Fall Break!

Wow this semester has been flying by. Hocking didn't seem to go this fast. Maybe that's because I am actually enjoying myself here. Hmm. So I am excited for a recent opportunity to go on a missions trip to Northern Ireland for 2 weeks in March. I am still praying on it but I know that I will do it given it's such an amazing opportunity. I have never even been out of the country before so I am super excited, plus to go to such a beautiful country!

Anyways. I am managing pretty well with classes and whatnot. I think BBD (Basic Bible Doctrines) may be the toughest class I have so far. It's making me think outside the box and really look at the reality of God and how he works. It's fascinating. I am pulling some pretty good grades too which makes me feel so smart even though I know I'm not.

Living on campus is sweet too. I am making some awesome connections that make me feel blessed every single day. I really think that there is no experience like living on campus.

I just finished up fall break and well so far my computer has broken, I got a Mac which is sweet, but now I am in debt and wonder about how I am going to pay all my debt off plus if this Ireland trip is gonna happen. Other than that it has been ok.
I am still praying that Dad finds work too or we're gonna be hurting soon. Please continue to pray for us.
~B

Update!

So I'm about my 3rd or 4th week into school and things are going pretty good. Making friends seems to be getting easier and the shenanigans are starting already. I'm super exctied to announce that I have started writing some music with some exceptional bros and we'll be playing in our capus battle of the bands coming up here in the near future. We don't even really have a name yet though which is kind of a big deal so I'm thinking we should probably get on that. I'm trying to get some pictures up of campus and what not here probably by the next blog for those of you who may even read this (Mason?) but I do have my favorite one, which I get to see this amazing view every day here. It's even better at night too as you could imagine but really you need to be here for yourself to experience the real thing.

I have been feeling kind of sick which is scary anymore because of this whole swine flu pandemic. Apparently they were thinking of shutting down Xavier due to the huge out break (which Xavier is just right dwn the road a ways) which has everyone on high alert. I would hate for them to have to send us home for a while, I love it here too much. But miraculously have felt incredible the last 2 days, minus yesterday but that is due to the OSU USC game. I still am looking for some kind of work though so please pray that I can get an oppertunity.

I should be moving into a new room today since my other two roommates bailed on me before classes even started. It kind of sucks but I don't have the extra like $450 for a single. I think it's kind of lame but rules are rules.

Till then,

Brian

First Week!

Well today was just plain awesome. Classes were basically nothing and the food was slammin in my opinion. Being at a place like this is just the most amazing experience I have probably ever had. I honestly felt kind of out of the loop today for some reason though. I dunno it was a weird day and I did have quite alot of time to spend in my room. I don't really know what to expect from this place yet but I can't wait.
I have been making some friends that I know will turn out to be some of the best that I will probably ever have, and half of them are just in my backyard. The only thing that is getting to me is I have early week class work due throughout the semester..aka like the next month, which requires lots of reading and understanding which I don't really read and I am hoping that I can grasp the concept of this subject because it's not an easy one at all. This is already adding up to stress.
Here is what I love most though. I feel so alive here. More than I have ever felt in a really long time. I'm trying to be adventurous, spontaneous, and put myself out there on a line lie I never have before. I guess I'm still kind of shy even though I'm like 3-4 years older than most everyone down here (they don't know that..ha) and trying not to come off as annoying. I don't think I am I just want to be a good student and person that everyone loves being around. I guess I just need to leave it up to God, I mean he does seem to be pointing me in the right direction already.
Well I need to hit the books a bit before bed.
~B

Start Of A New Era at CCU...

So for any of you that didn't know I am now attending Cincinnati Christian University majoring in Business. I'm actually sitting in my earl week class right now..(I know I'm slacking) which is insanly long. OK so this whole week the class runs from 830-5 with about an hour for lunch and a few breaks here and there it's unreal and intense. I'm taking Ancient Greek and Roman History which honestly is really intresesting but I'm ancey (sp?). My classes are looking to be a lot of fun but there will be lots of work which who looks orward to anyways?
Life here on campus is amazing. I love having that feel of a small college where almost everyone knows everyone. I have been making some good friends already, many of them I have already met or we have common friends and all kinds of stuff. I am really looking forward to meeting more once classes start and I put into the mix of things.
The chapel services here are amazing. Probably the best one's I have ever seen anywhere. It's basically a full fledged rock show with mainstream praise music which is awesome. I'm going to try and keep blogging, lord knows I don't do it, and let you know how I'm doing every once in a while.
I better get back to paying attenton,
~B

Valentines Day and the Return of Staple

I am bored. No doubt as I stand here at work and wait to shut up shop. It's been a hectic last two days and today has seemed to die down quite a bit. It's a nice change of pace. About $6000 for this weekend alone is dang impressive. I just can't wait to get out of here and go home, even though I have to do house work it's less demanding in a sense, and I have more freedom. So Valentines day was yesterday and guess what, I worked 1-8. Had a meeting at 9 am so I didn't even go home till the end of the night. Ashley and I went out for a nice dinner at the Olive Garden, like 30% of america did as well. It was pretty amazing minus the waiting bit (We got skipped over a few times for some reason). We then went home and watched a movie for the remainder of the night. Lot's of fun!
So as posted Staple is returning and I am excited for the return show with Oh Sleeper. This may be one of the most amazing shows in the history of shows. Check it out if you get a chance. The new stuff is rather amazing too. Just a little fyi.
B

Final Stand

This world is set ablaze once more
And again I stand alone
Consequence will be dealt swiftly and just
This time I'm on my own
Nothing can turn back the hands of time
If so would there have been much change?
I see with every breath I take
Learn from it and go
Till the day we meet again this is my request
The worst brought out the best in you
So please, won't you be my guest
To this battle, bloody and brutal
Lead my lost soul through the night
Release me from my perfect prison
Pick up my sword and fight
Actions speak louder than words
But words hold no value here
Forgiveness has lost it's meaning
Somewhere within our fear
See the sinful hearts we share
Lets tear them down, to build them up
It's better to fight the fight with passion
Than to fight without a care
Stand by me and fight
We'll make our final stand

Make Your Move

No one can tell you what to do
No one standing in your way
It's time to choose what is right or what is easy.
Choose wisely for it is due today
The choice that will forever make you who you are.

Everyone watches in awe
Seeing what your next big mistake will be
The world tells you the things they want to hear.
But what really makes the difference is what will do in the moment of truth.
The time is now so make your move.

Sticks and stones can break your bones but this will surely hurt you
action without consequence is forbidden in these lands
The good don't die young but you are the exception
hopefully you will learn from this

Everyone watches in awe
Seeing what your next big mistake will be
The world tells you the things they want to hear.
But what really makes the difference is what will do in the moment of truth.
The time is now so make your move.

This task has been given to you
So what's it gonna be
Every oppertunity has been given time and time again
and time and time again I see
nothing ever comes nothing ever changes
this has gone far enough.