Graduation

This weekend is Graduation for me for the 3rd time formally.

1. Sanderson High School Class of '96

2. North Carolina State University Class of 2000 B.S. Statistics

3. Columbia International University Class of 2007 M.A. in Leadership for Evangelism and Mobilization

As I've been talking with people the last two days, I've had bittersweet emotions about not being a student anymore. On the one hand, I don't have all the work of a graduate student and trying to balance family life and internships and all the other stuff going on. On the other hand, the reality of trying to find the position that the Lord has for me after graduation becomes a major focus now.

In preaching class yesterday, one of my classmates got up and said, "I have to confess, I've been anxious this school year." I was hooked from the first sentence because I understand that feeling. The Bible verse that has been my best friend for years is First Peter 5:7. It says, "Cast all your cares (or anxiety) on Him (God) because He cares for you."

I resonate with the anxious feelings, but I long for the peace that Philippians 4:7 talks about, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, and will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I need it right now. School ends, life goes on and graduation ushers in a new chapter in our lives. God gives peace. Amen!

Cookout this Friday Night

We're having a cookout this friday, May 4th 6 pm, at Steve and Adrienne's place. for directions email me.

We have wrapped up our first round of Bible study as the EastLake 20s, so we wanted to invite everyone who has expressed an interest in 20somethings to come out to a cookout at 6:00 pm this Friday night at our place. Whether or not you've been to the group before, feel free to come out this weekend. If you think you might attend, shoot an email back. If you don't reply, still come.

We will provide sweet tea, chips, potato salad and burgers/dogs… folks can bring other things if you’d like. There were a couple of you that wanted to grill steak and we'd be more than happy to put it on the "barbee" if you provide the meat.

This is just going to be a time to get to know one another with no other agenda. Weather permitting we'll sit on the porch, throw frisbee or kick around a ball. Get to know a few others in our age group from the church.