Campus Life articles from March 2005

Campus Life archives from March 2005

Good enough?(Speak up: your letters and e-mails)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I just read the story about singer Bethany Dillon ("Not Good Enough" in the Jan/Feb issue). It's amazing. I often feel the way Bethany did--at my high school, and even at church, I often think I'm not good enough to meet other people's...

Encouraging.(Speak up: your letters and e-mails)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I liked reading "I Was Sexually Abused" in the Jan/Feb issue. I'm glad the writer did not blame God. This story's such an encouragement. Sheila WANTED: YOUR OPINION! Here at Campus Life, we're always seeking to improve our pages....

You inspired me!(Speak up: your letters and e-mails)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I read the poem "New Beginnings" in the Jan/Feb issue. Wow. The poem inspired me. I've been in a writer's block for months, so I did what the poem said to do. I picked up a pen and a blank piece of paper and started to write. As I wrote, I...

Tough decision.(Speak up: your letters and e-mails)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... My dad forwarded me your e-mail newsletter (available at campuslife.net) to read "Exclusive" from your Jan/Feb issue. I hadn't realized how consumed I've become with my ex-boyfriend. We aren't technically dating now, but we still spend a lot of...

Make believers.(Speak up: your letters and e-mails)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... In the Jan/Feb article "In the Land of Make Believers," you say Hollywood often portrays Christians as mean, backstabbing and hypocritical. You then defend Christians by saying they aren't like that in real life. But I've met a lot of so-called...

Spotlight on Andrea.(Speak up: your letters and e-mails)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Congratulations to Andrea Armentrout, 17, of Virginia, who won a Fender Telecaster (electric guitar) and other cool Pillar stuff in our Nov/Dec contest! So does Andrea play the guitar? "No, I don't know how... yet," she said. "I've been...

I felt like a loser.(My Life As A Student)
March 1, 2005... As soon as I stepped into my first class, I wished I'd stayed home from school. It's not like I would've had to fake being sick. My stomach twisted uncomfortably as I listened to everybody else comparing SAT scores. My friend Mindy* was...

Who is my neighbor?(Press pause: a quick stop for building your faith)
March 1, 2005... One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" The man answered, "'You must love the...

Note this.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... CHECK IT OFF God, please: [] investigate my life [] examine and test me [] get a clear picture of what I'm all about [] guide me on the road to external life Psalm 139: 23-24 (Adapted from The Message) PROMISES...

Cure for the common bully.(Strange verses: outrageous stories from the Old Testament)
March 1, 2005... Justin Griffin-Holtz. A name I will never forget. He was the first bully who ever picked on me. I was in fourth grade, he in sixth. From what I remember, he stood about 7 feet tall, maybe 8. His mouth was filled with braces that, if necessary,...

The plunge.(Reflections)(Poem)
March 1, 2005... the plunge A diver stands rigid on the tip of a high board; she bounces once and then leaps into the air, she stretches her arms outward and glides into an effortless fall; her outstretched arms gracefully sweep...

Why was I talking to him.(Friend 2 friend: how I shared my faith)
March 1, 2005... I stood on the porch and knocked screen door, probably a little harder than I should have. Finally, Jason* came to the door and immediately gave me a funny look that said, What in the world are you doing here? For a moment, I felt like...

What a potty mouth!(Brain Snax)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Lots of public restrooms have toilets with sensors to automatically flush themselves--that's nothing new. But now, toilets are getting even smarter. A new style of toilet uses its sensor to make specific comments to you. That's right, the...

O brother, how much art thou?(Brain Snax)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Sure, you love your brothers and sisters, but they do know how to get on your nerves once in a while. So it might not have been surprising for some siblings to read a newspaper ad for a "brother for sale under $50." Barbara Bennett of...

Lol!(Brain Snax)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... You've seen it many times: One of your friends starts laughing, and pretty soon everybody in the room is busting up. It's contagious. You can't help laughing along with your friends--even if nothing is particularly funny. Well now, you can...

Warning: not ipod friendly.(Brain Snax)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Your favorite band is on stage. The concert is rockin'. Unfortunately, the good times don't last long enough. Before you know it, it's time to go home. But in an old church in a small German town, a concert is lasting long enough to please even...

Aren't horoscopes harmless?(What's With My Faith?)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I'm really into horoscopes and zodiac signs. One of my friends says this is the Devil's work. I don't take any of it very seriously, but I think it's interesting. Should I leave these things alone altogether? (a:) I think your friend...

I have all these plans ...(What's With My Faith?)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I am a born-again Christian excited about Jesus returning someday. However, I have to admit I'm uncomfortable with the idea he could come back any minute. Some people say he'll be back very soon, and I feel like I'm running out of time to...

How do I treat gay friends?(What's With My Faith?)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I understand the Bible doesn't approve of homosexuality, but how do I treat my friends who are homosexual? What do I tell them? How do I explain to non-Christians that I believe this is wrong without being a jerk? (a:) Christians have...

