Horse Powered learning! What an interesting idea! What does that mean? On May 2, 2012 the idea of horse powered learning was presented by Dr. Michelle Pickel and Dr. Sally Baas for the concluding convocation of the year. The best way for them to describe what they do with horse powered learning was to bring the horses to the knoll and have people demonstrate what horse powered learning is. A brave few students and staff volunteered to help demonstrate the concept as well as the two horses whose names I cannot remember at the moment. Drs. Pickel and Baas set up a challenge course of sorts for the teams to complete. They were instructed to carry the horse and any other items with them along the course passing all items along to the next team member in relay fashion. The items all represented different things in life such as spiritual life, fitness, sleep, social life, family etc. Of course to make it more challenging they also had to guide the horse while carrying all the items and an egg balanced on a spoon. Both teams successfully completed the challenge with some speed bumps along the way.

     The idea proved to be quite interesting. Those participating in the event really struggled to balance so many different things and still be able to move forward. They all reflected and concluded that is was quite similar to their own lives. Balance is always being sought after and sometimes priorities must be made. Through the Callings readings that have been discussed in class we have often talked about the priorities and higher order that different Christians throughout time have presented. Many of the Monastics that we read about put prayer above serving others while modern day Christians tend to put serving others above prayer. This hierarchy of things that serve God seemed to be very prevalent in how people functioned in the challenge course. It seemed that everyone was always making sure that they were aware of the horse and kept the horse moving along. The hierarchy of priorities reflects real life and how people choose to serve God.

     The activity was intriguing to be able to watch and to understand a different way of learning. The way the set up the course was a way in which people would have to engage in the activity in a positive yet challenging way and then be able to talk through and understand what they just did. Watching it reminded me a lot of my work at camp last summer. We did lots of challenge course activities as a part of the training and with the kids all summer long. It was so beneficial to the staff to be able to work together and really be thoughtful of listening to one another and learning to communicate in positive ways. I remember leading groups of kids through different challenge course activities and being so excited to watch them mess up and learn from their mistakes, encourage one another, and then be able to reflect and relate the activity to their lives. I understand why Dr. Pickel and Dr. Baas chose to create a program like this because it is a really effective way of learning for many types of people and engages everyone to be involved unlike the classroom setting. Hurray for alternative learning options!

   This section of callings is snippets of Thomas Merton's No Man Is an Island. Merton is a man who led a bohemian lifestyle until he converted to Catholicism. In his writing the reader gets a sense that God calls Christians in many different ways and through other things besides occupations. Merton talks about finding one's calling as finding one's happiness. Merton outlines that human beings have a hunger in the depths of our being for wholeness and finality. Merton shares perspective on the Monastic, priestly, and married lifestyle and how one can live out God's calling through those lifestyles. To conclude Merton talks about how finding one's calling on earth is to find divine life in the world.

   Merton outlines numerous points that resonate with how the world is today. Today's world is full of temptation and immediate satisfaction, where humankind always wants more of something. Merton talks about how God loves us more than we love ourselves. Merton's discussion of God's love for us can be tied to 1 John 3:19-24, which talks about God knowing the human's heart better than one can know their own heart. Towards the end of the section Merton uses the phrasing 'scale of vocation' implying that certain vocations are above others. This viewpoint of Merton's shows that he is a man of this age, he is thinking in terms of competition and which is the best. The writing talks about marriage as a vocation; that God has called human beings to marry and bear children and teach them to serve the Lord. Merton seems to address the marriage in the context of family, so what if a couple is married without children, does that mean their calling is elsewhere, not through their marriage? It could be argued that Marriage is not a calling in today's society simply because of how loose and casual marriage is to many people.

