Regent University
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Do YOU Know Him?
Kelly BranchKelly Branch
Government Major
 
The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear
-Buddy, from the movie Elf
 
Buddy is a human who came to live at the North Pole.  For years, Buddy lived a wonderful life never realizing he was human until he overheard some fellow elves talking about him.  Determined to find out more about his life, Buddy sets off on a journey to the City to find his father.  By happenstance, Buddy, in his elf attire, lands a "job" at a department store in the children's section (they mistakenly think he works there).  In one particular scene, the manager of the children's section makes an announcement at the store saying that Santa will be there the next day.  Brimming with excitement, Buddy yells, "SANTA!!!  I know him!!!!"  In preparation for Santa's big visit, Buddy hides out in the store until everyone has left and then proceeds to elaborately decorate the store.  In the morning, the staff is stunned to see the amazing transformation.  Then, the big moment arrives and in walks Santa.  Buddy rushes to the front of the crowd and yells, "Santa!  It's me, Buddy!"  Only then does he discover that it's not the Santa he knows and loves.
 
Long story short, Buddy spent time with the real Santa so he knew him.  And when an imposter came by, he was quick to see the duplicity.  What about us?  Are we spending enough time with God that we really know Him?  When things rev up, I take for granted that God will be there for me and it's no wonder that I end up feeling starved and parched for the word and His presence.
 
All the more reason to STOP - take a step back, turn to God and pour out your heart.  In all things, He is waiting there for you to come to Him.  It doesn't matter how big or how small the problem, He wants to help you.  Even if right now you are fortunate enough to not have a problem in your life, He wants to spend time with you.  It's so ironic that while He is the source of everything we need, we get so busy and make Him our last priority. 
 
This time of year, the busyness of our lives can be translated into shopping and wrapping and dining and caroling....but what about praying and serving and worshipping and (ok) caroling?   What are we doing with our busyness that is contributing to the kingdom of God?  When is the last time you evaluated what you are so busy doing?  If you find yourself like me, stressed out and overwhelmed because of too many things to do, why don't you take a moment and ask yourself if what you are so focused on is so important that it supersedes spending time with our Heavenly Father? 
 
Praying that our goals never outweigh our relationship with God, 
 
Merry Christmas!
Kelly
 
If you have a special mission or ministry, we want to hear about it!  Email
kellbra@regent.edu
 
It's a Conspiracy, I Tell You!
Michan Myer
Michan Myer
English Major
 
Well, last edition's article certainly confirmed that confession is good for the soul; thanks so much to everyone for the e-mails of encouragement and for sharing your testimonies!  This month, I have a different confession to make:  I'm part of a conspiracy.  Now, before you go running to Yazhin Moreno and his pals at campus security, I have to say that this is perhaps the most worthy conspiracy I've ever encountered.

Three years ago, I had to tell my daughter that Santa Claus was, in fact, not a real, still-alive-today person.  She was five years old.  Some claimed that I had stolen magic and imagination from my little girl's life-dashed the dreams of childhood.  I can live with that.  She was obsessed!  From September onward, every little thing was about Santa and what he was bringing, and "I-better-be-good-'cause-Santa-will-know".  While I always appreciate the good behavior, I was appalled at her motivation.  To what have we degenerated as a culture when our children are living and breathing only for the promise of wrapped boxes under a tree?!  My husband and I made the choice then that our children would not believe in Santa Claus, and it has been extremely rewarding.  Our children now know that their gifts at Christmas time come from the people who love them, that we worked hard to make or buy those gifts, and those gifts are NOT what Christmas is all about.
 
We were given the most precious gift that humanity ever received when Jesus humbled himself and became man.  Christmas is a time to remember to honor the sacrifice that brought us eternal life.  Let's truly honor that sacrifice this Christmas, in our worship, in our giving, and with our time.  Let's be Jesus' hands and feet to one another; if you must give a gift, consider making it one of service, love, and time-not one of shiny ribbons and expensive toys.  Join the conspiracy.  You'll be glad you did.

Join the conspiracy at: http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Already a co-conspirator?
Drop me a line and let me know!
michmy2@regent.edu
 
Calling All Cartoonists!

