Reflective Essay for iStart

             When Jesus was asked what the greatest command was, he answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; ³⁰ and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these,” (Mark 12:30,31). Jesus wants Christians, His people, to love our neighbors (which is everyone around us) as much as we love ourselves. Jesus also demonstrated through His ministry and death on the cross that love equals service. As a Christian, I strive every day to live like Jesus by loving and serving everyone around me. Wednesday, August 12^th, I had an opportunity to serve those who partictpate in the Special Olympics.

                I was assinged to assist with an outdoor sport called Bachi Ball. I had never heard of this game, but once I learned the object of the game (two players, each with four balls, take turns underhand tossing their balls to get as close as they can to a small white ball without touching it), I was ready to assist the Olympians who came to play Bachi Ball. One athlete in particular, named Raschetta, especially enjoyed the game and played no less than 5 times. The Olympians were some of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I really enjoyed getting to spend my morning with some of the athletes.

                Assisting with the Special Olympics reminded me once again that I need to look at everyone the way Jesus looks at them – with love. I believe that in order for the world to be better, more cohesive, more at peace, we need to begin by looking at people and loving them at first sight. Only by loving someone, can we truly show them Christ through us and glorify Him.

Chevron, Mr. Darcy, and Other Things That Make Me Smile

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship" - Louisa May Alcott

I don't know about you, but I was a little nervous when I arrived on campus Saturday morning. Weeks of preparation had gone into making sure I had everything I would need to transition to college. I decorated my dorm, said goodbye to my parents, and looked around at what would be my "home" for the next four years. I felt unprepared for classes, unprepared for living by myself, and especially unprepared for making friends. Everyone says that this is where I will make my friends for life...that's a lot of pressure! But, I have managed to meet some people (and I'm really glad we have name tags because I'm terrible at names) and even went out for frozen yogurt 😃.

Speaking of meeting people, my name is Catherine Allbritton, and I am majoring in Musical Theatre so I can be a musical director for a children's theatre. I am from Valdosta, GA and have been in 26 theatrical performances. I enjoy making people laugh, singing, reading Jane Austen, talking about the TV show Sherlock, and drinking Diet Pepsi. I am looking forward to this school year, especially Great Books.

"Thanks be to God, for His indescribable gift!" 1 Corinthians 9:15