Jarred Spengler is Leaving :(

The guy behind the blog passing the torch and saying goodbye…

Well Friends, it’s finally time for this young writer to wrap up his stint as BCOM’s official blogger. It’s hard to think that this moment has finally dawned where I’ll be handing the BCOM blog off to someone else! Don’t worry though, it’s all in good hands. The blog will be maintained by Andrew Funderburk, who I know will do a spectacular job!

Reflecting on all the days and weeks and months of writing posts, I can easily see the ways I’ve changed. My writing style, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy have grown appreciably with the last 19 months of blogging. My understanding of social networking has grown too, and my love for photography has matured from simple point-and-shoot to knowing what the difference is between aperture value and shutter speed!

I’ve grown spiritually from my time at BCOM as well (go figure). A lot of heart lessons were learned during my time here. I remember first getting back to campus at the end of April 2009, walking into the prayer chapel, and saying, “Lord, I came back to Minnesota because I want to meet with you and grow in you! Come and change me!” Well, he met with me and changed me a lot over the past 19 months. I’ve grown in every area I was hoping he would grow me in as well as a few areas I preferred he leave alone but am now grateful that he didn’t.

One area that I can definitely say he grew me in is learning how to have genuine relationships. BCOM is a tightly knit example of the fellowship of believers. This ministry is certainly not lacking an understanding of the words, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35. Every day I found myself at a round table full of people from all over the States as well as a few internationals. I would look around in amazement at their love and quietly ask myself, “Is this for real?”

What’s next? I’m going back to Ohio for the holidays as well as to see my older brother get married. I imagine I’ll be in Ohio for a little bit, but I’m leaving that entirely up to God. My life is in his hands.

Someday I wish to write a couple of books on varying topics. For all of you who consistently read my posts, thanks, and I hope you’ll be able to read  more things bearing my name in the future. Just keep up with me on facebook.

Finally my friends, family, and “enemies”, I love you all. Remember to love all, to hate none, and to live your life in light of these beautiful words from our perfect Master:

“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:42-45~