After reading the Old Testament from the E-100 challenge, the story that stood out to me the most was the story of Joseph. Not only did it reveal the strong faith Joseph had in tough situations, it also demonstrated how God has everything planned out and taken care of.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and was accused of having an affair with the wife of an Egyptian official. Consequently, he was put in prison. However, God was with Joseph all along. After interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph rose to power and no one had greater authority except for the Pharaoh himself. Later on, Joseph reunited with his family during the great famine.
From his story, I learned that when struggles come, I have to remain faithful and trust in God’s plan. I should not blame God for the situations I was placed in. Meanwhile, I must also use these opportunities to rely on God even more. Lastly, I need to acknowledge that God already has a plan and will definitely turn a bad situation into a good one.
The E100 Challenge has been a very exciting and interesting activity for me so far. Usually we think of reading the bible as a long process and hard to understand, but through this E100 challenge, we were able to read the essential stories of the bible and go deeper on what is being read. This has helped me and many others grow in Christ and really understand the things we read in the bible; making the experience of reading the bible all the more enjoyable.
In our small groups, we go over the weeks assigned readings, and have very in-depth conversations where we express questions and answers and great insight, deepening our growth and knowledge. I really enjoy this and can not wait to continue this semester!
I grew up as a regular church attender with my family. My mom especially encouraged me in faith by instilling a belief in Jesus and a set of moral principles to follow. Despite all this, I was not a particularly well behaved child. Although my acts of mischief were relatively small, they were still sinful rebellions as I often acted with the knowledge that I was doing something wrong.
I was very afraid of being “sent to hell” as a kid, partially because of the “fire and brimstone” preacher who taught at our church but mostly, I think, because I was keenly aware that my life lacked a relationship with Jesus as a father and redeemer. I knew he was God’s son, that he was perfect and good and that he died for my sins but he was still a distant figure.
Over the summer before I turned 10, I went to a Christian camp where Continue Reading…
The first semester of college was a fun semester but a rough one for my spirit. I did things that God would never have approved of, nor would he be proud of. Leaving for college was one of my highest priorities in high school. I wanted to get away from my parents, the drama and even possibly from God.
When I was finally out of high school and on my own, I couldn’t wait to live my own independent life. My parents were out of sight and out of mind. I lived a life like a non-believer. I did go to church occasionally but was up late all night partying. I would wake up and go to church the next day with the same clothes I went to the party with. Looking back at it now, I laugh at what a hypocrite I was. Continue Reading…
Besides Co-Leading with CA [Social Coordinator]. I am a Junior majoring in Psychology, and a Greek and Roman Civilization minor. In addition, I play on the UAlbany Rugby Team, read books and watch movies with friends in my free time.
I got involved in CA because I wanted to feel closer to God, and learn how to share my faith with others. I wish that CA would be as popular on Campus one day, as the Varsity sports are.
At the end of this post is another excel model that I have put together using Dave Ramsey’s Budgeting forms. I have never seen these in excel format anywhere else so I think this format is original here on this site, however the content is not. I am giving these away. Just download and use them.
This model contains 13 of the most important forms that Dave includes in the information in Financial Peace University. He gives 15 forms with his package, but I have only included what I believe to be the most useful here.
To buy any of his financial products or for a boat-load of information on financial advice from a Christian perspective, check out Dave Ramsey’s site at: www.daveramsey.com
The document is cell-protected so the only cells that can be changed are the cells that are in grey [where you plug in your own information]. As in the other budget excel model, the numbers and information already plugged in to this model are fictitious and there as an illustration
Hope this blesses you and assists you to be the manager of God’s resources that He wants you to be.
Dave Ramsey Budgeting Forms
In the last four CA meetings of 2009 we discussed God’s plan for the money we have. We laid some general groundwork in those discussions. We talked about saving, debt and giving. We also talked about the importance of planning out how to use money. In other words… we talked about the dreaded B-word; “Budgeting.”
It’s a word nobody likes to think about and even less people actually like to do it; but it is imperative to secure financial planning to budget! Budgeting, or not budgeting, can be the difference in your financial future, but it only works if you do it.
For the Excel geeks among us, I have attached an excel model budget I made up that Kim and I use for our own personal budget both for monthly planning, and it lets us see a whole year at a glance. There are some numbers in the model already just as a visual guide to let you see how this model works.
I have also attached a document that gives some instructions on how to make the best use of the excel model.
It’s our hope that this information is tremendously practical, helpful and useful to you as you begin to plan out the use of the money God has blessed you with.
Hope this blesses you.
I am proud to represent CA as Treasurer, but even more happy to be representing God on the campus! I am a sophomore studying business administration and I have too many interests to list here. In short, volleyball and running in marathons.
I got involved with CA because I see a potential in this student group to reach out to the campus with God’s love. I have already learned a lot about myself and have grown a decent foundation and understanding of the Bible. I would love to see UA rated #1 most spiritual growth in college!
In addition to being a leader with CA, I am a junior studying Psychology and when I’m not playing Rugby, I enjoy music and art. I became involved in CA because I was looking for Christian people to be friends with and wanted to learn to make my relationship with God stronger.
I wish for CA at UAlbany that so many people would join that we need several lecture halls for each meeting 
I am a sophomore studying Psych and Sociology, when I am not leading in various ways in CA. I spend most of my time reading and blogging. I also love traveling, photography, baking, and music.
I became involved in CA because I was looking for a supportive Christian Fellowship that would help me grow in my faith with God. I hope that when we show our love for the people on this campus that it will reflect the love of Jesus. I would love it if every persons’ heart on this campus was transformed into a heart for God!
After reading the Old Testament from the E-100 challenge, the story that stood out to me the most was the story of Joseph. Not only did it reveal the strong faith Joseph had in tough situations, it also demonstrated how God has everything planned out and taken care of.