I believed all the putdowns.(My story: how Christ changed my life)
March 1, 2005... "Hey, Chubby," Dan* said as he strutted by my desk. "What's up?" My stomach flip-flopped. Not again, I thought. I looked down, pretending to do homework. Every day of my first year of junior high was the same. It was impossible to...

Claira Smith, coffee house founder.(Upclose: three real heroes)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... In Sunday school class one morning, Claira Smith, 16, looked out a window at the church-owned building across the street. Suddenly, she felt like God was saying, "I want you to open a Christian coffee house right here." Just a month later,...

Matthew Blackmon, cancer survivor.(Upclose: three real heroes)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A few years ago, Matthew Blackmon, then 14, rode his mountain bike 80 miles to raise money for world hunger. Soon after, Matthew was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a form of cancer. Going through cancer treatment was hard on Matthew, but...

Ryan Crum, artist.(Upclose: three real heroes)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Ryan Cram has always loved art. But when he was 14, his life--and ability to make art--were transformed instantly when a hunting accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. "It was like one life ended, and a whole new one began," Ryan said....

What's wrong with drinking?(What's With My Life?)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I realize drinking an excessive amount of alcohol is wrong--it is bad for the body, goes against the Bible's instructions and can lead to bad decisions. But I can't find any reason not to drink in moderation, except for the law since I'm...

Can I do more than pray?(What's With My Life?)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) My best friend is a Christian but I have seen him backsliding recently. He's got new friends and denies God by his lifestyle. I've been praying for him for eight months. I also try to set a good example by the way I live. But none of it is...

My friend is hurting.(What's With My Life?)
March 1, 2005... (q:) One of my Christian friends is being abused by her parents. And it is hurting her physically, emotionally and spiritually. She feels like God doesn't care what is happening. What can I do? I think I am the only one who knows any of this....

Me? A leader? I was sure to mess up my lines and embarrass myself in front of 800 kids.(My Life In Youth Group)
March 1, 2005... I could tell my friend Lisa was getting annoyed with me. "Paul, are you still worried about forgetting a line?" "Can we just work on the skit one more time?" I begged. "But we've gone over it 20 times in the last hour!" "Please?...

Zed.(Comic)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... PRAY FOR ME, GUYS! IT'S MY TURN TO TEACH CHILDREN'S CHURCH TODAY. WHAT'S YOUR LESSON ABOUT? NOAH'S ARK. AND I REALLY WANT THE KIDS TO FEEL THE ARK EXPERIENCE! WHAT DO YOU THINK "FEEL THE ARK EXPERIENCE" MEANS? YOU NEVER KNOW...

Why's Avril so complicated?(TV music & more: Mark Matlock answers your questions)
March 1, 2005... (q:) Avril Lavigne's against dressing like Britney Spears or being super sexual. But she's kinda angry, gets in fights and swears. What's your take on Avril? (a:) Talk about complicated! Avril is hard to figure out, isn't she? She stands...

Stopping stereotypes?(TV music & more: Mark Matlock answers your questions)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) There are a lot of ethnic stereotypes on TV and in movies. I try to carefully select what I watch, but how do I guard against harmful messages about people of other races? (a:) Turning off music, TV movies that are needlessly hurtful...

Say no to Darko?(TV music & more: Mark Matlock answers your questions)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) The movie Donnie Darko came out in 2001, but everybody at school talks about it all the time. They say it has a lot to say about God and faith. But it's rated R. Is it worth seeing? (a:) I keep hearing about Donnie Darko, too. This...

The Passion of the Christ.(Entertaining Faith)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Mel Gibson's well-known film on DVD is a good way to start talking with Christian friends about what Easter is about. Here are some things to say: * Share with friends how The Passion made you feel and ask them to share also. *...

Reality TV game shows.(Entertaining Faith)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Your lunch table conversation is all about last night's reality game show (maybe Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, The Apprentice, or MTV's Battle of the Sexes.) Here are some things you might want to bring up: *...

U2.(Entertaining Faith)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... For friends who are into U2, there are several opportunities to share your faith. Here are some things you could talk about: * Tell your friends you believe the song "Vertigo" is talking about all the confusion in the world. Bone sings that...

More than a hit song: mercy me.(Music: mercy me)
March 1, 2005... what's so great about heaven? Singer Bart Millard was 18 when his dad died of cancer. At the funeral, at church and in supportive sympathy cards, people would often say, "Well, at least your dad's in a better place. He'd rather be in heaven...

Kimberly Perry: I gave God my dreams.(Music)
March 1, 2005... hearing God's voice: Kimberly Perry was sitting way up in the upper deck at a national teen convention when something weird happened. The worship band was playing. Thousands were on their feet praising God. And then, the singer just stopped....

Christian alternatives.(we recommend)
March 1, 2005... Christian alternatives ARTIST/ALBUM COMPARE TO POP/ROCK Jeremy Camp Goo Goo Dolls, Restored Lifehouse, (BEC) The Calling, ...