   Merton shared a perspective that I really appreciated and felt intrigued by but I don't agree with him on everything. He used the terminology 'The Blind Spiritual Instinct' describing it to be the thing that tells us that our lives have purpose and importance, which urges us to find a vocation and dedicate our lives to that purpose. I feel really aligned with the concept of a blind spiritual instinct; that is how I feel about finding a calling and following God's path for my life. I think that Merton is off by using the term scale of vocation. He contradicts himself by using this statement in the same section, "All vocations are intended by God to manifest his love in the world--gives him something to do for the Salvation of all mankind."(426) I really like this statement because it is straightforward about what our true calling is: to manifest God's love. No matter what one feels God is calling oneself to, the intention behind the action is simply to manifest God's love. 

 On Tuesday April 24, 2012 the 11th annual Poehler Lecture was given by the adored Concordians the brothers Trapp. The Brothers Trapp--Dr. Dale Trapp and Dr. Thomas Trapp--are professors at Concordia University. Dr D Trapp teaches science and Dr. T Trapp teaches theology. The Brothers began the night with a lighthearted attitude talking about their background and their life history, including the many births and re-births they have experienced and have yet to experience. The title of their address is "Head to Head, Heart to Heart." They describe this phrase, 'head to head' to mean a collaboration between minds and heart to heart to be the confiding and sharing of one's soul.  Both Drs. Trapp think about teaching as a way to share their experience and framework with others so that they can understand and build their own framework. The theme of their talk is faith and learning and they take turns talking about how faith and learning are a part of their lives and what it looks like for their faith and learning to be intersected.

     The Honors program was created to offer students a classroom experience fitting to the mission of the University--integrating faith into learning. Dr. Dale Trapp talked about how he ties his faith into his science curriculum. He believes that God created the universe and all that is in it and that it shows his wisdom and power and he is glorified because of it. Dr. D. Trapp also discussed mystery vs. miracle in which he concluded miracles can happen because the laws of science are not always obeyed. Dr. Thomas Trapp talked about the multiple perspectives in viewing faith and scripture. He stated that God is active in justification and sanctification and that Christian beings are passive in justification and active in sanctification. Both concluded that faith and learning integrated enrich one another. They described that as teachers they are proud to be able to integrate faith into learning. The focus of the honors program is to be able to allow students to connect all aspects of their education with their faith. To hear from two teachers who are very oriented to integrating faith into learning is reassuring the honors student.

   One of the most beneficial experiences a college student can have is to have the chance to listen to their professors and understand their passion and why they are doing what they do. The most satisfying part of being a student at Concordia University is that there are many faculty and staff who are passionate about what they are doing and strive to create a positive classroom experience. Hearing the brothers Trapp was yet another chance to hear and affirm the passion and integrity of the faculty at Concordia. I have really enjoyed my experience with the faculty at this school. I have not had either of the Trapp's for a traditional class, but from their talk I can tell that they are among the great faculty at Concordia. As a student I thrive off an environment where I feel that I am supported and engaged in learning. This is the kind of environment I have found at Concordia, and I am grateful to the staff and faculty for creating that sort of environment for all of the students. 

   On Wednesday April 25th the Concordia baseball team faced off against Augustana. As per any official college sport, the teams were decked out in their matching uniforms and gear. The game began with the national anthem--also an essential for sporting events. The game began, there were some hits, outs, and all that then the game ended. All the while the sun was shining, skin was roasting, and eyes were squinting. One could say it was a great day to have an excuse to sit outside with some friends--for a baseball game.

   Concordia is known for its lack of school spirit. The student body just does not have much support in numbers or enthusiasm. Although there is a lack of spirit, there is not a lack of support. The majority of the noise during the baseball game consists of the rest of the team in the dugout cheering their team members on the field. It is a default, automatic support system. They have enthusiasm for each other and for their whole team. The honors program also has a great support structure. The small group is an automatic group of team members and supporters. No outsiders are expected to cheer us on and come to our classes--we support one another.

   I have never been into sports. I don't value competition and team support like most athletes seem to. Why did I go to the baseball game? I needed to for a blog. What happened in the game? I truly could not tell you. I know a little bit about baseball, but only the gym class version. The baseball game was a great way for me to kill two birds with one stone--enjoy the outdoors with fellow honors friends and get a blog done. 

