Campus Life articles from November 2002

Campus Life archives from November 2002

Thanks! (From the Editors).
November 1, 2002... I've said "thank you" quite a bit in my short lifetime. It's almost become an automatic response to some situations: like at a restaurant, after the waiter brings me my meal and refills my Cherry Coke. Or when I respond to someone who held the...

Through good and bad. (Speak up! your letters, e-mail and faxes).
November 1, 2002... I've been scared about starting high school, but after reading "High School: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (September/October), I've calmed down a bit. Other Christians have made it through high school, and I know I will, too. I am ready to...

Learning and growing. (Speak up! your letters, e-mail and faxes).
November 1, 2002... I really appreciated "Learn What I Don't Believe?" (September/October). Learning about different ideas gives us a better understanding of our own beliefs. It's also important to learn about other cultures to better connect with others. At the...

Easing the stress. (Speak up! your letters, e-mail and faxes).
November 1, 2002... I am the exact replica of Ben in "Stressed Out!" (September/October). I am a swimmer, in the National Honor Society, a president of one club, secretary of another, and I am the youth rep for my church's mission committee. And, yes, it's sooo...

Staying sexually pure. (Speak up! your letters, e-mail and faxes).
November 1, 2002... I really appreciated your answer to the Love, Sex and Real Life question, "How far is too far?" (September/October). I recently was in a relationship where I set the boundaries, and at first the guy was OK with it. Then he started making me...

Alternatives, anyone? (Speak up! your letters, e-mail and faxes).
November 1, 2002... I was amazed to see the many recommendations for different types of Christian music in the September/October "Fast Trax." I recently gave my life to Christ, and worldly music was one of the idols I had to give up. It was so hard because I had...

Up to the challenge. (Speak up! your letters, e-mail and faxes).
November 1, 2002... I just read "I Couldn't Say No" (September/October). My brother was heavily involved with drugs and recently enrolled himself into Teen Challenge. I am finding it difficult to forgive him, but your articles are helping a lot. If anyone knows...

He's copying my answers! (My Life As a Student).
November 1, 2002... My first grade teacher, Mrs. Ayres, taught me a lot things I needed to know to start school right, including one very important rule: "Keep your eyes on your paper." It was a simple rule, but one that has stuck with me over the years....

How can I be more faithful? (Devotions on the fruit of the Spirit).
November 1, 2002... As with other fruits of the Spirit, we can learn what it means to be faithful by looking at Scripture. We can look at God's faithfulness to his people, like the time he delivered Israel from the chains of slavery in Egypt. We can look at some...

A clean heart. (Reflections).
November 1, 2002... A clean heart Lord, often I'm concerned about clean hair, a clean face, a clean body, and clean clothes, but not enough about a clean heart. Today, let me not just look on the outside to see...

Finders, keepers! Contest win a $250 prize pack!
November 1, 2002... WANT SOME FREE BOOKS? EXTREME FOR JESUS (XT4J), a branch of Thomas Nelson Publishers, is giving away a $250 PRIZE PACKAGE for one lucky winner of this contest. The first-place winner will receive a variety of books, including the Extreme...

I was always so angry. (My Story How Christ changed my life).
November 1, 2002... It was like any other day at school. I was getting ticked off at everybody. As I walked down the hallway, somebody shoved me into someone else. So I started kicking him. He grabbed my foot and I ended up on the floor. I started to get up when I...

Don't even go there! (Reality High).
November 1, 2002... THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE GREAT! WE ARE GOING TO BE BOLD, BE STRONG! WALK THE WALK! AND TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO WHOA! SOUNDTRACK TO "MOULIN ROUGE" PLAYED HERE... LET US PRAY. LORD, ABOUT THAT LAST...

Crash test pumpkins. (You've Got to Be Kidding).
November 1, 2002... How's this for a science project: Your teacher sends the class to the top of an 11-story building and tells you to drop pumpkins to the pavement far below. Sounds smashing, doesn't it? Oh, yeah, one more thing: The pumpkins aren't allowed...

