Create a Dream

Dream Big. This is something that I have heard since I was little and I always set goals that do not seem practical to most people, but I think the impossible is always possible. There are many moments in the day that I stop to think about who I am, who I want to be, and what I want to do with the gifts and passions I was given. My mind is constantly trying to piece together the things that I love to do and be creative of how I can use the things I most enjoy in life to benefit and impact others. My bucket list goes on and on, but I also do not see why these dreams that I have will not come true.

Fashion. There are so many directions someone could take with that industry. Maybe you like to design clothes, make them, sell them, or dress people that do not have a sense of fashion. Then there is behind the scenes with marketing and managing a label. These are all departments of fashion, but I do not think any of these apply to me. When people come to me for fashion advice, it makes me jump up and I get excited to collaborate with the person finding out how to cater to their needed advice. It brings me joy when my closet is shared and going into stores, finding sales and vintage clothing, and working with what I have to be creative with my wardrobe creating my own unique style.

Photography. This is my main passion that I continue to pursue and want to center all of my passions around. There is no limit or set goal that I have with photography. Some day I want to be on the sidelines of green turf with my large lens and hearing the scream of thousands of college students cheering on their school's football team. I can see myself shooting on the side lines of a run way for high fashion and adding those pictures to my photo blog. I want to travel and go to countries where people have never had their photo taken and maybe help those who lost loved ones and use their photographs to search for them. But, out of all these goals, there is one thing that I want to do with photography, the only thing I truly care about, is bringing people joy with the pictures I take.

These are just some of my visions and goals for my life, but I believe that everyone should be thinking about their dreams for their life. There is so many opportunities that we have and we should be finding out our passions and when a door opens, take a leap of faith and walk through it. Being creative with your dreams and setting new goals is so important. When one door closes, a window is opened, so take risks and see where life takes you.

A Christian Writer

The question is whether or not it is okay to not implement God in a Christian's writing. A Christian has the chance to bring up God and have their article centered around their beliefs, maybe even quoting the Bible to state Biblical truths. Writing in a way that only relates to Christians can deter non-Christian readers away from the article.

It is beneficial for the writer to write in an indirect way towards about their beliefs because they can reach a larger audience. Most people that are non-Christians will immediately move on from an article if it is based around faith and one religions beliefs. In order to have lots of readers be open to reading the author's work, writing in a way that doesn't disregard the Christian faith and still is honoring to God, will allow more readers to read work that still speaks a lot of truth.

Not all Christian writers have to write in a secular way. There are many cases that writing should mention God and use the Bible to state what God really thinks about a worldly issue. Relevant Magazine brings up God in most of their articles and encourages Christians to focus on what God thinks about technology, entertainment, and culture. This is a magazine that focuses on reaching a Christian audience and is does not hold back from stating their faith.

Writing can pertain to specific audiences, but having writing applicable to a broader audience, can help build the reader up with Biblical truths, even if they do not realize it. Where ever a Christian decides to work, it should be their mission field and they can use their work to bring glory to God. God's truths should be on the tip of the tongue for those who believe, but it is not necessary to be so direct in one's writing.

A Surprising Tragedy (In class assignment)

Friends and family members of Alyssa Alvarez were stunned at the recent news that she passed away today, Thursday, March 24, 2011. This sweet and friendly 19 year old grew up in San Diego County, moving from different houses and attending multiple schools. By the end of her elementary years, she already attended 4 schools, but that did not stop her from cultivating her friendships at her previous schools and making new ones. She was always really involved in school activities like basketball, drama, lacrosse, leading the Christian club and was in two youth groups. Starting in Jr. High, she entered a dark time where her faith was lost and it was not until her sophomore year when she found hope again and became a Christian. Her life dramatically changed and during her exciting and fun senior year, she was certain of what college she wanted to attend, Biola University. She was so excited to study journalism and was excited for her future. Those who knew Alyssa, feel extreme loss for their loved one.

Remembering Laura Cook (An in class excercise)

Laura Cook, a young college student who was passionate about life, unexpectedly died as an oncoming car ran into her when she was walking to class this morning at10:45am. This is a shock for those who know Laura and many do not know how to handle the recent news of her death. Her life impacted many people and today there are many mourning over her death.

