That's awesome, Michael. I know what you mean about the whole Christian school aspect of growing up. I went to BAICA with Colby until 8th grade and then came back and started high school in a public school system. Wow! That was a shocker. But you know what? I wouldn't have traded a minute of it for the world? I learned SO much about who I am, the people I get along with, etc. The most amazing thing I'm learning right now at Missouri State University, with its 20,000+ population, is that when you seek foremost for God in your life, He's going to provide you with people that will be there to help you along the way--other people who are seeking after God and companionship and are in your same situation. I felt kind of weird leaving high school because I finally found this last year someone who I could genuinely connect with and talk about God with. It's kind of weird, but since Colby left in 7th grade, I never really had another best friend (I had close ones) until this past year. God put this crazy awesome person named Daniel Givan in my life to get me refocused on God and to grow closer to Him through. It's kind of cool. I led Dan to become saved in June of this summer after we'd been friends all year long, and since then he became completely consumed with a passion and fire for God that inspires me tremendously. Change sucks! I've always hated it and always will. Dan's heading down to the University of New Orleans to study naval architecture and I feel like I'm starting completely fresh again with no close godly friends to spur me on and encourage me. But then I must constantly remember that God's timing is perfect and everything He does comes out for our own good, even if we don't see it all the time. I know that God'll provide amazing, godly friends in my life (as I'm certain He will for you, too). All we must do is keep our ways fixated on eternity and live for His glory and He will reward you with companionship and Christian friendship, even in a predominantly secular environment. It's kind of strange, but sometimes the people that are most on fire for God are those that have been surrounded by the darkness for the longest time. They have been tested and survived situations that some people who have always been surrounded by the light could not handle. God will be there for you and comfort you all along the way.

"And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." -Hebrews 11:6-

Best of luck to you as you embark on life's new chapter in college. Stay true to God and you can't go astray.

Joshua, a brother in Christ

Your going to shine so bright people will need shades

I'll be praying for you!

--Kathy

Shine bright Michael...and call me if you're ever bored.

oh my gosh Michael......you look like JESUS.

*weirded out*

Yes, it was truly great to see you.  Ellenburg...what can I say.  Love the man but hate the philosophy.  What you will have to do is to look at each day of TCC as an opportunity.  To learn and to be sharpened and to sharpen.  The key to openly challenging a professor is to not do it.  Seek them in privacy after class and make it known to them that you wish to discuss the issue but you didn't want to appear disrepectful.  That will go miles with a Professor.  Sure there will be obvious times when it is appropriate to speak your mind in class but for the most part, you can't win that way.  They won't let you.  They have the upper hand and typically wont let themselves be backed in a corner in front of a class.  (Pride)         You know the truth more than most any student your age.  Now it is time to put your knowledge and intellect to the great task.  However, its not always as easy as it sounds as you are figuring out.  The key is to plant the seed, water it if they will let you and step away and let God take care of the rest.  You will never realize the full impact you are having on others in this lifetime.  But you are nonetheless.  You are ready for the challenge!

Yes, please come to lunch when you have the chance.

hey michael... i saw you the other day at school. hope you are doing well, im sure you will have a great time at tcc and be a light that shines forth His glory! ttyl molly

oh and you do look just like Jesus.....