StudentAffairs.com is pleased to announce the 2008 College Cartoonist Contest, a competition for college and graduate student cartoonists!

Writing CartoonWinning entries will be featured on the StudentAffairs.com website. Students need to submit two cartoons on the theme of "Campus Life and Technology".   

 
Click here for complete guidelines.
(Do not contact Regent for more information)
 
The entry deadline is Friday, December 12, 2008.
 
Prizes for the top three entries:
1st Place: $400.00
2nd Place: $250.00
3rd Place: $100.00

*All other entries will be considered for the StudentAffairs.com(edy) page at a rate of $20.00 per cartoon.
 
Did You Know 3.0
 
Did You KnowAshley Andrews
Journalism Major
 
Life is funny. As a college student, there are times I feel as though I have conquered the world. I have mastered whatever task was given to me and I know I have learned all I need to know. Then, there are days that leave me fully convinced that I know nothing at all.

Recently, I watched a video, "Globalization & the Information Age" a.k.a. "Did You Know 3.0," on, you guessed it, You Tube; I was surprised by what I read. For instance, did you know colleges nowadays are preparing students for jobs that do not even exist yet? Yes, the top ten jobs that we will see in 2010 did not exist two years ago. Also, technological information doubles every two years. So, for those of us whose studies focus on technology, nearly half of what we learn within our freshman year will be considered dated by our junior year (Fisch & McLeod).

Just how intimidating is that? It is discouraging to think that all I have learned may be obsolete once I graduate. Who wants to spend four or six years learning what they will only have to re-learn after they finish school? Eventually, jobs like bank tellers, telephone operators, and toll takers will be outmoded by technology (Learn Do Earn). So, what should we expect as future graduates?

I would love to be able to say, "Hey, I'm done. I have learned all that I can learn, and I officially know everything there is to know." But, as I am sure we have all heard from someone at one time or another, "We never stop learning." On the bright side, we are blessed to live in an age that keeps us mentally on our toes. Although technology threatens certain jobs, it also provides us with more career opportunities and endless creative possibilities. All we have to do is keep learning.  

In the end, I find my consolation in Jeremiah 29:11. He has a plan for my future.  And I am more than certain that God will help me through whatever re-learning may come my way. Link to video!
He's Back!
 
Tim ConwayThe School of Communication and the Arts presents TV legand Tim Conway as he returns to Regent University bringing tons of laughter with him. Best known for his 11 years stint on The Carol Burnett Show, Tim's career includes his Emmy award winning appearance on 30 Rock as well as "Barnacle Boy" on SpongeBob SquarePants. Come see him Monday, December 8th at 10:45am in Screening Room A (Communication Building). Everyone is welcome!

I can learn a foreign language at Regent?

Foreign LanguagesLearning a foreign language is one of the benefits of undergraduate education that students don't always take advantage of. According to the 2006 MLA report on foreign language enrollment, only 8.6 % of American college students enroll in foreign language classes (www.mla.org/2006_flenrollmentsurvey).  Perhaps you haven't yet thought about it, but learning a foreign language might be a way God can prepare you for serving him in the future.

Experience in a foreign language can be an important benefit to a wide range of careers, including those in the areas of missions, business, government, education, counseling and Christian ministry. But it can be more than a step toward a future career.  Proficiency in a foreign language can also help us to better love and serve the people God has called us to reach-around the world and in our own communities. Learning to communicate with those who cannot speak English might be one way God can equip you for his service, in whatever path he has planned for you.
 
According to recent statistics on world languages in Ethnologue: Languages of the World, English is listed only fourth with 340 million native speakers. The top language, with 873 million, is Mandarin Chinese. Third is Spanish with 350 million. Millions in our world speak languages other than English-many live right here in the U.S.-but only a small percentage of Americans can communicate with them.
 
Regent presently offers minors in both Spanish and French. Introductory classes in both languages are being offered in the spring. Soon, Mandarin will be added to the language programs here. Please consider enrolling in these classes and seeing how God might use a foreign language in your life.
 
