A Tough Week

School was pretty hard this last week and it didn't help that Rick was out of town in Seattle. I've really been struggling with the amount of foul language used in student's writing in my Creative Writing class. For the most part, I've had to ignore it, and 'suggest' that other words be found rather than expletives. Then one student, writes about something that was rather sensual. He's really quite talented, which is why the piece bothered me so much. I tried to state my opinion in class that I didn't think the topic appropriate, but was told I couldn't say that kind of thing in workshop. I was humiliated. I wish I knew the words to state how I feel without breaking workshop rules.

My American Studies prof. used two articles from our text on religion, "A Model of Christian Charity" by John Winthrop and U. S. Supreme Court decision by Justice Hugo Black in class. It was a great discussion until the end when he pointed at the words by Black "religion is too personal, too sacred, too holy, to permit its 'unhallowed perversion' by a civil magistrate" to prove that you can have gay marriage. I was shocked. It totally came out of the blue. Each day he says more and more that I disagree with, politically and religiously speaking. After class on Thursday I was nearly in tears when another student kindly put things in perspective for me, supported me in my discouragement and cheered me up. It really helped!

I have two classes on American Identity so I feel pretty bombarded with people saying how bad America is. I know that there are things that need to change, but do not feel that we need to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

In my art class we continue to view nudes. Others may see them as a work of art and I certainly applaud those that can accurately depict the human body. But for me, it's pornography no matter how beautiful the lines, strokes, composition or color.

Dealing with the assault on my senses is bad enough, but thoughts of the economy or political situation adds to my stress. I keep coming to the same conclusion. The world needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must keep His commandments and in doing so, we will receive His blessings. I've also come to the conclusion that most of the world doesn't know who God is. If they did, it would change their lives.

I am now one-third of the way through the semester. I do love learning and am gaining so much at school in spite of the difficulties. I know the Lord will help me to conquer this, too!