Overcoming my fear.(Music: sanctus real)
March 1, 2005... Just so shy: Sanctus Real drummer Mark Graalman remembers that awful first day of first grade. Mark's mom had packed all his school supplies in a garbage bag. Not knowing what to do with it, he stuffed it under his desk. During class, his...

And the winner is ...:.(The 2004 Campus Life Reader's Music Awards: The Golden Ear Award)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... Everyone wants to win a Campus Life Golden Ear Award! Why? Because these awards (nicknamed The Golden Lobes) are the Christian music award decided by you. Thanks to your votes, we have a great group of winners: a lot of young artists, a lot of...

12 truths for awesome living: Anna O'Connor says having cancer has taught her to live life to its fullest.
March 1, 2005... Every once in a while, you meet someone who just kind of Shakes your World. You're cruising along all nice and smooth, then world. You're face-to face with a Person who makes you Stop and take a good, long look at life. * For me, that someone...

Hollywood's heaven & hell: a prime-time afterlife special.(Column)
March 1, 2005... Homer Simpson has been to hell and back. And not just once. Actually, he's been to both heaven and hell so many times, you'd almost think there were direct flights from Springfield. Instead, Homer's choked on broccoli, had a heart attack, sold...

I was the team joke: In junior high, I was the tallest and best on the team. High school was a totally different story.
March 1, 2005... As my brother Scott drove me to my first day of high school basketball camp, I cranked up the radio's volume knob until the floorboards shook from the thundering boom of the bass. I was pumped. All summer long I'd been working in my driveway to...

Payable on death: why Jesus had to die: God always wanted to be your friend. That was the plan from the beginning. He created you-and all people-so he could love you. He even built a place to live with all his creations. Then, something went wrong.
March 1, 2005... Life was good in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve lived there happily, naming animals and hanging out with God. But Satan had his own plan: to separate God from humans. He knew this would happen if humans were sinners because God is holy and...

Social sciences.(Special Advertising Section)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... So*cial Sci*ence noun The branch of knowledge dealing with all that relates to the social condition, or to the relations and institutions involved in a person s existence and well-being as a member of an organized community. What a...

Me, my stuff and I.(Campus Life Quiz)
March 1, 2005... Whenever you turn on the TV, tune into the radio or surf the web, you see ads for stuff, stuff and... more stuff. Sure, things are important. But sometimes it's tough to remember that things aren't as important as friends, family and faith....

Should I keep sex a secret?(Love, Sex & Real Life)
March 1, 2005... (q:) Not long ago, I had sex with my boyfriend. I know that it was a sin, and I feel disappointed in myself. I grew up in church and have been a Christian for a long time. I've only told one friend, and have hidden it from my parents and...

Can I ask her out?(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) There's a girl I'd really like to get to know. We've been fiends for a while, and have worked together on a project at school. I asked her if she had a boyfriend and if she dated. She told me that she isn't dating right now, because she's...

His parents don't like me.(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I found out recently that my boyfriend's parents don't like me. His dad even told him that he didn't want him dating me anymore! When I asked my boyfriend why his father felt this way, he said his dad doesn't think my mere raised me well....

Isn't God enough?(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I'm tired of hearing about love all the time. I guess that's because nothing romantic has ever worked out for me. Girls are always telling me what a great friend I am, hut no one ever seems Interested in being more than friends. I would...

I don't want a serious relationship.(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) friend and I have out a couple of dates, and I think things are maybe getting serious. The last time we went out, we almost kissed. The thing is, I don't know if I'd like to be in a serious relationship. But I'd miss her if we weren't...

New ground rules?(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) about a month ago, my boyfriend and I broke up after a year of dating. We made the decision together because our relationship was getting too physical. Also, we kind of got on each other's nerves! We still care about each other and know...

Are girls supposed to struggle with this?(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I'm really, really ashamed of this. But I am struggling with masturbation and cybersex, and I don't know what to do. I'm scared I'll never be able to stop. I hate what I'm doing, but I sort of enjoy it, in a perverted way. I feel trapped,...

He's already had sex.(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I've already decided to save sex for marriage. I know not to put myself in situations that might test me, and that's why I have a question. For about three months, I've been dating a guy from my church. Before we started dating, he told me...

I want to break up.(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) I've been dating this guy for a few The problem is, I want to break up and I don't know how. He's really a nice guy, but I'm not attracted to him--not physically, emotionally or in a spiritual way. He's also very possessive, and I don't...

Time for commitment?(Love, Sex & Real Life)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... (q:) My new girlfriend are both Christians, and we've agreed not to have sex until marriage. But recently we went too far physically and stopped just short of sex. This has taken our relationship to a serious level. My girlfriend feels that she...

Campus life: Web directory.(Special Advertising Section)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Short on budget? Not enough time? How can you possibly make the best decision about which college to attend if you don't have the time or money to visit each one? Using the Web is an easy way to save you time, save you money, and...

Prayers about Easter.(Amen)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Dear Lord, When I think about this time of year I can't help but be amazed by you and all you did for me. As I think about your sacrifice, I know I've never had a friend like you. So help me during this season not to get caught up in tradition....