Just happy to be here...

I'll be honest, I'm a little intimidated.

Not many things in life intimidate me, but this is one of them. What am I talking about that frightens me so?

This class.

You see, I'm not a DMA major. In fact, I'm a double major in Bible/Religion and Psychology with minors in Youth Ministry and Communications. Being that I'm probably the only non-DMA major, there's obviously going to be a little reticence on my end when it comes to speaking up in class, which is something I've never really experienced before in my life.  I never have a problem talking, debating, and discussing; sometimes to my own detriment.

I love film. I love the medium as an art form and have the utmost respect for those who throw themselves into the craft. I would even say I have a healthy amount of envy for their abilities and opportunities, if there is such a thing. In terms of my vocation, I'm a teacher/preacher at heart; that's my number one gift. I see film as one of the most powerful means to reaching people, and I want to learn how to better utilize and understand it in the context of my own gift. I'm incredibly eager to learn and soak up the knowledge and ideas you all have, and in the midst of that spongey mindset of mine, I'll probably be doing more listening than talking. That doesn't mean I won't be involved in the discussions; quite the opposite. I'll be fully present and prepared to give my view on things as the moment calls for; but for now, I'm just happy to be here.

Thanks for letting me take this journey with all of you, and if it's any encouragement, I think you guys will end up being the primary "preachers and teachers" for our generation. If that scares you, then good! It should. But don't ever let that fear keep any of you from reaching deep within yourselves and attempting to make sense of all that is around us. And of course when things don't make sense, which will be a majority of the time, always be willing to speak the truth as it is, not as we wish it to appear.

P.S. Here's Listener's video for Wooden Heart. If you've never seen it or heard the song, please do so. It's more than worth your time, as you'll be given an incredibly true and authentic experience.