Please contact me as the Chair of the Department of Language and
Literature with any questions (757.352.4646, sclements@regent.edu).
 
Fellowship in Faith Online Community
 
Fellowship in FaithOver the last year, numerous undergraduate students have indicated that they want a way to connect to other undergrads at Regent. No matter where you take classes, you can now fellowship with others anytime online.
 
Fellowship in Faith is a safe place to share prayer requests or praise reports, and of course, prayer for your peers. You can chat in the general community or join the discussion in the men only or women only groups. Share your favorite God Tube/You Tube videos, song lyrics or links, or testimony, not only in your own words but even in your own voice.
 
Fellowship in Faith also has links to devotionals, a daily word, and other resources. You can also link to the weekly chapel, which is streamed for online viewers (Wednesdays at 12 noon).
 
Chances are you are already able to access the community in Blackboard! Check out this page for thorough instructions on how to start enjoying the fellowship you want within the context of your faith 24/7.
 
Quick Links
In This Issue
Do YOU Know Him?
Conspiracy Theory?
Cartoonists' Contest
Did You Know 3.0
Tim Conway
Foreign Languages
Online Community
Upcoming Events
God-focused Career Development
Study Tip
Book Sale
Get Connected... Pronto!
Information Security
Comments
Upcoming Events
 
 December
 
6 - Masquerade Ball, 8pm-1am, RH: Tickets $15 ea. or $25 couple
 
8 - Habits of the Heart: Solitude & Silence, 12-1:00pm, FVR.
 
9 - Pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Initiation; 12 pm in MCR
 
10 - Online Social Networking Seminar, 4:30pm, COM 146. View flyer.
 
11 - Executive. Leadership Series: George Merlis, 12pm, Founders, $30
 
11 - Pancake Feast, 8-10pm, The Ordinary. Comfy pajamas or festive outfit. $1 or canned good.
 
21 - Last day to register before $100 late fee assessed
 
24-31 - University Closed 
 
*Sign up for all workshops here.
 
God-focused Career Development 
 
Sillouette pondering with sunset
The Center for Student Development has launched a brand new career development web site for you. This is your link to fantastic resources, preparation tools, assessments, and coaching. How do you plan for your career while following God's leading? How do you determine in which career you can work to glorify God? Click here to begin (or continue) the journey.

STUDY TIP:  Pressures of the World!

World Ornament

Problem: During semester finals it is easy to be overwhelmed with stress, tests, studying, and paper writing. Make this final stretch towards the Christmas holidays with diligence, hard work, and appropriate rest.
 
Tip: Aside from some sleep, it is good to take a break from the pressures of the pen and keyboard and do a little something to take care of yourself.
 
Example: Whether you enjoy a massage from a friend (hint-hint), a bike ride, a good work out, some Charles Dickens, or the latest Christmas flick, it is certainly okay to stop for an hour or two to relax your body and brain. Although we may be anticipating those bluebooks and multiple choice questions pressure rises during this time of year, so do not feel guilty for taking your well-earned break! Making time for rest is good discipline.
 
Library Book Sale 
  
2nd floor Library Atrium during the hours of:
12/2: 9 am-5 pm
12/3: 9 am-6 pm
12/4: 9 am-12 pm

Used hardcover books will sell for $1.25 each; used paperbacks for $0.75 each.  Only cash and personal checks will be accepted.  Please bring your own bags or boxes.
 
Get Connected... Pronto
 
Pronto IconEver wish you could just shoot a quick message to one of your classmates, or have an instant conversation without the parameters of a class discussion board post? Well, you can!
 
Pronto is Regent's instant messaging service (e.g., AIM, Yahoo!) that automatically connects you to your classmates. Download Pronto through Blackboard and start communicating - pronto!
 
Information Security
  Password security

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(click image or here for video)
 
1. Never give out your password
2. Refer to tip number 1
3. Choose complex passwords
4. Change your password regularly 
Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? 
 
Question mark
 
Please let us know how we are doing. Our staff
endeavors to bring an you up-to-date, relevant, and interesting newsletter.
 
Email undergradservices@regent.edu with "Newsletter" in the subject line.