December 2013

Gestalt December 2013

Gestalt |ge- sh tält|: an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts

The annual Gestalt writing contests seeks out the talented authors of the ORU Honors Program. Short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction are judged on not only their writing technique, but their creativity and contribution to the spirit of the Honors Program. This year’s first place prize goes to sophomore art and writing double major Charis Scheider for her creative nonfiction entry “White Plastic.” In a true testament to her creative talent, Charis also took second place with her short story “Mountain Song.”

White Plastic

owers field is full of bodies. What a turn out! But I am one of four girls. A twang of Tnervousness clenches in my stomach. Seeing lots of new faces and several comfort- ing familiars, I quickly descend the hill from the dorms, and run to the “stuff” rock. I slip out of my green Chacos, and note the foreboding clouds on the horizon. It’ll probably rain a little. Shouldn’t have worn a white tank. Oh well. Hearing several excited voices, I run out to meet my fellow lovers. Ultimate lovers. It’s time for one of the first Ultimate Frisbee games of the year. After joining the large circle of twenty or so guys and girls, I smile at a few friends, and watch the discs rise and get carried by the recently arrived wind. Navy blue, pink, white, orange, and black discs travel from fingers to sky and sky to hands. Charcoal clouds provides a stark backdrop for the flying streaks of color. Finally, the dirty white one comes my way. The almost-electric energy in the air is contagious. Delighting in the freedom my bare feet and legs feel as I run across the prickly, August grass, I leap up and snag the disc from the ever- darkening tent of gray and black sky. Teams are chosen. The other girls and I share a knowing smile as we are the last to be picked. We know how good we play. A few guys know it too. I see a friend whisper in the Captain’s ear and point, and my name is called. The shaking of hands accompanies the hearing of new names as I meet my comrades. My fellow warriors for the afternoon. I feel the first few drops, and an eagerness for this new chance to prove my love for Frisbee rises inside me. It soon begins to drizzle, and some of that initial exaltation fades as I feel my white tank begin to dampen and cling to my skin. Should I run in and change? No. Stupid. It doesn’t matter. Teams have now been picked, and we divide to opposing sides of the battleground. Sizing up the figures across the field, I pick a guy about my size. I’ll guard him. Like chariot horses pawing the ground in anticipation of the battle to come, we all move side to side, staying loose. Black clouds hang low over us. I almost feel the tips of their burgeoning water-bellies upon my shoulders. Suddenly, a guy yells “Disc,” and looses the white Frisbee. Twenty-four bodies rush forward, closing the distance between our teams. As we race towards that trav-

1 eling white saucer, those water-bellies burst, and thick, heavy droplets now slap down on us. The next several minutes are a blur. Parched grass greedily receives the rain, and once-dry ground slurps, squelches, and slops up between our toes. With eyes fixed on that grimy white plate, I secretly embrace the ground with my feet. Let the mud form. Let the puddles grow. I am a warrior. This is my game. The rain comes down harder and harder, and like the pounding of the drops upon our arms, forty-eight feet pound the earth, back and forth across Towers field. By now, most guys have removed their drenched shirts, and glistening, slick shoulders and backs mark the grey and green canvas. Like the other girls, I somewhat jealously am denied that freedom. My white, soaked tank has taken the form of my torso, and self-consciously, I know I stand out like that stark white disk upon the black sky. But I am a warrior. This is my game. This is my battle. I soldier on, despite the uncomfortable effects of the rainstorm. It’s almost dreamlike, really. I feel we have all been transported back to school play- ground rivalries. As we run, slip, and fall through puddles, and as we dance frenzied steps across the field, I remember how I always wanted to fit in with the boys. Ultimate Frisbee is both a dividing and a unifying game. I am a girl. I am one of four. But I play good. In a way, we all are the same. We all struggle and leap across the same patch of soaked, clingy earth. We all pursue that same ratty and scraped white disc. We all want to win. Badly. We all are, for those few minutes, united; all compatriots no matter our major, our age, our class year, or our gender. There’s this guy. Long blond hair. New face. He keeps grabbing that white disk; smack- ing it down on the ground defiantly when on defense, and the first to catch it when going for a point. He’s on the other team. Seeing the challenge he poses to our leading score, the best of our team rushes to check him as we all rush forward for another charge. Knowing my limitations and ability, I break away from the pack, and shoot down the field. A teammate catches the disk. “Here!” I shout, motioning with my arms, my white tank like a beacon, a tar- get. I am alone on offense. His eyes lock with mine, and I know he’s going to throw it far. So I run. Head turned over shoulder, stringy wet hair plastered to my face, I propel myself towards the goal. And then the white disc comes. Cutting through the air with perfect speed and altitude, I know this is the one. This is my catch. As I race to meet my plastic fate, embodied by that utilitarian-white platter, my muscles strain and resist. Faster! Feet pounding, I prepare myself for the collision. White plastic and white, wet flesh meet. Don’t let go. Stumbling across that muddy spot, my body reacts with disc in grip, and I skip a few steps before the momentum subsides. The disc is mine. I caught it. Adrenaline still glazing my vision, I spot a teammate in the goal, and I twist my white torso and release. In a split second, the Frisbee meets his hands and the point is ours! Proud and out of breath, our team reaches us. Good catch! Great throw! As the sheets of sky thrash us with every gust of wind, I know we are one. This is our game. This is our battle. We will win.

