Weekly Update: Semester Two, Here I Come!

After a nine-hour snowy drive to Louisville, Kentucky and what seemed to be the same amout of time unpacking, I am fully settled back into my 2'x2' dorm room [or perhaps it's a bit bigger than that?] here at Boyce College. I've only been here for two days, but I've already been having an amazing time. Connecting with "old friends" that I met last semester truly has been so encouraging. It has been great to hear all of their stories of the break, talk to them about classes they are taking this semester, and even watch Tom Brady win his ninth AFC chamionship game with them [although it was still very unenjoyable]. Furthermore, organizing my new-and-improved dorm room was fun (see picture below). The Lord is good, and his love endures forever (Ps. 136), and he has shown that to me greatly even in the past few days as he continues to bless me in college.

The Lord oftens brings us many blessings in disguise, which he surely did for me on this past Lord's day (yesterday). My local church here was cancelled due to winter weather [I know, right? Who does that?? These southerners are wimps. Anyway...], which gave me the joyous opportunity to watch Calvary's livestream for the 9:00 A.M. service (I missed the Saturday livestream because of unpacking and meeting

with friends). Although I wasn't "there," I felt like I was "there" enjoying the service with those of you who are reading this blog and attend Calvary. Seeing Pastor Gabe's new member's introduction, watching the new members join our church, hearing the pro-life testimonies, and listening to Pastor Chuck's wonderful sermon about the life that the Gospel offers truly brought joy to my soul [all while eating ramen noodles]. It was a great transition for me, being able to be here in Kentucky yet be "with" you all for church on the Lord's day. Praise the Lord!

35 credits down, 85 more to go [113 if you count the M.Div.]! Classes begin tomorrow with Martin Luther King Jr. day today, which is nice. I only have one class on Mondays, but it's great to have another full day to rest, relaxation, and catch-up before the semester begins. For those of you interested in which classes I am taking, I am enrolled in Greek II, Intro to Psychology, New Testament I (which is at the seminary), Interpretting Psalms, and American History. I am super pumped about my class schedule this semester, though its not going to be easy. Prayers for academic endurance and strength would be well appreciated.

Panarama of My New-and-Improved Dorm Room

For those of you who want a quick virtual tour of my dorm room, feel free to read the following paragraph. For those of you who couldn't care a less what my dorm room looks like, feel free to jump ahead [you won't hurt my feelings...maybe]. From right to left, you have my wonderful bookshelf [that I assembled by myself yesterday, y'all should be proud], my two guitars [one of which I bought with my own money two years ago, the second of which was a hand-me-down from my grandparents, thanks Grandpa and Grandma Quick!], my bed with my Green Bay Packer blanket [thanks again Grandpa and Grandma Quick!] my stuffed animal collection [of which I am unashamed], and my desk where I do a good portion of my studying [and write all of my blog posts!]. It's truly a cozy little dorm room that is way cooler that it was last semester. I have to say that one of the best parts is the "Love Obeys" verse-of-the-year card from Calvary Community Church, which is on the shelf above my bed [right next to my Aaron Rodger's rookie card of course].

It truly has been a wonderful past couple days, and I'm so excited for what the Lord has for me this semester. The following words are a few praises and prayer requests that I would kindly ask you to read over and pray over in order that you might join me here at school even through the wonder of prayer.

Praises..

• God's EVERLASTING Love!

• Safe travels.

• Smooth Transitions.

• A good number of Paul's, Barnabas's, and Timothy's here at school. (That is, those that can pour into me, those that can encourage and be encouaged by, and those that I can pour into).

Prayer Requests..

• That I might first and foremost seek God's kingdom and righteousness. Although this week will be a bit easier with no Monday class, there are still many things to do, as well as many things that I want to do with friends with the time I have left. God promises that if we seek his kingdom and righteousness he will provide for everything else (Matthew 6:33). Pray that I might be focused on that this week, that everything else I do would flow out of this one intention: to seek his kingdom and righteousness.

• Continued healing for my shoudler. For those of you who didn't read my "Spiritual Chiropractics" devotional, I messed up my shoulder a few weeks ago. I'm 90% better, but am still not fully healed. Prayers for physical healing would be well appreciated.

• Academic strength and endurance (see above).

Well, that's about it for this week, folks. Hope I didn't give y'all too much literature. Feel free to send me notes of encouragement, Bible verses, or anything else by clicking the "Contact Matthew" button at the top of this page. Your words are so important to me, and they encourage me dearly.

And now, off to brunch to enjoy the first cafeteria meal of the semester! I'm so excited to eat the 5-star meals that cafeterias produce [this is carcasm, if you didn't pick up on that yet]. Maybe they have dry chicken, or maybe dry pork, or if I get lucky, dry filet mignon! Oh, the joys of college.

Peace be to y'all,

Matthew