The news of her death will linger on in the hearts of those who know Laura for months. Her mother has locked herself in her room and will not speak to anyone, even her husband. Tears soak the kitchen floor as the family only gets up and out of their room to get a bite to eat. Heads are hung low as they remember the short life Laura got to live.

Growing up, there was very little to wipe the smile off of Laura's face. Laughter was always heard when Laura was around. Her vibrant spirit carried her and she set her goals high. Many asked Laura what she wanted to do in the future and she would spend 20 minutes explaining all of her ideas of how she wanted to use her talents and gifts. It was obvious to the people she interacted with where her joy came from. Her love for God caused her to treat others in a loving way and desired to reach out and be a friend to many. The faith Laura had inspired her Christian friends as well as non-Christians in her life who tried to understand why Laura was so sure of her beliefs. There were many people that were impacted by Laura's life, but she also admired and had many people in her life that encouraged and supported her.

She had a very close relationship with her mother who not only taught her valuable lessons and continually loved her unconditionally, but they found how similar their personalities were. They could give each other advice and it developed into more than just a mother daughter relationship, but a friendship. Her father cried with her when ever she was hurt by something or if he couldn't provide for her in the way he hoped for. She noticed her brother calling her randomly at school asking how she was doing and wanting to catch up when he doesn't invest time in many people's lives. Lastly in her family, her sister and her bonded on a deep level and dreamed about having a career together after school and found themselves sleeping in each other's rooms when they were home together. Unfortunately, Laura was looking forward to traveling to visit her sister in Australia in just a few weeks, and now her sister has to fly home to attend a funeral.

Laura had a story coming to Biola. Her testimony of God's provision was inspiring to many and they witnessed God provide miracles in her life.The most important thing to Laura was attending Biola University and when she thought she wasn't going to be able to go back last semester, she was devastated. Laura understands what it feels like not to afford pursuing your dreams and she asked that if any thing were to ever happen, she would want any money that would be spent on other things for her funeral reception, to go to a scholarship fund for students that can't afford going to Biola. This is her way of living her legacy and sharing God's provision in her life with those whose faith is in God.

Set Us Ablaze

Mission's conference's theme was to set the hearts of the students Ablaze. Students have been working on Mission's Conference for months now and were excited to see it come into fruition. For those who left early or decided to not attend, really missed out on an event that changed many hearts of students that could not help their souls be ignited for God from the various messages that the speakers touched on.

There were many topics that different speakers spoke on, but the main focus was Jesus' love and His power to heal and change lives. "I felt freedom and released from bondage," said Kendra Schmidt, a freshman at Biola University. One of the speakers listened to the Holy Spirit and sensed that the students were broken and needed confess their sin and not hide what they were dealing with. Adrienne Grey, a freshman, mentioned that after this revival, students need to be held accountable to what they learned because it was a serious time of growth. "My professors ask what we got out of missions conference which helps us remember what we learned," Kendra commented.

How can Biola continue to stay in the same mindset of accountability and focusing on God? Adrienne said, "We need to trust and have openness with one another at all times." Nathan Fan absorbed what the speakers said about the importance of love and obedience, "You can't love God with out being obedient, so I'm encouraged to live out the commandments."

"Missions is a step in the right direction," Nathan said. The hearts of the students were set ablaze and will continue to be on fire for God if students are holding each other accountable and following up with one another. The theme was not just for the three day Mission's Conference, but was a theme to reach the students and transform their lives for the rest of their lives. Learning about the different mission's needs across the world was just an aspect of the conference, but the students did not realize their hearts were going to be transformed and set ablaze.

My Favorite Sugary Treat

My eyes grow big when I see the stand at Disneyland. The sweet sugary smell can be smelt 100's of yards away. I can't wait to hold the warm, foot long treat in my hands. When I am handed the buttery, chewy desert, my mouth starts to water. My teeth sink into the top of the desert and instantly my eyes close to capture the taste of this delicious treat. My lips are covered with sugar, but I don't lick it off because I want to savor the flavor. Every bite warms the inside of my body. The ridges on the outside of the desert create the perfect crispy texture. I look forward to this moment every time I enter the gates of the "happiest place on earth." I dread eating the last bite of my churro, so as soon as I finish the mouthwatering treat, I go up to the stand and purchase another one.

How Does Biola Feel?