Check out the second-place winner on page 15!

2 Hello, Honors Program Interviews with some of our outstanding students.

• Abigail Dew • Colt Jones • Morgan Ganahl • Keith Jackson

3 Abigail Dew

Sophomore, Communications Major

Interview by Victoria Jensen

The following interview was performed via Skype from Brisbane, Australia. Abby is taking one semester off from school and plans to return in January.

Victoria: Why did you choose to pursue communications? Abby: God really put on my heart communications, to communicate his Word. God has changed my dreams and goals. Besides getting a job, I want to use it to disciple and use God’s word to communicate, to reach people and to influence other’s lives.

V: What are you doing now to help you achieve your dreams? A: I’ve been studying the Bible a lot and gaining a lot of wisdom from my parents who are missionaries. I’ve also been leading ministry groups in Australia.

V: What are some of your goals for the next few years? A: Well, I’m also a dance minor, so I plan to do a dance show next semester. I did a lot of dancing in high school and almost applied to full time dance school. But because it almost became like an idol to me, I set it aside for a while. But God said, “I created you to dance,” so I want to worship Him through dance.

I also want to grow academically. I attended a small Honors conference last year and would like to present at the Great Plains Conference this year. Like last year, I would also like to get a 4.0 GPA. I’ve also been writing, and I would like to get published at some point.

V: What were your expectations coming to ORU and were they met? A: I would say ORU has exceeded my expectations. I flew in for the Whole Person Scholarship interview and what really stood out to me was the student life and environment. Everyone is so friendly, especially the girls’ in my dance classes, and even the teachers.

The Honors Program is even better than I thought, especially the Fellow’s courses. I took Philosophy of Science last semester and loved every second of it. The teachers and material are amazing. There are also a ton of opportunities in the Honors Program. Plus the Masquer- ade was the highlight of my year. I also really appreciate the close friends on the HP floor. We’re all similar: we work hard and still know how to have fun.

Coming to ORU from overseas and a different background, I was on my own for the first time. I wondered, “Will people get me?” But living on an honors floor made the transition much easier.

4 V: What advice would you give to students transitioning into college and trying to discover their dreams and passions? A: Don’t over commit. Especially during your first semester where it is already a lot of stress and change, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. During your second semester you can get more involved.

I also think about the verse in Proverbs, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Even if you think you have a ten-year plan, God may redirect you completely. Don’t resist the Lord, just hold out everything to Him open-handed.

Colt Jones Freshman, Exploratory Major Interview by Allison Boswell

Allison: Why did you choose ORU? Colt: I chose ORU mainly because of the people. My first choice was TU, but I was accepted to ORU and visited the campus. I loved the atmosphere and the people and knew I could grow more spiritually here than I could at TU.

A: What were your expectations coming here and do you feel like they were fulfilled? C: Didn’t really have any expectations other than to work hard. Expectations of my social life were exceeded because I made really great close friends quickly who love the Lord which is a new social environment for me. My high school was very segregated like between classes, whereas coming here it doesn’t matter what year you are or anything. Everyone is friendly and treats you the same.

A: How have you changed being at ORU so far? C: I’m definitely growing spiritually; ORU is a perfect place to focus on God. Socially, I have become more outgoing out of the blue—without even trying.

