Upland

I visited the Upland campus for the first time on February 13. Currently, I am processing all my emotions. I love the campus, and I love the Oyenrinde family. God has really blessed my life. However, this transition is somewhat intimidating. My life will change in a variety of ways. I need adventure, but I also need someone to hold my hand through the process. Thank the Lord for friends like the Oyerinde's and the Whiteley's! Please be praying for me in the next coming months.

My Relations

I had to post this picture because I thought it was too wonderful to keep to myself.

Another Publication!

I wrote a review for the book Old-Earth Creationism on Trial. It will be published in the spring quarterly issue of Church Libraries. I love being a writer!

How to be Financially Responsible

Sam is Diving In!

Nine to Five

Member Status

I grew up in a church that required membership before I participated in communion. To become a member I was required to have a foundational understanding of the plan of salvation. I also had to make a profession of faith in front of the church.

I now attend a church that does not require membership for communion. (Appropriately named open communion.) However, my present church requires membership before I can vote in special meetings. Recently, our congregation made a move to another facility. Before the deal was finalized the church members came together, and then voted on whether to move. The majority voted to move; therefore, the church moved. People who were not members of the church had no vote.

For the past 10 years I have been skeptical about the concept of church membership. This skepticism is based on the fact that there is no biblical model for membership. I assume this is American culture affecting church practices. After all, we are members at the local YMCA, we are members of the country club, and we are members at a golfing range. The theory is: when we invest our money and time into the church we should be granted privileges, like membership.

I became a member of my current church about a year ago. I decided that membership was not evil. It is a practice that helps churches organize. Churches can determine commitment levels, predict financial costs, and estimate tithe checks. Membership has a practical aspect.

However, there is a practice that I oppose. Some churches require a member to be heterosexual. There are various churches that deny membership to homosexuals. I believe that homosexuality is a sin. Nonetheless, denying membership because someone is struggling with homosexuality is not biblical! Membership is not a requirement for salvation. Membership is not a biblical command. Therefore, segregating people from membership based on morality is not sound.

How many churches have members who are divorced for reasons other than marital unfaithfulness? How many members struggle with pornography when they get on the Internet? How many members cheated on their taxes this year? Why is homosexuality considered in membership, and these other sins have no bearing? It is because homosexuality is the current taboo. Churches think they are tolerating the sin if they allow a homosexual to become a member. But, what does membership have to do with morality. I would suggest nothing!

Mainly, I dislike using membership (a cultural, organization tool) to dictate morality and demoralize people. A church can have a standard. A church can take a stand on social issues like abortion and homosexual marriage. But, using membership to hold people to that standard is absurd and not supported by scripture.

Costume Party

Our young adult group had a costume party. My costume won the award for "Most Religious." Scroll down, and you will see why...




Yes, I dressed up as Jesus. The girl kneeling is named Caitlin. She dressed up as a monk.



This is Jennifer. I liked her costume the best. My camera takes lousy pictures; therefore, you don't get the full affect! She is dressed up like Indiana Jones! She even has a whip that plays the movie's theme music. COOL!!!



This guy is from the Guitar Hero generation. During the talent show he did some impressive air guitar! ROCK ON!


I have some videos of the talent show that I want to post. However, it is too late to upload them. I am busy this weekend, so I can't guarantee they will be up soon. When they final make their appearance it will be worth the wait!!!

Thank You!

I often feel guilty because I have little ability to express my gratitude. How do I thank people who go out of their way to help, love, and support me? I can give them a gift, buy them a card, or verbally express my gratitude. However, rarely do these gestures express the full weight of my appreciation. I have found myself in troubling situations, and I have always had someone to hold my hand. There are many people out there who are lonely and mistreated. I realize how fortunate I am!! Anything I achieve in this life will be dependent on the people who stayed with me and fought for me. I only wish I could thank them properly!

Stress Relief (The Office)

I came home Monday afternoon crying. My car has been giving me trouble. I have taken it to the shop five times since buying it in October. Apparently, it needs to return to the shop for a sixth time. At any time my brakes will give out. Too bad I don't have the $300 to repair it. I am hoping my brakes continue to work till the end of the week. I will be getting my tax refund in a week. Until then I am driving around the city with one hand on the steering wheel, and the other hand on the emergency break.

Monday afternoon I was mad at God, mad at myself, and mad at my car. I could have come home and taken a warm, bubble bath. I could have come home and spoken with my roommates about my ills. I could have spent time in prayer. Instead I watched The Office.

Ironically, this weeks episode was called Stress Relief!!! Watching The Office to release the tension in my neck probably wasn't the best "Christian" approach. But it worked!!! I was really depressed, and watching that episode made all my worries dissipate. This last episode proved that laughter is a good medicine.

Vision of Jerusalem

Tonight I had a vision. (I am not speaking of a vision that I saw with my eyes. I am talking about a mental picture.) I saw Jesus walking beside me, and he was holding my hand. We were walking through the streets of Jerusalem. He was smiling, and he was pointing out places of interest. In my mind I thought... it would be great to tour Israel, but imagine if Jesus was your tour guide!


I WANT TO GO!!!