     On Thursday April 20, 2012, many artsy fartsy types, fabulous faculty and families, and art-appreciating folk gathered in the gallery for the annual Student Art Show. Any student at Concordia--art major, closet artist, someone who wanted to try something new, was encouraged to enter an art form to be judged by local artist Rachel Breen for the annual exhibition. All the work was viewed and judged by Rachel to be put in the show and the especially interesting pieces or collections were given a little bit of extra recognition. The show displayed a wide range of art mediums: sculpture, ceramics, photographs, paintings, prints, and drawings. It is impressive to look around a room knowing all the work on display was created by a student at Concordia. Who knew that Concordian's could fill a room with so much creativity?

     A gallery of work that displays the best of what people have to offer is a unique idea. For people to have a space where they can display their creative work or present something that they have created is a really cool thing. It allows people to openly display something that they have put passion and time into. Callings and vocation are subjects that have been heavily discussed in honors this semester. Passion for an area of interest can often lead one to discover what that one's calling from God may be. The work in the gallery portrays a wide range of passions among Concordia students and shows that creativity and passion are being pursued in our institution.

     I enjoyed the art opening for many reasons that I didn't expect to enjoy it. It was an honor to receive 2nd place for one of my ceramic pieces in the show and to have the chance to display my work in the show, but I found more pleasure in seeing my work as a part of something. It feels really good to look at quality work produced by my fellow peers and be able to come to the understanding that I am a part of a talented, passionate, creative community. It is easy for me to get annoyed with the school and the campus life or lack there of, but seeing the work in the gallery allowed me the gratitude to see that I am really lucky to be in a hugely supportive art community. I feel that my calling is to create meaningful diverse community through engagement in the arts. This calling becomes so much more impassioned when I have the support of a creative community.

     John Henry Newman was a Christian in the 19th century. In this time Christians are looking at callings and vocations possible through careers and occupations as well as different options for men and women as far as calling. In this time it is also considered to be a plus if one is able to live out their calling through their career and working in harmony for the genuine good of the human race. Christians in this era often ask questions like; what can I do that will give my life purpose and meaning? In john Henry Newman's writing Divine Calls he talks about calling in connection with scriptural texts. He give examples from the bible that outline that God's call allows one a choice of obedience. He also describes that God's calling to human beings for salvation is constant but there are different callings that will also happen in one's life.  He describes that God's life callings to us require instant obedience because callings are in the present.

     John Henry talks about the importance of accepting God's calling for one's life. He illustrates that as infants we are called to state of salvation, and that we are living as God's servants and children. A passage from this section that sums of how God is calling us, "Christ works through our natural faculties and circumstances of life." This passage shows that the many callings one may experience are a natural part of first accepting the call to salvation. John Henry describes 'accidental' callings as the best callings that exist because they are the ones that are unexpected and special. The way that he talks about calling is very relevant to all human beings in today's society. Many people feel called to find purpose and meaning in their lives no matter what they believe in. Many college students start up their college education and hope that they will discover that meaning and purpose for their life. If college students follow John Henry's advice they will allow God to tell them what they are called to and accept the callings even if they don't seem right at first.

   John Henry speaks relevantly to my life but I think to many others as well. I have struggled with trying to find a purpose for my life and found myself always trying different things just hoping that I would find a passion and purpose for my life. For many years that didn't work out for me, I felt very stuck. When I realized that wasn't working for me I decided that I really had to leave it up to God to tell me and be at peace with whenever that would happen. This past year I decided I was going to pursue art education and I started visiting different schools to shadow art teachers. While visiting schools I realized that it was the exact place and environment I wanted to be in. It felt so right, God wanted me there and I wanted to be there. I'm not sure what made me realize that it was God's calling for me but I know that it is right. My work at the Cedar has made me want to pursue art education even more. It has helped me to find purpose in my life and not be afraid to pursue a career that isn't needed or doesn't pay well. What society says about the career is not what matters, what matters, is: God has called me to do it. "Work at your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God that worketh in you."(348)

