January 2018

January 2018
“Realizing a Better Vision”
EDUCATION
by
by
Drake Levasheff, PhD.
Steve Fillingim
January is the season for resolutions,
and if you are like most people, you probably
have a few. Perhaps they’re related
to self-improvement: exercise or eating
habits, the amount of TV you watch, or
your use of technology.
For a few of us, the resolutions lead
us to a better life, greater intentionality,
or a healthier body. But if you’re like
me, you run into problems and end up
dropping most of your resolutions by
the start of February. I’ve got to admit
that I faith to keep my resolutions every
year; but, for some reason, I get to
January and assume that something’s
going to be different this year. I want
to live a better life, and I think, maybe,
I’ll be able to bring greater discipline or
commitment to the process this time. I
know I’m not alone in this! By the time
March rolls along, the die is cast, and all
we have left as evidence for our efforts
are lightly used fitness equipment and
unwanted credit card charges. While it’s
great for the broader economy, it isn’t for
our personal economy. (Though I guess
an old dumbbell can sometimes come
in handy!)
If resolutions aren’t going to help us
make the change we want, then what do
we do? Eugene Peterson, pastor and au-
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thor of The Message Bible translation offers
this suggestion based on the thought
of ethicist Stanley Hauerwas: “If we want
to change our way of life, acquiring the
right image is far more important than
diligently exercising willpower. Willpower
is a notoriously sputtery engine
on which to rely for internal energy, but a
right image silently and inexorably pulls
us into its field of reality.”
In other words, a compelling narrative
or vision carries us farther than
brute-force determination. So, we are
well served to latch onto an inspirational
story or a vivid picture of what could be
if things come together. Because such
images carry us forward.
What does it mean for me? One of
my greatest desires is to avoid being
distracted by my cell phone and infotainment,
and to give more time to my
daughter Jessie, who will be a teenager
before I know it. To that end, I think
about my father-in-law and consider the
difference his attention made on my wife
when she was a preteen. I concentrate
on the smile on Jessie’s face that comes
when she feels valued and deeply connected
to me. When I hold those images
in my heart, I can do anything.
What does it mean for you? Only
you can decide that. But, to start, perhaps
means setting aside recycled resolutions
from last year so that you can concentrate
on a vision for a better future, a picture
of the good that may come.
Dr. Drake Levasheff is Senior Director
of Azusa Pacific University’s Murrieta
Regional Campus. He can be reached
via email at dlevasheff@apu.edu.
dlevasheff@apu.edu
19
Azusa Pacific University Information
Meeting: Bachelor Degrees in Psychology & Criminal Justice
Make your next career move!
Come start the conversation about
finishing your bachelor’s degree in
Psychology or Criminal Justice. Azusa
Pacific University (APU) Murrieta
Regional Campus is hosting a free Information
Meeting on Thursday, February
8, 2018, from 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm
at 40508 Murrieta Hot Springs Road,
Murrieta (to the right of Sam’s Club).
The information meeting will
cover program information and admissions
requirements. This is an
excellent opportunity to hear from
and speak with the Program Directors.
Attendees will be entered into a raffle.
The benefit of APU Murrieta is
that students living or working in the
Inland Empire can earn a degree from
APU right in their backyard!
• APU offers degree programs that
are non-impacted along with rolling
enrollment that allows students
to enroll at six different start times
throughout the year
• Accelerated programs allow students
to finish their degree faster
• Convenient scheduling with classes
just one or two nights per week
• Classes offered face-to-face on campus
• Classes become a community with
fewer students per class, individuals
can connect more closely with their
peers and instructors
• Tuition discounts are available for
qualifying applicants
Attention to excellence has earned APU
notable accreditations including:
• Western Association of Schools and
Colleges Senior College and University
Commission (WSCUS)
• American Psychological Association
(APA)
APU is a leading Christian university
and continues to be recognized annually
among the nation’s best colleges
by U.S. News & World Report and The
Princeton Review. The APU Murrieta
Regional Campus is proud to be a part
of Southwest Riverside County for
over 30 years. APU is a Yellow Ribbon
University, Military Friendly School,
and Best for Vets College.
The February 8th information meeting
is for adults and their guests (age 18+).
If you have questions or would like
to RSVP please call (951) 304-3400.
To learn more about APU and these
programs visit www.apu.edu/murrieta
apu.edu/murrieta