Bird-zilla. (You've Got to Be Kidding).
November 1, 2002... With Thanksgiving coming up, we just had to include a turkey story: A mailman in Massachusetts isn't concerned about dogs chasing him. But he does have another, urn, fowl problem: A 4-foot-6, 30-pound wild turkey just won't leave him alone....

Spaced out! (You've Got to Be Kidding).
November 1, 2002... A few years ago, more than 600 people in Italy fell for a seam that they could visit Mars. Each of them paid 530,000 for what they were told was a chance to spend their "next vacation on Mars, amid the splendors of ruined temples and painted...

Global gourmet. (You've Got to Be Kidding).
November 1, 2002... Next time you're on the verge of griping about your school's cafeteria food, think about these international delicacies: * In Samoa: baked bats with onions * In Ghana: stewed cats with tomatoes and hot peppers * In Switzerland:...

People judge the way I dress. (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... Q At school, I'm considered a Goth because of how I dress. People judge me by my looks and don't believe I'm a Christian. Do you have any advice on how I can show my faith without giving up how I dress? A Whether or not it's your...

Should Christians drink? (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... Q If Jesus drank wine, then is it OK for Christians to drink alcoholic beverages? I have a friend who thinks it's OK to drink, but not get drunk. A Your friend is right about not getting drunk. The Bible is quite clear: "Do not get drunk...

But she's so hateful! What do you think? (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... A READER ASKS: There's a girl at my high school I'd like to reach out to. My problem is that she obviously hates me, but I don't want to hate her. I try to be nice, but I always get a mean look or a nasty reply. I want to love her and help her....

I feel fat and ugly. (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... Q I love Jesus very much, but I hate myself. I'm 6-foot- 1 and 128 lbs. And I think I'm fat and ugly. I'm told all the time that I'm gorgeous and underweight. I want to believe that, but don't. My parents are always threatening to take me to...

I want to make non-Christian friends. (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... Q I have a lot of Christian friends, which I think is important. But I also want to tell non-Christians about Jesus. My problem is I don't have many non-Christian friends. I'm really friendly, but have no idea how to go deeper with those who...

I'm having impure thoughts. (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... Q I'm a guy who has impure thoughts about my female friends. I want these thoughts to stop because I hate thinking about my friends this way. I feel like I'm just getting farther away from Jesus. What should I do? Do I have to isolate myself...

My friend's a Wiccan. (Good Advice).
November 1, 2002... Q Last summer I met a non-Christian girl at camp and we became close. She came from a broken home and had been involved with Wiccan friends. My youth group and I prayed for her and witnessed to her through our own lives. Finally, she accepted...

Rebecca unplugged: wiped out by a killer schedule and a serious health scare, Rebecca St. James took some time off just to kick back and relax. (Music).
November 1, 2002... She was No. 1 on the radio. She was playing to sold-out crowds. She'd just written a book about sexual purity. And she was recording a new CD of worship tunes, her favorite style of music. Rebecca St. James was on top of the world. And she was...

Random acts: four bands you gotta get to know. (Music).
November 1, 2002... Salvador Style: Latin/salsa Web: salvadorlive.com Great things sometimes happen by accident. That's kind of how Salvador, a Latin band from Austin, Texas, got started back in their home church. When their worship leader didn't show up...

Fast trax. (Music).
November 1, 2002... Brand New! Just out of the studio from Superchic[k] is Last One Picked (inpop), packed with plenty of girl power pop and positive lyrics to boost anyone's self-esteem: I know what I am / I'm super fortified hundred proof girl with a band...

We recommend. (Music).
November 1, 2002... We Recommend GROUP/ARTIST ALBUM (LABEL) STYLE COMPARE TO Bleach Again, For the alternative Weezer, Jimmy First time rock Eat World ...