   On Friday April 13th--yes, FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH! the annual Christus Choir spring concert took place. The spring concert is a chance for the choir to showcase all of their tour music, which correlates with the theme of the year. This year the theme is "We are God's People" The concert is divided in sections with each section having music that correlated with one of the words in the theme. The First section had songs correlating to 'We', the second section correlated to the 'God' part of the phrase and the last section to 'People'. The concert is interactive and allows the audience to sing along and be a part of the concert. After all . . . "We are God' People" not just the choir.

   The theme fits really nicely into the honors curriculum this semester. The honors class has discussed vocation and calling countless times. Many members of the choir believe that it is a calling to sing God's praises in the choir and to share the message of the Gospel with many. In May the choir is going to South Korea for a choral tour. The Korea trip will be a great opportunity to spread music for people to live out that calling in a whole new part of the world. The passage from the beginning of the callings book truly fits this situation, "The place God calls you is the place where your deep passion and the world's hunger meet." Honors has also spent time reflecting on service. Some early Christians believed that through service to others, one is serving the Lord. The choir will surely share something special with the people in South Korea, making a bond that truly expresses 'We are God's People'.

   I am a part of the Christus Choir for my second year now and find it essential to share my perspective being a part of this event. In complete honesty, I have found choir to be a huge struggle and complete task this year. It has been a huge commitment to something that I am not very passionate about. I am grateful to have been able to sing under a fiercely passionate director but it gets tough when I realize that I am dispassionate about choir. I am beyond thrilled to be going to Korea and experience a trip with the choir--as a part of a group--As God's People! I know that God is calling me to find the time to engage communities in the arts. I look forward to spending my time in an area of passion and being able to support the choir by attending their concerts. God is calling me to move on and be done with choir after this year and I don't argue with God's calling.  

   In this time of the church William Law writes from a perspective in which he chose a simple lifestyle, and one devoted to his faith and his relationship with God. Law talks less of vocation and how one should act out one's calling and more how God should be integrated into one's lifestyle. Law talks about God and his rule over the world and how all truly belongs to God; thus we must respect and treat all things like they are God's. Law takes his writing outside of vocation and into the lifestyle of a Christian. He talks about the glorification of God and how Christians can live to glorify God in all that they do.  In class it was further discussed about what it looks like to 'Glorify God'. The class struggled to list the things that do glorify God and found it easier to list the things that do not glorify God. The class tried to synthesize that glorifying God can happen through actions that work to fix the brokenness in the world and relationships and our relationship with God.

   Law's writing of how one should act out calling in everyday life outlines a new way to look at calling and vocation that becomes more relevant to life in the present compared to the early and medieval church. A passage from his writing reads, "As all things are God's, so all things are to be used and regarded as the things of God. For men to abuse things on earth, and live to themselves, is the same rebellion against God." (305) This passage puts our calling into the category of how we live out our lifestyle and how choosing to respect all things is a part of our calling from God. Law further outlines this idea of glorifying God in everyday life,  "Most of the employments of life are in their own nature lawful, and all those that are so may be made a substantial part of our duty to God, if we engage in them only so far, and for such ends, as are suitable to beings that are to live above the world, all the time that they live in the world. " Law further outlines what is not glorifying to God by describing one who would live life for money and use what God has given that one to seek riches and profit. Law's text speaks to Christians today by stating the idea that one's calling can be lived out and can glorify God in many ways. In today's society many people are unhappy in their occupation but are able to glorify God and live out their calling by allowing their occupation to shape them in a positive way and finding other ways to live out their calling.