A: Are you leaning towards any majors? C: I’m still trying to find the right major. I’m interested in physical therapy and media, but I’m still unsure of the route I’ll take.

A: What are some of your passions and interests, and how do you feel like they’ll play into your career? C: I’m interested in soccer, video games, and making music video. I also like working out, eating healthy ,and helping people. I think these will definitely play into a physical therapy job where I’ll be helping people keep their bodies in better shape and be learning to keep my body in better shape.

5 A: What are some of your goals while at ORU? C: I want a 4.0 GPA, and also just want to make long lasting friendships and find God’s calling on my life.

A: You’re in Blueprint, right? Why did you decide to join? C: I have been told by a lot of people that I have leader inside of me; it just has yet to be developed., I heard Blueprint was a leadership organization, and I thought it was a good chance to develop my leadership abilities. I thought it would be a good way to meet new people, too.

A: What are your long-term goals, and what do you feel you are doing now in order to achieve them? C: My end goal is to have a career where I can provide for my family, which is what I’m trying to do by first realizing God’s calling on my life and finding a major. But the more I’m here, the more I realize that I probably have a bigger calling on my life other than to find a success career, and I would also like to discover that. ORU will give me a great education regard- less of what major I choose. I’ve been doing lots of praying, listening, and trying to interpret something from God as to what I’m supposed to do.

Morgan Ganahl Junior, Drama/Television/ Film Major Interview by Hazel Peralta

Hazel: Why did you originally choose ORU? Morgan: When I was originally thinking about going to college, I wanted to find a place that was a very godly Christian university. I came for college weekend, and I know it’s the classic story, but you go onto campus, you fall in love with the place and the people, and there’s just a different feel here than in any other place. Honestly, it’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made.

H: Was it hard for you to transition here from home or your old school? M: A little bit. My high school did a pretty good job preparing me for college, but just the fact of being miles and miles away from home was a very big transition. After I got here and I started going through classes and meeting people, and once I got into the flow of it, it became more comfortable. I seriously consider this a second home for me.

H: What were your expectations coming here and do you feel like they were fulfilled? M: Well, coming here I was really expecting a very strong Christian-based college. It’s wonderfully met my expectations in that area. Everybody here is talking about God all the time and the Holy Spirit, and it’s a common conversation topic. To come here where you talk to people about your problems and their first instinct is “let’s pray about it” is really, really cool.

6 H:How do you like the ORU staff? M: I have found the ORU staff to be wonderful. The faculty and the teachers really do a good job at making the class interesting and making it something worthwhile to be in. They’re all amazing people, and they really do a good job of really digging into what your special niche is.

H: What do you think about the Honors Program? M: I haven’t been involved in many of the events just because I’ve been so busy, but the Honors Program itself is a wonderful, wonderful program, and it’s really fun to go to the Hon- ors classes. It’s not like you’re in a separate group and you’re the elite who’s above everything. It’s just fun because you get to study on a different level than most other people.

H: About the Honors Program, what would you say to incoming students? M: I’d say if you’re wanting to enter the Honors Program, don’t be intimidated by any of the Honors students. We’re like everybody else. We study, but we do have time to have fun and goof around. Don’t be afraid to try it.

H: What are your goals for after you graduate? M: Well, I would absolutely love to get involved with acting. Film acting would be really fun, and I would especially like to get involved in voice acting.

H: Do you have any advice for new students coming to or considering ORU? M: I say go. I know that there are finances and I know tuition is big, but I have grown so much as a person being here, both physically and spiritually and mentally—the whole person! It’s amazing, and if you really feel like God is bringing you here, just come, and He will provide a way for you to get here.

Keith Jackson

Senior, Multimedia Productions Major Interview by Allison Boswell

Allison: Do you have a job right now? Keith: I work for cox as a free-lance camera operator, which has a lot to do with my multimedia production major.

A: What do you hope will come of your degree in regards to a career? K: I hope I’ll get into something with live production with a church, ministry or even full time at ORU. I definitely want to be involved with live production, whatever that looks like.

A: Do you feel as if your classes here have prepared you well for your work? K: Yes, I do. You always have courses you love and some you hate. Professors have definitely prepared me for the workforce and given me confidence in my abilities.

7 A: Which professor do you feel has equipped you the most? K: I would have to say Professor Bush. He teaches audio production and the media opera- tions class. I learned a lot to help me in the future.

