Contributed by Admissions and Marketing Director, Liz Tvedt.
Do you remember the beginning of the school year when you were younger? I would get so excited when I saw Wal-Mart had released all of the school supply lists! My mom would always take me to raid the school supply aisles for binders, notebooks, pens, erasers, and whatever else I convinced her I absolutely needed to be a 5th grade academic success. As I got older, the items shifted from crayons and glue to scan-trons and scientific calculators. As a college student, my checklist even included dorm supplies!
There are hundreds of VBC students, some old and some new, who will be on campus in just 8 days. I’ve talked to quite a few stressed students ( and parents) this week who are frantically packing and hoping they didn’t forget any essential items! Last night, as I was talking to a local student about what all she needed to start classes, I started to realize that the “back-to-school “basics look a bit different when you are going to Bible school.
Today I want to share the back-to-school basics I hope every VBC student shows up with this year. Obviously-bring your Bible, bring a way to take notes in class, and PLEASE bring toiletries if you are living in the dorms! Besides the obvious items, let’s take a look at a “packing list” that will ensure your success at VBC!
1) Show up with a blank slate. // Bible school has the potential to be one of the most transformative seasons of your life. From the very beginning, choose to be open to what God wants to do through you at this time.
2) Pack the spandex. // Now obviously don’t break dress code, but be prepared to be stretched! Learning to be flexible is VITAL in ministry and in life! Do you think this next season is going to be a walk in the park? Think again! God wants to use these next few years to mold you and shape you into a better version of yourself!
3) Bring a hat rack. // Ok, you don’t actually need to bring a hat rack, but get ready to wear some new “hats” that you’ve never worn before! Try things you’ve never tried before! Maybe you can add a children’s volunteer hat or worship team member hat to your collection.
4) Find some knee-pads. // If I could suggest one thing to students, it would be this: “Pray, pray, and then pray some more!” Maybe don’t kneel to the point you need knee-pads, but in all seriousness, commit to a new level in your prayer life! This is the perfect time to grow in intimacy with the Lord.
5) Throw in those apples. // I don’t know about you, but a time of transition is always a great time to form new habits! Taking care of your body is as Godly as taking care of our spirit. Make a lifestyle change in your physical health as well as in your spiritual heath. Let’s leave the frozen pizzas at home and stock the apartment fridge with food your body will love you for.
Expectation is a powerful thing. I challenge you students, both old and new, to come prepared for God to move. He is so faithful to exceed your desires.
-Liz Tvedt, Admissions and Marketing Director
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