So, here's my toast below... unfortunately, you miss my little silly ad ins this way, but enjoy.
Thank you for that wonderful toast to our staff, Dana.
I speak for all the staff at Hope that have taught you over your time at the school. It is an honour to be able to say a few words in congratulations to you and toast to your future. Since I have the mic, I wanted to address each grad individually.
As my students know, and maybe the staff members too, I’m a huge U2 fan. So, I’ve chosen a U2 song lyric for each of the grads.
Each student also chose One Word for the 2017 year instead of doing a new year’s resolution. I have framed my toast to each of them based on their word choices.
D*** - leadership Mark 10:42-45
D*, your energy and enthusiasm is going to be missed around campus. I hope you lead with that same energy as you go out from here. Don’t ever lose that youthful energy and keep on being willing to look silly. I will miss your interruptions in the gym while I’m teaching as you bring the chaos. In your desire to lead, may you first learn to follow, to understand your own flaws and seek to be more like Jesus, and then serve in your leadership.
For you D*, I chose words from the U2 song Lemon. ~ Midnight is where the day begins.
Lemon is not a song filled with the usual U2 wisdom, but this line repeats in the background. I chose this for you because it’s a reminder to you that it is in times of darkness, struggle, and hardships that the dawn, the light of Jesus shines through. Always remember to look for that.
G*** - change 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
G*, your generosity marks much of my memories of you. Your worshipful singing in Chapel will be missed. It was a good example to the younger students and even to me to look up and see you singing with such emotion; very encouraging. You are a thinker and a skeptic at times. I have witnessed you opening your heart and allowing that to change your mind. That’s the supernatural power of the Spirit. As you continue to learn and grow, facing the changes ahead, let your heart lead your head.
And that leads me to your U2 song lyric which is from Vertigo ~ Your head can't rule your heart. G*, it’s when you allow your heart to inform your mind that you will be able to respond with openness and courage as you move into all the changes that are ahead in the coming years.
D****l - success Matthew 25:21
Lemon is not a song filled with the usual U2 wisdom, but this line repeats in the background. I chose this for you because it’s a reminder to you that it is in times of darkness, struggle, and hardships that the dawn, the light of Jesus shines through. Always remember to look for that.
G*** - change 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
G*, your generosity marks much of my memories of you. Your worshipful singing in Chapel will be missed. It was a good example to the younger students and even to me to look up and see you singing with such emotion; very encouraging. You are a thinker and a skeptic at times. I have witnessed you opening your heart and allowing that to change your mind. That’s the supernatural power of the Spirit. As you continue to learn and grow, facing the changes ahead, let your heart lead your head.
And that leads me to your U2 song lyric which is from Vertigo ~ Your head can't rule your heart. G*, it’s when you allow your heart to inform your mind that you will be able to respond with openness and courage as you move into all the changes that are ahead in the coming years.
D****l - success Matthew 25:21
D*l, you shared with me your verse choice for grad this year; The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. - Revelation 22:21. I think it fits your sensibilities; and it is a window into your true heart that you desire for God’s grace to be given to everyone. I know that as you seek to find your successes in the future, there will be times of difficulty and you will need the grace of God and others in order to be truly successful. My hope is that you seek true success which will allow you to hear God say that he is pleased with you.
My U2 song lyric for you is from One Tree Hill ~ I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky. I know I will see you again before the stars fall from the sky… but this reminds me of your sentimental nature, a kindness that softens your rough edges, something you often hide from others. You see the end and although it seems fatalistic, you are an optimist in an anti-optimist kind of way. Love large D*l, seek the truth, and I believe I will see you when the stars fall from the sky, on the other side.
T***** - understanding 2 Peter 3:14-18
T*, this year you chose such a great word that was perfect for you! Working with you one on one this year, as you were my only Communications student, I saw first hand your servant heart and your desire to understand; not only yourself but others around you. As you grow in your understanding of yourself this will help you to understand God’s amazing plans for you, and it will also help you to continue to grow in understanding others. Never give up the desire to understand. You have the most important thing figured out; you know Jesus loves you. That is your foundation and from that you can grow in grace and understanding.
My U2 song lyric for you is from the song Beautiful Day ~ The heart is a bloom… your heart is full of joy and seeks to help. Always allow that to bloom and keep finding beauty in each day as you set out from here.
So, raise your glasses, to the grads of 2017.
My U2 song lyric for you is from One Tree Hill ~ I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky. I know I will see you again before the stars fall from the sky… but this reminds me of your sentimental nature, a kindness that softens your rough edges, something you often hide from others. You see the end and although it seems fatalistic, you are an optimist in an anti-optimist kind of way. Love large D*l, seek the truth, and I believe I will see you when the stars fall from the sky, on the other side.
T***** - understanding 2 Peter 3:14-18
T*, this year you chose such a great word that was perfect for you! Working with you one on one this year, as you were my only Communications student, I saw first hand your servant heart and your desire to understand; not only yourself but others around you. As you grow in your understanding of yourself this will help you to understand God’s amazing plans for you, and it will also help you to continue to grow in understanding others. Never give up the desire to understand. You have the most important thing figured out; you know Jesus loves you. That is your foundation and from that you can grow in grace and understanding.
My U2 song lyric for you is from the song Beautiful Day ~ The heart is a bloom… your heart is full of joy and seeks to help. Always allow that to bloom and keep finding beauty in each day as you set out from here.
So, raise your glasses, to the grads of 2017.
May you find that all your paths lead to success as you embrace the many changes ahead.
And may you be leaders that serve others out of love, always growing in your understanding by the power of the Holy Spirit.
* Ask D*l to come forward to stab the ever flat volleyball with a knife - because I promised he could, and I keep my promises.
And may you be leaders that serve others out of love, always growing in your understanding by the power of the Holy Spirit.
* Ask D*l to come forward to stab the ever flat volleyball with a knife - because I promised he could, and I keep my promises.
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