A: What do you feel has helped you learn the most? K: Working with Roy Baker in university media productions because he’s taught me not only media production, but also a lot of life lessons.

A: What is it you do specifically? K: I was a Production Assistant, which means anything related to setting up for a production or event, editing videos for chapel, etc.

A: What advice do you have for those just starting out in their college career? K: I think my time on campus has given me an appreciation for the gifts and talents I have. Being able to be around a bunch of people who are encouraging and uplifting gives you the courage and strength to get through the day and get out of bed. You have to realize there is a goal in mind and take things one step at a time but keep the end in mind. Get through such and such class with your goal in mind. This is only a stage, a season in life, and if I’m patient and diligent, I will be rewarded down the road. Don’t be single-minded, keep your mind open to what God has planned. It’s way too easy to come in with a set idea of what you want to do or be. Things may not always be what they seem at first, so be open to what God has planned for you and what professors have to say and try not rush. Enjoy it! It’s a long road to get to the end to graduate, but if you take it one step at a time, eventually you will get there.

8 The Forum: Undoubtedly, one of the most awkward and laughed about topics among college students, especially at ORU, is gender dynamics. Our staff had decided to explore this rugged and uncharted territory in a series of articles throughout this year. This is meant to be funny and lighthearted while informative, but don’t take it too seriously. Also, if you have a topic or a question you would like us to address, feel freeanything to email (within or facebook reason). us Allabout of that it! We being are said, prepared we hope to discuss you enjoy! just about Strength

9 hen I approached this month’s “per- says, “How you made me is amazing and Wspective” question, I had to do a little wonderful. I praise you for that. What you introspection and ask myself, deep down, have done is wonderful. I know that very why do I love to exercise so much? Sure, it’s well.” Another translation says “fearfully and a stress reliever. And yes, I’m a health and wonderfully made.” That means that this exercise major. And of course, it’s to attain body that I lament over, the muscles that I try a higher level of personal health. But looking to tone, and even the hair I try to tame were past that, why do I put myself through all this? made expressly to God’s specifications. I want to look good. The other day, I was running and I had I want to look in the mirror and be able a light bulb moment. When I exercise, when to say confidently that I look attractive in my I get ridiculously happy that I sweat so much running spandex. I want to be completely its dripping off my face, I am rejoicing in the confident with the beauty of my body. That is body God gave me. It’s amazing! Now, I’m why I work out. That is also why most women studying exercise physiology right now, and work out—we want to be beautiful! let me tell you, the effort your body goes I remember the day I realized I would through to make energy so you can walk to never be taller than 5’4” and that my calves class is incredible. There is so much that can would always be more muscular than my go wrong, yet it all works together perfectly— mom’s. I was slightly devastated, so I resolved like clockwork. that exercising was the only hope I had to try My revelation is that I embrace my and attain some semblance of the standard sweatiness because it is the one time in my of beauty that women are held to today. day that I truly believe how wonderfully made So then I asked myself, is wanting to be I actually am! What a novel concept. beautiful a healthy desire? Is this the right at- God already told me that, but it took titude to have every time I go to the gym? embracing my sweat to realize it. I definitely don’t think it’s bad to have this desire, but I think that there should be more to it than the superficial goal of looking good. Seriously, we can’t all be genetically- gifted superstars. In Psalm 139:14, the writer

Annamarie Gerrick

10 hy do I as a man desire to work out? My I think God would encourage us to Wfirst response would be that I want to be build our bodies to be capable of what he strong enough to take care of myself. I want calls us to do, but we must not forget the to be able to easily accomplish tasks that most important thing about strength: God require strength, and I want to be able to is our source. He is the one that makes us defend myself from someone who might wish strong enough to stand in the evil day. to harm me. The favorite verse of many people is For some people, they want to be Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through stronger than the man next to them. I’m not Christ who strengthens me.” Working out talking about friendly competition and con- makes your muscles strong; God makes your tests of strength; I mean to have power over heart and spirit strong. This is the thing we the weaker man. have to remember. God gave man strength, just like he The next time you go bench some gave woman beauty. By virtue, or rather vice dumbbells or do some squats, remember that of his strength, man has conquered the world God gave you the ability to build strength and other men; sorry ladies, but women and become His mighty warrior. As long as never sacked civilizations and slaughtered you remember the source of your strength, all their inhabitants. This is the abuse of man’s there are no limits to what you can do. strength. Ask Annamarie what civilizations women have toppled by their beauty, I can’t think of any. My point is: God never meant for man to use what he was given to destroy other men. Taking this into consideration, I work out so that I will also be capable of protecting the ones I love, rather than destroying others. When the evil person comes, I will be the one called up to fight, and so I must be ready. And so us guys go out to the gym, pump some iron, and complement each other on the lifts we just did; it’s preparation for whatever we face in the future.

