February 9, 2012

Senior Recognition 2012 - Gregory Dodds speaking

Photo by Erik Sanders

SAVE THE DATE

Don’t forget to visit the WWU Events Calendar!

PERSONAL SIDE

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Chaplain’s Corner

I think there are several kind of people in life. The ones who don't use any mirrors when they're driving. These are the cars that swerve in and out of lanes at their leisure, seemingly unaware of the early 19th century invention called a blinker. And the poor out-of-towners that aren't used to this cultural phenomenon simply fear for their lives on the freeways; their knuckles permanently locked into a 10-2 position on the steering wheel. We'll call this first group the Californians (stop smiling, you know who you are).

The second group are so glued to their mirrors when they drive (side & rear) that they miss everything in front of them. They don't anticipate the future, but they sure are scared of what's behind them. They like to move nice and slow so they are not surprised by anything. They probably have the extended mirror package and the video camera back-up system to help them stay fully aware of everything in their past.

Then there's the third group. These are the ones that occasionally check their mirrors to see what's happening or what has happened around them, but they stay focused on the road, the journey ahead. They use the mirrors to make good decisions, to learn about what's behind them and to get a full picture of their journey, but they are not focused on the mirrors, they are focused on the journey.

We're on day 26 of our 40 day challenge for prayer and I hope you've been able to experience a rich sense of God's presence and a deepening of your prayer life.  But for those that have struggled, a lesson from these driving analogies:

The Apostle Paul wrote, "But one thing I do.  Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the hoal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3: 13-14)  Now maybe Paul was a little like a Californian at times, but I don't think he was afraid to use his mirrors occasionally to guide him on his path. 

What are your life experiences?  If you take a moment sitting in your car to adjust your mirrors, think about the ways He's helped you in the past, shown up for you, performed a miracle, or saved you from peril. If your mirrors are all fogged up and your windshield is covered in ice, please feel free to do one of two things:
1.  Stop by the Chaplains Office.  We have a whole slew of people who would love to pray with you, listen to you, encourage you.
2.  Check out The Living Room prayer space on 4th street between 3pm-10pm daily.  It's a great place to get away from the rush of the world and connect with your Savior.  Ask for His help to give you the vision you need for such a time as this.

by Paddy McCoy, WWU Associate Chaplain

FYI

Vespers
Vespers is a little different this week. Love Encounter is doing some things with candles and lights that will be awesome, and we're Skyping with a Student Missionary in Hong Kong (the one and only Tommy Poole), to see what life is like in the ministry field of China. In addition to a great message by Pastor Troy called, "Lost in Translation", we've got a BAPTISM, and a special worship event you won't want to miss.

Portland Trail Blazer Game Feb 18  
Trail Blazer tickets are available in the Student Activities office today from 10-3 and in the WEC during intramurals and the Friendship Tournament. Watch the game then play on the court for 1 hour after we beat the Hawks Feb 18 at 7pm. Cash, check or charge $15 to your account!

Friendship Tournament info for this weekend!  
Friendship Tournament, a basketball tournament sponsored by WWU, started today at noon! Which academies are here and when do they play? Go to www.wallawalla.edu/friendship, or get the latest scores and game locations on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wwutournaments. Plan now to attend the games and join the fun. And thanks for being gracious hosts to our guests while they’re at WWU!

Dentistry Panel  
Are you thinking about a career in the field of dentistry? Come hear local dentists and hygienists relay their educational and professional experience. You will have the opportunity to ask specific questions and hear advice from the professionals! Thursday, Feb 9, 6:30pm at Alumni Board Room

Town Hall Meeting  
There will be a Town Hall Meeting in the Atlas today, Thursday, February 9 at 8 p.m. This will be the perfect opportunity to hear each of the declared executive candidates’ platforms! Make sure to attend this important event!

Tip of the Week: Green is the color of LOVE

Some tips for making your Valentine’s Day more eco-friendly:

1- Flowers: Did you know that non-organic flowers can contain up to 50 times the amount of pesticides that are federally allowed for food? Try organically grown flowers to avoid the pesticides, or better yet, choose a potted plant which lasts longer!

2- Chocolate: Did you know that of all crops, cocoa demands the second highest use of pesticides? Try organic and fair trade chocolates instead and you will find that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor by giving up the pesticides. There are many yummy brands that are locally available. Some of my favorites include Endangered Species Chocolates and Equal Exchange Chocolates.

3- Dinner: There are many ways to incorporate a more eco-friendly approach to dinner. Try a vegetarian restaurant, one that uses local produce and products in their cooking, select sustainably harvested fish, or simply cut back on your intake of meat and try a delicious dish of pasta instead. (It worked for Lady & the Tramp!)

4- And finally, remember that homemade valentines are the most eco-friendly and most romantic way to go. Recycle some old gift wrap or construction paper, get out the glue & scissors, brush up on your poetry skills and make your valentine a special gift from the heart.
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tip courtesy of monroecc.edu