   The class discussion revolved around the idea of what it means to 'Glorify God'. It was an interesting point that really didn't strike me as I read the writings of Law. I think it is important to differentiate to what the Bible says about God and Glory and what society says about Glory and God. I feel we over talked it in class and it doesn't need to be complicated or a question that needs an answer. I think that 'Glory to God' and 'Glorifying God' is often used in the context of giving thanks to God. The sense of glory being thanks to God and respect of all things-- like Law said-- is what I believe is a fair way to define it without biblical opposition. Law's writing was enjoyable in how it got rid of the compartmentalization of vocation and occupation relating to calling. I like to think of my calling being a part of my lifestyle not just my occupation. 

   The fourth international Hmong conference on Hmong Studies featured a speech on 'A Tale of Two Peoples: An Overview of the Hmong and Laotian in the United States' by Dr. Kou Yang. Dr. Yang spoke about the change in the Asian populations-- with a focus on the Hmong population, in America and the factors that have attributed to the ever-changing statistics. Dr. Yang's thorough studies on the Hmong and Laotian people illustrate the lifestyle and the factors that are a part of the way that they live. Dr. Yang's studies on the Hmong and Laotian people show his passion for the preservation of the culture and care for the various communities throughout the United States. Dr. Yang outlined the definition of Hmong being one ethnicity and Laotian consisting of multiple ethnicities. The Hmong people are the minority among the Asian populations in America. Dr. yang also notes that the Hmong population is one that is very young with the median age being 20 years old and only 3% of the population being 65+. Over the past two decades Hmong poverty has been decreasing the more that the Hmong population has been able to assimilate into American culture. The reason being, because the Hmong population came to America with no training or vocational preparation for the culture and are the minority among the Asian cultures in America. Dr. Yang's research outlines how the Hmong culture has progressed in education and income over the past two decades by showing degree, income level, and property and village statistics. The Hmong villages throughout the country provide a sense of community for the Hmong culture and economic growth for their community.

   The Honors Program chooses to acknowledge multiculturalism as a vital part of a learning experience and lifestyle. Having a multicultural perspective allows one to further understand the world better and be accepting and helpful to the needs of others. Dr. Yang has a perspective on the Hmong and other Asian populations in the US that many Americans are unaware of. His perspective broadens the scope of what America actually is and how people should act towards each other. His perspective addresses multiculturalism and accepts it for what it is. The information given can help one to be a better servant to the Lord and the public good when they have knowledge about the different types of people that are our neighbors.

   I found Dr. Yang's information to be very informative and insightful. It wasn't presented in an interesting way but it provides insight that allows one to further serve others and understand the true culture of this world. I feel that a multicultural perspective is one that is vital to have in the world the more connected we become to one another through technological advancements. I am glad I had the opportunity to learn more about the Asian populations within my neighborhood and in the country that I am a part of.  I pray and hope that others are able to understand the many cultures that make up this world and understand that a multicultural perspective is one that we must have. 

   At this point in history vocation has taken on a new meaning. Vocations after the reformation now looked to the occupation that one has as well as their calling from God. The following writing is from the 1600's and outlines Richard Baxter's perspective of the relationship between occupation and calling. Baxter was writing during a time in which he was opposed to the government forces and churches having bishops. His non-conformist attitude displays an interesting thought process in his writing.  Vocations in this era seemed to be divided between the church and government. One had a menial job which served the public good and an even greater calling from God. Baxter displays his opinion on vocation and how one's lifestyle choices can be beneficial to one's calling and labor.

   Baxter writes about the connection between calling and ordinary labor and outlines brief points from multiple perspectives. Baxter talks about labor being necessary for one's well being of the mind and body. He digs further into the mind and body argument stating that labor is necessary for the faculties of the mind and exercise of the body is essential for the functioning of the mind. Baxter talks about labor's ability to keep the body busy and giving the mind time to rest. Baxter talks about the relation between labor and wages. He states that those who are rich with wages should do the most work because they need to show their gratitude to God for their external wealth. Baxter outlines how health and life can remain in unity with labor and when one allows labor to distract mind from temptations. Labor is powerful to the well being and beneficial; where idleness allows one to seek temptation and lead a menial life.  Baxter later addresses that one can have a good occupation but use it to do evil labor, he says, "An unlawful calling is a life of sin." Work should serve the public good and lift others up, therefore serving God by serving others. Baxter concludes that one should discover their calling by what pleases their soul not their pockets.