Ian Harrup

11 Alumnus Update: Bryce Merkel Writing His Story By Victoria Jensen

eading the Lord of the Rings trilogy for the first time sparked a passion for writing and story- Rtelling in Bryce Merkel that has now become his career. After graduating from ORU in 2011 with a major in writing and minor in business, Merkel worked freelance for two years in social media and marketing writing. In the summer of 2013, Merkel married Mia Sasaki, a Colorado native. Merkel and Sasaki met while both were studying abroad at Oxford during undergrad. The two now live in Philadelphia, where Mia attends the University of Pennsylvania and Bryce continues to work at a technical writer. As a freshman at ORU, Bryce knew he wanted to be involved in many different types of writing. He has always been interested in the art of storytelling and wants “to tell stories that let people look at life differently.” Now working in marketing, Merkel has come to understand a new facet of his discipline: “I get to see the power of words on people making decisions. Words carry responsibility.” In pursuit of his passion for storytelling, Merkel founded Ethnos Media in September of 2011, which he continues to manage as CEO and Editor-in-Chief. Ethnos, a literary website, integrates different types of art to share stories about all aspects of life. Bryce developed the foundation of his writing skills at ORU and values the diversity of ORU’s writing program as well as the interdisciplinary Honors Program courses. As a technical and marketing writer, he has written for a variety of clients, from military officials to small business owners: “I need to know about the many different disciplines I write about. The honors classes help you to get outside the bubble of your own major.” Many of Merkel’s fondest ORU memories took place in the Honors Program, including nearly drowning by capping a canoe at HP retreat and playing pictophone with over 40 students. The connections Bryce cultivated as a member of the Honors Program and Editor of the Oracle have continued since his graduation, and many have become Ethnos contributors. Bryce’s advice to students is to pursue the classes they love. “Once you’re out of college, you don’t get to take classes anymore,” Merkel says, “While you’re at ORU, dig into what you love. Try something new and don’t wait around. Don’t let life happen to you. Be proactive and do something fun!”

12 The Gallery Honors Program Chapel

13 The Gallery

A Very Honors Christmas

In the annual HP Christmas Party, hosted at Dr. Weed’s home, students enjoyed some friendly competition at Apples to Apples and Christmas cookie decorating before braving the outdoors to go caroling.

Photo Credit Emily Stanton

14 Second Place Contest Winner:

Mountain Song by Charis Schneider

ith the chilly late-September breeze comes the sweet fragrance of crushed loblolly pine Wand pungent juniper. Pale green lichens cling stubbornly to nearby rocks, and Confed- erate yellow daisies grow from the crevices. The late afternoon sun edges their cadmium lemon petals with liquid gold. With a light breeze, the quivering daisies appear to be tiny burning bushes, beckoning to their Moses.

Like sheet music carried away by a playful gust, paper-thin leaves lift lightly off branches. Airy melodies from the nearby carillon drift along an invisible treble staff. It’s as if time stands still. Leaning my head back, I shut my eyes and embrace this symphonic euphoria.

An arrowhead formation of Canadian geese cuts through robin’s egg blue sky. Their commandeering honks momentarily drown out “Amazing Grace” sounding from the carillon. A gift from the Coca Cola Company after the New York World Fair in 1964, this thirteen-story glockenspiel stands well above the gangly pines.

Through the thin screen of stripped branches, the manmade lake glistens and shim- mers, and the geese come in for a landing, rivaling the Blue Angels. A startled brace of mal- lards paddle out of the way. Campfire smoke brings the hunger-rousing aromas of bratwurst and roasted corn. Mouth watering, their wood-smoked flavors linger long after they’ve been consumed. Also visible through the trees is the mountain.

Stone Mountain is cold to the touch this time of year. Sunbeams stored deep in the rock during the hot summer months have long-since escaped, leaving behind an icy mo- nadnock. Every step taken lifts mounds of brightly colored leaves, and mica fragments glitter in the now-paling sun. Baring the bas-relief of Jefferson Davis, General Lee, and “Stonewall” Jackson, the mountain stands, memorializing the determination and stubborn dignity of the South.