There is an unusual stillness on campus for a Tuesday afternoon. Students are quietly studying around the cool fountain trying to stay focused. Most students look weary and as they walk by, little conversation is passed between friends. There has to be a lot of students still sleeping and resting in their dorm rooms or diligently studying for the last bit of classes today. The tiredness of the students is obvious as they stare at the fountain's water instead of their book in their hand. Endurance is felt by the students studying around me. Although there are a lot of students weary, I can hear laughter near by and recognize the sense of community around. The fountain gathers students and the misty water makes everyone feel peaceful.

The cement pathways swerving around campus connects the school and makes everyone feel welcome. The cafeteria's outdoor gate's buzzer went off because of an act of  rebellion from a student. More loud beeping sounds were overpowering the birds singing from a large crane driving through campus. Next to the crane, a small building's walls are covered with metal and ridged spin dials that students turn in hopes to find a letter sitting in the smooth metal box. If a letter is discovered in the mailbox, students drift over to the forest green, plastic chairs and place their arms holding the letter on the cold, outdoor patio. The school is filled with rough, brick buildings, and tables to encourage people to be outside and share conversation with one another, but it is the nature that pulls everything together to feel serene.

Tim, a resident of Hart, said that every morning he wakes up to the sound of ducks squawking. He quickly gets annoyed because of the early wake up call, but is soon relaxed by the nature that the ducks bring to the campus. As he walks around the school, he feels mellow and loves that Biola's campus makes him feel relaxed outside of the classroom.

What Was That Smell?

The whiff that breezes past me as I walk past a man, always captures my attention. I have often thought about switching wearing my perfume to men's cologne, but socially, that would be bizarre. There is something about men's cologne that is captivating. Maybe it is their job to smell good, but there are distinct smells that make my nostrils flare.

The Pulitzer Prize: The girl in the window by Lane DeGregory

There was a girl found in a closet by policeman who was investigating a run down house that a family lived in. He could barely make out the girl in the dark room and found her naked with soars covering her body, lice in her hair, and a swollen diaper. Investigators wept on the scene and were completey furious that a mother could let this happen to a child. This article was heart wrentching, intriguing, and heart breaking.

After reading this article, something moved inside of me. The end of the last paragraph made me as a reader curious about who the girl was that the neighbors never saw before and that they never saw her again until someone decided to call the police. The writer gave an intense visual of the house that the investigators came across, and the condition of the child. My arms filled with goosebumps when I read "'Due to the severe neglect,' a doctor would write, 'the child will be disabled for the rest of her life.'" The story begins by sharing the mystery of a little girl living in a dark, run down house and tells the story of her rescue and the healing process that she faced at the hospital for 6 weeks. Quotes are used to make the feature like a story and enhance the story to be filled with rage from the people who came in contact with the child. Tears filled my eyes as I read the story. The emotion and visual that was filled in this feature, will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Protesters Gone Mad

Family members and friends were not the only people to attend a funeral for a marine who died in Iraq , but protesters attended waving flags and signs saying things like "God hates fags" and "America is doomed." These protesters felt it was their right to attend these funeral services and vocalize their opinion. The Supreme Court ruled in a 8-1 decision, that being able to say what you want to is constitutional, regardless if it is offensive or hurts someone.

The words that these protesters said were insensitive and stirred a lot of people's emotions. I was bothered because of the reputation that it made for people in the church. Already, Christians are having to break the perceptions of people who think that Christians and God hate people who are gay. Many were offended and surprised of the Supreme Court's ruling not understanding how they could allow this to happen. The Supreme Court realized the frustration that this instance brought up, but they felt that they had to protect these protesters rights so the future citizens of America have the same rights to freedom of speech.

Whether citizens do not consent or agree with these protesters, I think that the ruling of the Supreme Court was a wise decision. They were not thinking at the present situation and how what the protesters said seemed morally wrong, but they looked at the future of citizen's rights to freedom of speech. It is so easy to say that it is wrong and not allow such things to take place, but the Supreme Court did what was necessary to protect the future of the U.S. citizens.

Deborah stated in her blog about these protesters, that she understood the Supreme Court's ruling, but did not understand how the people could say these things about this marine. She was frustrated that people in the church did not choosing to love this person or feel remorse for his family and criticize the person in such a sensitive time for the family. 

Next Step For My Story

If the editor for The Chimes is interested in my topic, I will expand on my topic to answer the "so what" question. I will also interview more credible sources and find articles that relate to my topic so that my audience recognizes why the story matters to them.