Hooked on comics. (Tidbits & Trivia).
November 1, 2002... Take four guys who dig comic-book superheroes. Mix in some funky rock 'n' roll. Simmer and stir, and you've got Daily Planet. "We've been fans of superheroes our whole lives," says front-man Jesse Butterworth. "I mean, I named my office...

Teens to watch. (Tidbits & Trivia).
November 1, 2002... Two new teen mucisians, Sarah Sadler and Charmaine, recently released their debut CDs, and you'll want to give 'em both a listen. Charmaine, 17, had been singing background vocals on Rebecca St. James' most recent tour before making her...

A fishy story. (Tidbits & Trivia).
November 1, 2002... Latin pop artist Freddie Colloca was the special guest at a fishing tournament in the Bahamas, hosted by a Miami Christian radio station. After Freddie caught a 20-pound Mahi Mahi and showed it off with a couple of buddies, he performed a few...

What a circus. (Tidbits & Trivia).
November 1, 2002... Their names are Gabe, Blurr, Solo and Zurn. Together, they're The Rock & Roll Worship Circus. Their self-titled debut CD (Vertical Music) explains the "rock & roll" and "worship" parts of their name, but what about the circus part? "Our church...

Out of Africa. (Tidbits & Trivia).
November 1, 2002... Wanna hear one of the coolest albums of the year? Check out Africa Anointed (Lion of Zion), a praise-and-worship compilation featuring some of the best music on the continent. The record company says the sounds range from "South African...

They got game! (Tidbits & Trivia).
November 1, 2002... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: The guys in Jars of Clay are big football fans, and they recently bumped into one of their heroes, running back Eddie George of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, in downtown Nashville. Pictured with Eddie (second...

Give up my friends? (TV, Music & More).
November 1, 2002... Q I love the show Friends. But my youth minister said we shouldn't watch things that have sexual themes, language and stuff like that. What do you think? I know it doesn't affect me to the point where I would actually go have sex or something,...

To burn or not to burn? (TV, Music & More).
November 1, 2002... Q I don't know anyone, non-Christian or Christian, who has hesitated when asked to burn a CD for someone else. But really, aren't we stealing what we haven't bought? A Here's what I think: When an artist creates a song or an album, that's...

I like Eminem. (TV, Music & More).
November 1, 2002... Q Is it a sin to listen to Eminem's music, even if you don't agree with what he says or believes? I just think he is a talented rapper, and I enjoy listening to his music. But if it is a sin, I will stop listening to him. A I agree that...

My day.
November 1, 2002... sunup Alarm. Snooze. Alarm. Snooze. Mom. Knock. Breakfast. Groan. Stretch. Head. Up. Head. Pillow. Soft. Dog. Lick. Wet. Feet. Floor. Breath. Rank. Bathroom. Wait. Wait. Bang. Serious. Now. Finally. Relief. Mirror. Scary. Shower. Hot....

Thanks a lot! 10 ways to express your gratitude this thanksgiving.
November 1, 2002... 1. Buy your coach a huge container of sports drink, tape a piece of blank paper over the label, and have everyone on your team write a note of thanks on it. 2. Show up unexpectedly to a sibling's band rehearsal/sports practice/whatever....

"You ain't no better than me": we thought the guy would be thankful for our kindness. We couldn't have been more wrong.
November 1, 2002... O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant... It was a chilly December evening in downtown Chicago, and about a dozen of us from a suburban Christian college were Christmas caroling. My best friend, Uriel, stood next to me, his steady,...

After the music fades: when the guitars are unplugged and the last song is sung, what does worship look like in everyday life? (a special section on Worship).
November 1, 2002... What is worship? Sure, it's getting together with other Christians and singing and praising God. But what about after the music fades? We talked to some people who are serious about worship--four high school student leaders, a youth...