   Baxter discusses vocation, labor, and calling as if it is a natural part of the human experience. I really appreciate his writing and perspective, because I also feel that feeling called to do something and finding a way to serve others through my labor is a very natural part of the human experience. Reading Baxter inspires me to remind myself of the importance to cater to my mind and body and honor that which God gave me to serve the public good and his Holy name. Idleness is often where I fall short and where temptation consumes my whole being so I see no other choice but to continue to labor to serve others and find ways to live out my calling. I know that God has called me to create accepting multicultural environments through art, but maybe there is more to it than I know and I just need to keep pursuing that calling to find out if there is more. This reading has brought clarity to my thoughts and reassurance that all is well when I listen to my soul, not society.

   The second part of Callings by William C. Placher addresses Christianity in the church of the Middle Ages. The honors class continues to discuss how callings in the early Christianity are related to callings of Christians in the present day of the church. In this era of the Middle Ages church Christians were asking themselves if they wanted to lead a monastic life. Christians were no longer outlawed for being a Christian. Monasticism was a way for Christians to come together and live in a pious community. Monasticism was a structured way to live and pray multiple times throughout the day. A quote from the book describes a bit about Monks compared to the radical Christians of the early church, "Monks did not feed the hungry or improve social conditions; their work as teachers and preservers of culture was secondary to their true calling. They prayed and prepared themselves for death." (p114) Benedict of Nursia wrote a 'rule' to guide monks and to eventually guide future monks and preserve the community. Saint Benedict describes the degrees of humility, which monks must recognize and follow.

   Saint Benedict states guidelines that are easily applied to Christians of the present day and what Christians may be called to. Saint Benedict quotes the bible describing how the monks are to follow the command of God above all else. "I come not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me (John 6:38)."(p130) The monk community feels called to be obedient to God's will for them. As Christians in the present age, we are also called to follow God above all else and be obedient to his calling for us. Saint Benedict also states the importance of being a servant to others by commitment to the menial tasks such as kitchen service. Saint Benedict describes that 'brothers should wait on one another'. Servitude is the ultimate way to show compassion and Christ's love for others. In present times it is essential for Christians to continue to serve people and show the Lord's love through small chores. Saint Benedict also addresses Idleness. He describes it as 'an enemy of the soul.' He then goes on to state very meticulous rules that should be followed by brothers in the monastery. The constant structure of the monastery seems scrupulous but something can be said for constantly devoting oneself to an active life in Christ.

   Reading accounts of a few different monks of the Middle Ages is not appealing to me at first glance. After the class discussion, I still wasn't too interested in this section of accounts from monks in the Middle Ages. Now, that I have been able to reflect over the readings (especially St. Benedict's) once more, I have found valuable information for being a Christian today. I often am thinking about a calling that God has for just me. I feel God is calling to teach art and create diverse community. I spend a lot of my time--mentally and physically, working towards this calling that I often forget another part of my calling. God has called Christians to love others and serve them; to put others before us, and to engage in an active Christian community of prayer and servitude. The rules of the monastery seem very strict but the monks were living out a part of God's calling that Christians are still called to nowadays. This reading has reminded me of the calling to be a servant of the Lord and devote my time and obedience to the sole reason for my existence. 

   On Wednesday, January 15th the honors class had the privilege to feast with one another in the presence of Jobe Cerny. Jobe was invited to chow down with us and chat a bit about calling and vocation before his flight back home. All gathered in the president's conference room in hopes of an interesting chat with an interesting man. What many of us thought would be Jobe sharing about his various callings and vocations throughout his life turned out to be a bit more about our hopes and dreams and where we thought we were being called by God followed by Jobe's advice for getting to that dream.