Looking up at that tall, mile-high mound of granite and quartz, my heart pounds fiercely with pride. Though the cool breeze tickles my skin, my blood runs hot in my veins. I am proud to be a Georgian. Born and raised three miles from this mountain, my childhood was spent playing on its summit and walking on its trails.

The sun has begun to set, and the mountain has turned into a giant pink scoop of ice cream. A blazing bronze ribbon outlines the trees and mountain’s edge, and a resolute calm fills the park. As wind rattles through the paper-leaf lungs overhead, I can almost hear the ancient wheezing of Georgian souls. It’s as if the mountain whispers of mighty battles long forgotten, former glories weathered away long ago by the elements of time.

15 The cold stone also tells of dark secrets, buried away in unmarked graves. While the South sang many wonderful strains, many more were tragic dirges and laments. Deep within the packed scarlet ground, voices clamor, never silenced by death. The red Georgia clay is stained by the blood of both slave and free, Cherokee and Creek, farmer and gentleman, Yankee and Confederate. The very same summit I danced and frolicked upon as a child stood mute not a hundred years before as fifteen white-robed ghosts made oaths of hatred around a burning cross. Many tears have watered this thirsty earth, and many corpses have glutted this insatiable land. Though much has changed, much more remains the same.

Tender cooing from a mourning dove signals the approaching night. A chorus of ka- tydids takes up the cue, singing one of the last concerts before their annual slumber. The mountain’s song remains steady as old voices grow quiet and new voices join in. Now the full harvest moon sheds her velvet black gown and parades across the darkening sky. The mel- ody of the night ensues, and like she has for centuries, the mountain continues to sing. Tones of tragedy and victory, pounding grief and infectious laughter, quiet shame and deep, stoic pride; these are the notes of her song. Whether for better or for worse, this mountain song persists, and will forever beat in Georgian hearts.

Congratulations, Charis and to all of you who entered this years contest! Interested in submitting your own writing? We’ll be holding another contest next fall--and it’s never too early to start polishing your award-winning piece!

16 Sons and Daughters of the King

Devotional by Annamarie Gerrick

n one of my favorite movies, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Aragorn asks the shield- Imaiden Eowyn, “What do you fear?” to which she answered, “A cage.” Why a cage? She was terrified that her life would be a waste. Eowyn, as a woman, was forbidden to fight with the other warriors to defend her country and was helpless to change that situation despite her great desire to fight.

There are many times in life when we are helpless to change our circumstances. We feel trapped, caged in by finances, relationships, responsibilities, and expectations. Person- ally, I fear not being able to leave a legacy that furthers the kingdom of God. I fear unknow- ingly building myself into a cage of complacency, desiring to do more and step into the destiny God has planned for me but instead staying put where I am.

So what do you fear? What cage has you trapped? What prevents you from fully ex- periencing the beauty of life that God has for you? Think about it. Seriously. Now, after Eowyn gives her answer to Aragorn he replies, “You’re a daughter of kings… I do not think that would be your fate.” Just as Eowyn did end up being able to escape her “cage” and gain honor on the battlefield, so we can also.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” I don’t know about you, but I like this! My King has given me a powerful spirit! I have the power to love the unlovable, to forgive unspeakable wrongs, and to make my dreams into a legacy that will bring glory to God.

Just think on this a minute: you may be in a cage of fear for whatever reason, but that is not who you are. We read in Ga- latians 4, “God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:6-7 NIV). You are a son or daughter of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Creator of the Universe! It is not your fate to live life in a cage. It is your destiny to bring glory to God! It will be a life-long journey that will be excit- ing, frustrating, fulfilling, and exhilarating.

You are a child of the King, and your journey starts with stepping out of your cage.

17 Merry Christmas

Meet the Staff:

Allison Boswell, Editor Victoria Jensen, Editor Ian Harrup, Writer The Gestalt staff Annamarie Gerick, Writer wishes you safe Hazel Peralta, Writer travels, a Merry Emily Stanton, Writer & Photographer Christmas, and a Vanessa Sweet, Photographer & happy New Year! Designer See you in 2014! Dr. Kay Meyers, Faculty Sponsor Dr. John Korstad, Faculty Sponsor