Take out the trash! That's just one of a zillion ways you can worship God. Really! (Worship).
November 1, 2002... It's Tuesday night, and the garbage collector is coming tomorrow morning. Your dad reminds you--again--that it's time to take out the trash. You're really busy with something else--a term paper, a Nick at Nite rerun, your Game Boy,...

Facing my fears on reality TV: three weeks. Twelve teens. Tv cameras everywhere. And one amazing mountaintop experience.
November 1, 2002... "Lord, I don't want to do this! Make something happen. Get me out of this!" As they strapped the climbing harness to my legs and securely fastened the rope, I thought I'd pass out. Staring up at the 130-foot cliff above me, my fear only...

I didn't believe in God: as an atheist, I didn't believe in an afterlife. But I was terrified of dying.
November 1, 2002... Math class, freshman year. I was bored. I'd be tempted to say I was bored to death, but that would sound like a really bad joke. Death, and a terrifying fear of it, somehow got hung up inside my brain and wouldn't get out and leave me alone....

We're a band!
November 1, 2002... GARAGE BANDS. Get a bunch of music-loving friends together, grab some gear (and maybe some pizza), and hang out in a garage and jam the night away. Well, maybe not always a garage... The thing is, only one of the three bands in this story...

"Am I going to die young?" When champion runner Johanna Olson heard she had a brain tumor she wondered ...
November 1, 2002... I sat in the doctor's office, cradling my pounding head in my hands. Piercing headaches had been hammering me for days, and I prayed that the doctor would be able to find the cause. "These stupid headaches had better go away by Saturday,"...

When a friend messes up: its hard to confront a friend, but sometimes it's the right thing to do.
November 1, 2002... When one of my best friends started making some bad choices, I knew I had to talk to her. Bekah (not her real name) was a leader in a couple of Christian clubs at our school, someone who'd always taken a strong stand for her faith. So when she...

My brother's into Internet porn. (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q I was checking the Internet history on my computer, and I discovered that my older brother, who is 16, has been looking at hard-core porn. Around people, he portrays himself as a strong Christian. He even took a mission trip recently, calling...

Will kissing get boring? (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q My girlfriend and I have been going out for almost a month and a half. Last night we had our first kiss. It was really awesome. But I don't want to get much more physical than brief kisses and holding hands. I am pretty sure she feels the...

Can I dance like this? (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q I love dancing, especially at parties with DJs. My friends and I always have a good time. The kind of dancing we do isn't the full-out MTV or music video style, but it's not innocent or mild, either. This dancing can be with or without guys....

Right for each other? (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q I am crazy about this girl in my youth group. The problem is we aren't on the same spiritual level. My thirst to know God is greater than hers, and I'm afraid it might cause problems for the relationship. What do you think I should do? A...

Am I still a virgin? (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q When I was a freshman in high school, I made a commitment to stay abstinent until I got married. Now I'm a senior, and though I haven't gone all the way, I have experienced oral sex. Can I still classify myself as a virgin even though I've...

A coed sleepover? (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q My friends frequently have coed sleepovers at their houses. Is it wrong to do this even if the guys are just my friends? A It's probably not wrong, but it isn't smart. I guess it's possible to have a coed sleepover that's just good, clean...

They're so prejudiced! (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q I've been pretty close to taking a few girls out on dates, only to have them back out with some lame excuse. I recently found out some of them backed out because I'm Korean. Why are they afraid of my being Korean? It really bothers me and I...

What makes marriage last? (Love, Sex & Real Life).
November 1, 2002... Q I don't understand how marriages last. As single people, we are attracted to many people, and it's not like that attraction stops once the ring goes on your finger. But no matter how wonderful a person you marry, you'll eventually meet...

Praising God with our art. (Special Advertising Section).
November 1, 2002... Finally... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Phil. 4:8, NIV) These words sent from Paul...

What's so great about church? (One More Thing).
November 1, 2002... About five years ago, I was getting tired of doing the Out of Eden thing. I was only 19, but the romance of the spotlight had worn off, and it just felt like a job to me. So I was like, "Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?" I...