I finished my first semester of college with a 1.98 GPA.
I was notified that if I didn’t pull my grades up, I would lose my academic scholarship. I was completely embarrassed.
My poor academic performance had created self-doubt. Could I even finish college? For a day or two I toyed with the idea of dropping out.
Fortunately for me, someone intervened. A senior vice president at the university, Don Carson, rescued me. He learned about my poor grades and reached out to me. Dr. Carson helped me formulate a plan to improve my study habits, got me involved on campus and even gave me a job in his office. My grades improved dramatically. His support gave me confidence and a new sense of direction- gifts that I’ll never be able to repay.
Have you ever felt like that? Embarrassed, scared or not sure of what to do?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
God has promised us all the support and guidance that we’ll ever need.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Whenever the trials and pressures of this world overwhelm us, we need to remember our God- who is faithful forever.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 33:4
My prayer this week is to be grateful for God’s promise to protect me when I’m weak.
Let me know how I may pray for you.
God bless.
Friday Word(s) 
I don’t know you so it is a bit presumptuous of me to offer advise. Nevertheless though, I have years of experience that may be of help to you. First, my first attempt at college was not met with success and I had to leave following my sophomore year (with a 1.98 gap that wasn’t high enough to secure a loan). I joined the U.S. Navy for 4 years. The Navy was a pretty good holding pattern for me while I gained some maturity. While in the Navy, my younger brother began making the deans list on a regular basis (he also had a rather poor beginning of his college career). I began taking college classes while in the Navy and began making “A’s” in classes that I had previously made “F’s”. This two things told me that I could indeed have success upon exiting the Navy after 4 years and re-entering college. I asked my brother for help with studying. He gave me the best advice and I now give it to you. It is simple. The first opportunity you have following a class, re-copy your notes. This allows you to organize your thoughts and to identify areas of confusion. On the latter, make an appointment with the instructor and clear up the confusion as soon as possible. I guess the other adjustment I made upon returning to college is that I made it my main job to make good grades in each class and I held instructors accountable (not allowing them to merely provide the information, but rather to teach. These things helped me to get through my BS, MS, and PhD degrees. I wish you the best in all of life and this trick may not work as well for you, but give it a try, lol.
Thus truly helped me in ways you wouldn’t understand. God bless you
And may God bless you.
P-Nut for President!
Thanks for sharing your words and your life with so many people. Your words encourage and challenge me.
-Dimples
God bless you, Dimples! You are an inspiration to me and others. Keith (P-nut)