Any of your talks taped or published on web?

Scott D,
Thanks. Eventually they’ll post something. I did an interview as well.

The idea of a spiritual autobiography is intriguing – especially with the connotation of pathway, process, and, presumably, growth.
“Testimony” on the other hand carries, for me from my background, the image of the Hymn – Love Lifted Me: “I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore. Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the sea, Heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I.” As if the whole gospel was contained in the statement: I was depraved, now I’m saved – end of Story. (And of course the more depraved the better the story.)

Did you get to enjoy the hot tub that’s built into the side of a hill overlooking Malibu bay? Ah, my friend, that is a most transcendent moment, I can assure you. At one time I lived in Pasadena and had some friends who lived in staff housing on campus, and so they could invite me over and I was able to enjoy the tub and the most magnificent view.

Mike,
I didn’t hear about the hot tub.

This post really brought us back. One of our favorite spots from our So-Cal days was a little set of shops just a mile or two down PCH from Pepperdine that had a little ice cream shop. There was a lovely fountain outside of it and we’d sit there and eat ice cream while our kids (very young at that point) got more and more soaked while playing in the water. What a great spot, have a blast!

Like several others, this post brought back wonderful memories for me. I had Dr. Chesnutt for OT Survey my Freshman year (M-T-Th at 8:00am — I don’t remember a thing!).
It is truly an amazing location, and I have tremendous respect for what men like Jerry Daryl and President Andy Benton are doing — maintaining solid academic standards, great athletic programs and a real sense of Christian mission.
I’ll be out there in May as part of the annual Pepperdine Lectures. My wife is already counting the days!

I hope one day you will post your spiritual autobiograph & encourage other posters to do so as well. BANG! You have a new book!

yes, disastrous BCS game, indeed. i almost cried. almost. after seeing the cowboys lose in such a heartbreaking manner, that game just added insult to injury.
anyway, glad to hear about your stay at pepperdine.

LOL, J-Marie!
Here’s a Pepperdine-related story: When we lived down that way, we were acquainted with a couple who had met while they were students there; he was an effusive Frenchman, and she was a beautiful blonde who had grown up in Pacific Palisades. She became interested in a more-than-nominal Christian life and began to attend our church and make friends. He started to come along to see what it was all about. Pretty soon he gave his life to Jesus and got baptized (in a hot tub- it was either that or a swimming pool or the ocean, as we didn’t have a building). Then this very remarkable thing happened: He went to the appropriate people at Pepperdine and admitted to them that he had falsified his French academic records and lied about having earned his bachelor’s (he didn’t finish it before he emigrated) in order to be accepted into their MBA program. He made this confession fully expecting them to disallow his MBA, which would have gotten him fired (since it was a requirment for his job)- with three kids to support and LA living expenses looming. After discussion, the Pepperdine folks decided that because of his honesty as evidence of God-grounded change in his life, and because some years had passed, all they would require of him would be to pay some kind of fee on top of taking one or two additional classes.
Dana

How lucky for some of you to have lived there!
What a great spot. Glad it went well, Scot

Scot, we were blessed by your visit and challenged by your presentations. Thanks for noting that Pepperedine takes its Christian Mission seriously. We strive everyday to strengthen the bond between faith and academic excellence.
By the way…Your interview with Jerry Rushford will be online shortly.

Dear Scot, It’s heart-warming to read the generous comments about your recent experience at Pepperdine. I am also enjoying reading various readers’ reminiscences. We’re not perfect here — far from it — but we are trying to be a light to the world. Your message to students, faculty, and staff last week is helping us to become what we have been called to be. Many thanks. Darryl

I am always honored to say I went to Pepperdine and humbly refer to it as “the greatest school in the country” as I travel the country and meet new people. Both Pepperdine and the Churches of Christ are unique and amazing communities, and I am so blessed to have grown up with them.
Scot, I know my family was honored by your visit, and that my dad especially loved watching the game with you. Thank you for taking the time to travel to Malibu (before the fires and the snow!)
Blessings,
Hilary Rushford