we're a team. Serving as the President this year has been an incredibly joyful experience that has required more of my time and energy than I ever thought possible- but it has been SUCH a huge blessing.
Last week, we got together with our AMAZING adviser, Sarah Zimmerman, who took these pictures of us for our yearbook, bulletin board, and... for my blog!
[Becky, our sparkling Secretary of Recruitment. While she spends her summers and holidays with her family in Portugal, she parties in the USA all semester long.]
[Bucky, our terrific Treasurer. All the way from South Carolina, he loves wearing sweater vests and driving tractors... oh, AND he writes a rockin' budget.]
[Derek, our phenomenal Public Relations Coordinator. A business major who grew up on a farm in Lancaster, he has a deep love for flannel shirts and has Miley Cyrus on his ipod.]
[Franko, our stupendous Social Committee President. Our boy from The Bronx is known on campus for his extensive flat brimmed hat collection and is currently planning the 2010 Spring Formal.]
[Jared, our perceptive Parliamentarian. A PBU Security Officer in his spare time, he loves late night trips to Wawa, beach adventures, and would rather be on top of a mountain than in the city.]
[Liz, our sincerely sweet Secretary. With an adorable sense of humor, she brings joy to our group with her incredible note-taking, bulletin board making, and safe driving skills.]
[Stephen, our vivacious Vice-President. I must admit, I'm not sure I could survive this year without him as my VP. A New Jersey native, he frequents Starbucks, hikes the Alps, writes in his moleskin, and makes weekly trips to Chick-fil-A.]
[... and finally, me! I absolutely love to travel, quite enjoy baking (especially desserts, especially for Senate meetings), think bookstores & coffee shops are lovely, and am beyond blessed to serve alongside these seven fantastic people.]
Micah 6:8 [Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.]
I certainly hope you enjoyed meeting 7 of my favorite people at PBU.
This morning, one of our professors (who is also one of the Pastors at Bible Fellowship Church)- Tom Allen- spoke in Chapel on the topics of sin, salvation, and sanctification. I am so challenged and encouraged each time I listen to Mr. Allen share from the Word. Last year I had the privilege of sitting in his Doctrine II class, in which we studied many of the areas of theology that he talked about this morning. I needed the reminders he brought this morning about the seriousness of our sin, the power of God's saving grace, and the role we have in the sanctification process.
Basically, all I wanted to share with you is that I was greatly encouraged by Chapel this morning. Discipleship is something that happens at PBU on a daily basis- in small groups, in conversations with my roommates, during class, around the cafeteria tables, and among many other places, during Chapel. It is incredible to be challenged by the truth of Scripture consistently throughout my week. Even when I'm having dreary days such as this one (it's freezing and rainy in Langhorne) I am reminded of the hope that I have in Jesus Christ and the promise of my eternity in Heaven with Him.
PS: Read the book of Hebrews. It is amazing and I'm just LOVING it right now.
Since everybody else was updating their blogs with exciting news of their fall break plans, I decided to share mine with you as well. :-D One of the most anticipated points of the semester for PBU students (and most college students, I'd venture to say) is the long weekend in Autumn when we can relax, refresh, catch up, and get ahead on life. My roommate went home to continue planning her wedding with her family & fiance, some of the coolest guys I know took a road trip to Vermont to visit a recent grad, a whole group of people went hiking along the Appalachian Trail... and I visited the lovely city of New York with some dear, dear friends. Autumn in New York is crisp, bright, and bustling as ever.
Here are some pictures from our lovely adventure through Central Park, Times Square, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, Soho, Brooklyn, and more!!
[Waiting over an hour in line for DELICIOUS coal-oven pizza in Brooklyn.]
[The Brooklyn Bridge. One of the more exciting things I've ever done is walk across this magnificent structure, in between Manhattan and Brooklyn, between The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.]
[Manhattan.]
[Erin and me, attempting to grab a cab.]
-These photographs were taken by the lovely Allison Dobbs-
Right now, while you are sitting at your computer reading this, a child in Africa is being killed, tortured, forced to kill, and suffering pain in worse ways than I can even imagine. Right now, while you are on facebook, checking your email, getting a text from your best friend, and worrying about how you're going to get to the bank before it closes to mail your electric bill, the longest war in African history is waging across Uganda. Right now, a rebel leader is kidnapping and enslaving ten, eleven, and twelve year old boys to fight as children soldiers in his atrocious war.
Invisible Children is an organization started by three guys who traveled to Uganda, were appalled by the war they witnessed, created a documentary about it, and have started a revolution around the world raising awareness for the unseen children. Invisible Children is working with the United States government and the Obama Administration to bring change and peace to war-torn countries in Africa with the hope of restoring these children to their homes. CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN.
My biggest worries in the past week have been: scheduling time to write lesson plans & a doctrine paper, putting aside $20 for gas money, forgetting to turn in an application for student teaching due in December, and failing to write an agenda for the Senate meeting on Monday night. Why? Why am I concerned with ANY of those things when children are being kidnapped, killed, and turned into killers across the ocean? My heart breaks for the children and families who are experiencing extreme pain and poverty every single day. My heart breaks for an apathetic, selfish world of which I am a part.
Tonight, the amazing East Coast Invisible Children Roadies brought their van filled with t-shirts, bracelets, & DVD's to PBU to show a screening of their most recent documentary highlighting the invisible children in Uganda. Throughout the fall, these four incredible individuals are traveling the East Coast promoting the cause of Invisible Children & giving people awesome opportunities to get involved in the process of change. I sat, frozen in my seat, as tears streamed down my cheeks during the movie. Heartbroken. Terrified. Ashamed. Enraged. Determined. Blessed. Struggling.
Over 130 PBU students came out to watch this documentary and I don't think a single one left that room unchanged. We bought t-shirts, pledged our support, purchased bracelets to support an economic project that boosts the communities in Uganda, and committed to raising money as a University for a specific school in Uganda that will raise up educated leaders who seek peace. We prayed. We talked. We cried. As friends, we struggled together. It was incredible.
I strongly encourage you to take a minute and view this video. Check out their website. Contact me if you have any questions, please. Will you choose to be a voice for the invisible?
[Student Senate posing with the fantastic IC Roadies by their tour van after the event.]
The List of Things I Love About Fall...
[If you read back to my earlier posts, you'll see that I love writing out my thoughts in lists. I hope you enjoy this one; and so, in no particular order please enjoy the list of things I love about fall... especially at PBU.]
1. Enjoy the brisk afternoon air while sitting by the pond.
2. Pumpkin carving.
3. Sitting on my front porch steps worshiping Jesus with my roommates on cool evenings.
4. PBU vs. BBC soccer games on beautiful afternoons.
5. Crimson Celebration.
6. Auburn & burgundy mums- you know, the fall flowers!
7. Wearing sweaters & hoodies once again.
8. Pumpkin-spice lattes.
9. Spending afternoons observing 6th grade at Faust Elementary School in Bensalem.
10. Powder Puff Football under the lights.
11. Leaving the windows open instead of using air conditioning in the apartment.
12. Breath-taking orange and pink sunsets, where the moon rises huge at the horizon.
13. September days in Ocean City- absolutely beautiful.
I could write more, but I'll leave you with these pictures of my autumn days:
[Pumpkin carving with my sister at my dear friend Erin's birthday party.]
[Enjoying the sunset with Erin on a cool autumn evening in Ocean City, New Jersey.]
[Modeling the new Big Red Machine t-shirts, Student Senate is captured enjoying Crimson Celebration.]
[Sitting on our front porch, my roommate Jocelyn and I enjoy playing guitar & singing with our friends.]
