Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection

There are so many things in the course of a day that seem to interfere with our relationship with God. There are even experiences and situations that can jolt us so much that we wonder if God loves us, or if we even love God anymore.This is the realm and reality that our lives live ‘within.’But this reality is not the full picture of what ‘real life’ is for those who are loved by the love that God has revealed and made real in Christ Jesus our Lord.God in this love made real through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has given us everything we need to walk through the difficulties, hold strong in the ‘jolts’ of faith, and be faithful amidst all the life-interference.Nothing can separate us from this love and daily experience in this love…nothing.We have a life that is full of confidence and trust in the Lord, living in his strength, power and victory.

Responding to the Transmission

Today in prayer, let’s thank the Lord for His inseparable love for us in Christ Jesus.And out of that thankfulness let’s ask the Lord to fill us with His Spirit so we can experience more and more of this love in every detail, decision, and dilemma that we have today.If you are in the midst of something ‘jolting’ or hard, once again pray through this passage and declare this ‘real life/reality’ over your life for the day and week.Trust the Lord and walk closely in His love and answers to your prayer this week.

Take the R train

Billions of dollars have been raised and spent this campaign year mostly on negative TV advertising. With all the money being wasted on dross it is refreshing to find a piece of political promotion that clearly cost next to nothing to make! Check out this amazing effort from the dazzling Ron Tarpley…and share with us your favorite verse from the song! 

Former Retriever midfielders Terry Kimener ’09, American studies, and Peet Poillon ’10, interdisciplinary studies, were part of the United States national lacrosse team which conducted an intrasquad scrimmage yesterday (October 7) at the Capital Lacrosse Classic at Landon School in Bethesda. This was the latest step for the U.S. team as it prepares for tryouts next summer before the 2014 Federation of International Lacrosse World Championships in Commerce City, Colo.

The scrimmage was also a preview of the Champion Challenge from Jan. 25-27 in Orlando, Fla., when the defending gold medalists will scrimmage at least one NCAA team.

This will be Kimener’s first competition in the red, white and blue.  In his sixth MLL season, the three-time All-American (2006-08) and 2008 America East Player of the Year had a break-out season with the Denver Outlaws in 2012, scoring 17 goals and adding 18 assists.

His Outlaw teammate Poillon tied for ninth in scoring in 2012 with 40 points (24-13-40) and surpassed the 100-point plateau (75-32-113) in his fifth MLL season. Poillon was a Second Team All-American for UMBC in 2009.

– Originally published on UMBCRetrievers.com

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski hosted the second annual 1966 Society dinner on September 19 in the 4th Floor English Department Conference Room in UMBC’s new Performing Arts and Humanities Building. The 1966 Society celebrates those individual members who have identified the UMBC Foundation in their estate plans.

Guests had a terrific view of the campus and the Baltimore skyline as they enjoyed their evening.

During dinner, Dr. Jessica Berman, Chair of the Department of English, welcomed them to the English department and described how introductory courses are being redesigned to improve students’ writing skills and incorporate new technology.

Earlier that day, the 1966 Society members were invited to attend the ceremonial ribbon cutting and ground breaking for the Performing Arts and Humanities Building by Maryland Governor Martin O’ Malley; a presentation on cultural spaces hosted in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, and an outdoor festival of arts and humanities. The evening ended with a Humanities Forum lecture featuring Pauline Yu, President of the
American Council of Learned Societies.

Please contact Kim Robinson at trowbrid@umbc.edu or 410-455-3700 if you have included the UMBC Foundation in your estate plans so we can invite you to next year’s dinner.

• UMBC senior Seanniece Bamiro reflected on a great course that changed her perspective on urban challenges.

• Women's Center Director Jess Myers urged women to embrace their 19th Amendment right, not just by voting but by becoming engaged as activists and change agents.

• SGA President Kaylesh Ramu and I asked for and received some great reflections on what BreakingGround means for people at UMBC (video). Check out the replies and add your own.

• Shriver Center internships are positioning students to develop leadership skills they need to make a difference.  Students who have completed internships shared some of their experiences (video).

• UMBC doctoral student Romy Jones described an summer experience in Chiapas, Mexco, that challenged conventional thinking about community service.

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