All bags are packed, each suitcase is filled, and I am ready for the next phase of life. I have just finished my two-year stint at Cornerstone College of Virginia and by God’s grace, I have received an Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies, with a concentration in Biblical Counseling! Graduation was a wonderful celebration just the day before, and it certainly remained on my mind all through the evening, as I attempted to get a good night’s rest for the voyage in the morning. Surely, the transition of moving back to my childhood home in Stephens City, VA will take some time getting used to, but I am fired up for the change and enthused about the upcoming adjustment! The late-night to morning conversations with my roommates will be cherished, my school days learning alongside knowledgeable classmates will be remembered, but I find myself in this moment, prepared, at peace and very much looking forward to the ensuing chapter of my story. Today, I am headed back to my hometown, hoping to make a long-lasting, Christ-centered impact on the community and to continue growing deeper in my faith and personal relationship with the Lamb of God!

      As I throw all of my belongings into the trailer, buckle up my seatbelt and launch into the hour and a half drive to my parent’s home, I am met with feelings of gratitude and thankfulness for my time spent in Fredericksburg, VA. Cornerstone College of Virginia, its students, faculty and professors, have fully equipped me for the Lord’s work, His calling for my life and to be a trusted guide for His sheep, bringing them closer to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. CCV has provided myself with the tools that are needed to reveal the truth of the Gospel message of Christ Jesus, to a world that is constantly being bombarded with lies and deceit from the evil one. It is an incredible privilege and honor to be called by God to declare His glory to a generation that is in serious spiritual drought. I cannot praise CCV enough for their dedication to teaching the true Word of God and not once compromising to the earthly, everchanging, nefarious standards of this world. Undeniably so, the Lord is at work at Cornerstone College of VA, and I am truly blessed to be a part of the CCV family and alumni!

      Suddenly, while I begin the summit up the mountain, back home to my families’ small, but cozy cottage in the woods, I am overwhelmed with the exact same emotions that overcame myself years prior, after just leaving my family reunion. Many of us have experienced the family reunion and the chaotic, but loving gathering that all family reunions tend to be… gossip ensues on the front porch as the eldest grandson arrives to the function with a brand new vehicle and his third “soulmate” of the year, soft chatter and cooking recipes trickle throughout the kitchen as food is being prepared to serve the masses, and aggressive, loud belting noises propel throughout the living room as the local football team is once again losing to their rivals from Dallas. However, all of us can count on one thing that can be found at the family reunion: The bountiful harvest of food that all who attend the party will, without question, assemble a leftover plate of and chew on for days to come! 

      My stomach begins to rage as this pleasant memory of bringing an immaculate plate of BBQ chicken home from the family reunion years ago, soon turns to inner anguish. I am now reminded that I had yet to have eaten breakfast earlier this morning prior to traveling upwards in the direction of the Shenandoah Valley! My hungry imagination begins summoning to the surface rich, dense smells of smoked BBQ chicken, alongside nostalgic fragrances of home-made mac-n-cheese, potato salad and coleslaw. This period of recollection, paired with a rumbling appetite, is proving too much for my spirit to handle. One tear finds itself slipping down my face, as the Lord begins to bring it all together and make it clear, that I am once again, headed on home with a full plate of BBQ… I look to the seat beside me and I see a full plate of blessings that I am taking home with me from my time at Cornerstone College of VA! What a beautiful realization to appear at such an emotional and vulnerable portion of the day!

      Hunger begins to subside as I begin to thank the Lord for making this connection in my heart and granting myself peace during this time of reminiscing. Just as I had left the family reunion years ago with a large plate of BBQ chicken, mac-n-cheese, potato salad and coleslaw, I am now leaving CCV with a full plate that includes a calling towards Biblical Counseling, the opportunity to be a writer and author for the seminary’s blog, mentors to count on for the rest of my life and friends who will be there for me through the duration of my journey on this Earth. Laughter fills the moving car, as my trip homeward has become a drive that I believe will never be forgotten. It is so important to not live in the past, but it’s essential to let the old days make an appearance from time to time, to remember how far Christ Jesus has brought you. I am blessed to be a disciple of the Most High God and to be called according to His purposes! He deserves all of our worship and yearns for our total devotion. God has a plan for each and every one of us. Let us be children of God who surrender to Him daily, striving to live according to His will and seeking to spread the Good News wherever we may go. Praise the Lord and God bless Cornerstone College of Virginia!