   As the class settled in Jobe began to shove out a few words of wisdom for us to ponder while munching down on dining hall delectable's. Jobe shared the importance and joy he has found in waking up early and writing. He talked about how the early morning is a great time to be up and actively thinking about dreams and ideas and the rest of the day is meant for time to experience life and adventure. Jobe said, "If you are thinking about the right things that will put you in the right direction, compared to if you are thinking about the wrong things." He said this describing that if dreams are meant to be reached one needs to be actively pursuing them and always thinking about them. In class we are talking a lot about the past and what it was like to be called as a Christian in times of the early church. This discussion was one in which it was discussed more of how Christians are being called in the present day. It is enlightening to hear about my peers and other Christians around oneself and how they feel they are being called and what things they are pursuing to reach that vocation.

   I almost breathed a sigh of relief to be able to hear a bit more personal side of Jobe. The dinner was the much better environment to be able to hear a bit about his calling and what he felt his vocation is. Despite the environment change I still feel that Jobe's advice wasn't all that interesting or helpful. Jobe said, "It's the most natural thing in the world if you can allow people to interact and join in with you." I liked this statement but its not new advice to me. Jobe also told the class a bit about a speech he gives in which he talks about the state of nothing. "If you can find a situation where there are no answers, you have found nothing--you can fill that nothing and make it something." I think this is a great piece of wisdom but . . . I've heard it before. Jobe offers a lot of knowledge and advice-- better suited to younger adolescents; just beginning to figure out their dreams and desires to find a calling. If I would've been able to have dinner with Jobe in sixth grade I would've been very intrigued and excited to hear what he has to say. I am far from sixth grade but I'm happy to hear a slightly genuine side of Jobe. 

    Recording the bible as an audio book is an idea that could be done wonderfully or terribly. It is THE BIBLE. There are only so many things that can be done to portray the messages accurately. One of Jobe's goals for the project was to be able to put people in the moment of time in which the story takes place. Jobe described " The Theater of the Mind", he wants to allow people to visualize the events not have them depicted by an image. The audio recording is full of sound effects and dramatic music to exude strong emotion, drama, and epic predicaments. Another goal of Jobe's was to be able to condense all the information necessary for a story into and understanding with a beginning, middle, and end--To connect the pieces for people who may not be familiar with the bible. The intentions of this project seem completely positive--to share the gospel with all people. After hearing all about the project I question the intentions of the people who put it together. It is Hollywood storytelling of the bible: dramatic music, big names in the industry, and seemingly condensed to only the most important parts.

   My expectations for this convocation were not high. I wasn't planning on going--the topic didn't interest me at all. Alas, I went and it was worse than I dreamt it could be. The excerpt from the audio book that was played was frighteningly dramatic (not my personal style). I was disheartened to observe Jobe act like any other cliché Hollywood director: selling his vision and dropping names. Worst of all, I didn't feel much sincerity in any of what he said. Every question asked of him was dodged and avoided by talking about a different aspect of the project or bragging about an interaction with a famous person. This semester in honors we are talking about calling and vocations within Christian context. One could've interpreted Jobe's talk about him finding his calling to do this project, but hearing him talk about it didn't feel that way. If Jobe was 'called' to this project I'm sure he felt called to the money, success, and fame the project could bring him. I want to congratulate him on his success, may he continue to be called to his various callings. My overall distaste of the experience comes from not being able to hear a genuine man talk about a genuine experience. Yet the project does illustrate a great tool. A tool, which may share the gospel with people who don't have the chance to hear it, a chance to allow well-versed Christians to put themselves in the context of the time in which the events of the Bible took place. For those reasons I applaud the project and the efforts of those involved and pray that it may be used as that sort of tool.