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As I accepted my diploma, a chunk of my identity flaked off: “student.” I’d worked hard and anticipated the day when I wouldn’t have this label anymore. But as I entered the new year as a graduate, I felt untethered.

It feels so overly simplistic to say that life’s not about this job or that position, but it’s not. It’s not your accomplishments that people will remember at your funeral. 

But I believe, as a follower of Christ, that it is essential to be an intentional, active member of a church community. Membership facilitates opportunities for vulnerable relationships and accountability. 

When looking at a measly income and a mountain of student debt, one might assume that God’s call to generosity doesn’t apply, at least not until your finances look less terrifying. However, financial struggles don’t free us from God’s command to give generously and joyfully. The Lord calls us to generosity, not because he needs our resources, but because he desires the best for us.

Job hunting doesn’t have to be a necessary evil or an awful season of life. It can be exciting, refreshing, and encouraging as we wait for the Lord to begin the next chapter in our lives.

“Do you want to go to Hawai`i?” Assuming that my boss was asking about a supervisory visit to Hawai`i, I eagerly said yes. Then she explained that she was asking me to help replant ������Ƶ’s ministry because there were only two students left. 

So many of us get so riled up by “disagreeable” news outlets and opponents we deem as biased in all the wrong ways--but what how do we read or hear the news with love, humility, and patience? 

Our number one passion should be Jesus and living for him—when we’re in college, five years out, 40 years out, and for our whole lives.

Change and transitions sometimes happen at unplanned times. Read how one ������Ƶ staff learned to rely on God through change, rather than relying on her planner.