The Vampire Diaries: BFFS to boyfriend and girlfriend?

"It's a TV tale as old as time: the BF and the BFF" (eonline). Caroline Forbes and Stefan Salavatore have had a developing friendship since the middle of season two. It has become a sacred bond, and the two have been inseparable as of late. Both being kind and compassionate individuals, TVD fans view this pairing as a match made in heaven. Will "Stereoline" turn into more than BFFS? Only time will tell. Executive producer Julie Plec commented, "I don't want to speculate about where they end up, but I do think what has happened is a very strong friendship has developed between them, that's been really special, and will continue to grow even more special, As for what each of them feels for the other, who knows? Right now, we're in the friend zone." Screen writer, Caroline Ries, made it clear that if anything were to ever happen, it would be done properly and at the right time. "If we do it, I will say this, it will feel earned and organic. We will slowly play it, it's not just going to be this random thing that we waste and ruin it. We're very careful about that." Paul Wesley, AKA Stefan Salvatore, admits, that he thought the coupling would have happened by now, but he is also satisfied with the friendship and and off the screen. 
The Vampire diaries airs TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. Central. Personally, I would love to see this potential romance come to fruition. All that's left to do is wait and see! 

Global Flood vs. Regional Flood

Henry Morris, Ph. D. portrays an aspect of the Noah's Ark flood argument that is quite literal. The title of his article is 'Why Christians Should Believe in a Global Flood'. He describes the 'subtle persecution' that modern creationists undergo due to their verbatim interpretations of Scripture. He stated that it would be a simpler affair if these people refuted their beliefs, but encouraged the refusal to do so. Morris provided a list of one-hundred reasons as to why it is vital for Christians to hold fast to the thought of a global flood. This is a positive aspect to his argument; he gives valid explanations to why he believes what he believes. A con to this would be the fact that the author appears a bit close-minded. As seen from the title, he seems to be set on the thought that Christians who don't believe in an international flood are not 'true believers'.

In the second article, written on biologos.com, the narrator seems to obtain a polar opposite perspective. He or she believes that the flood was regional, and it did not extinguish the human race. The author states that the 'global flood' interpretation of Genesis 6-9 is not supported by scientific and archaeological evidence. He expounds on his opinion through the description of location, geology, and contrasting flood tales. He, also, provides bona fide details to his reasoning. On the down side, he is a bit vague in his descriptions.

Both men are exceedingly educated and well spoken. So, what does this mean for Christians? What should we believe?

Here is my question; Why does it matter? Honestly, the argument regarding a regional or global flood seems a bit irrelevant to me. I do not intend to sound ignorant or as if biblical history is an unimportant concept to me. Despite this, the disagreement shouldn't exist between evolutionists and creationists, or collective groups. It is the individual's perception. There is no proper formula to correctly interpreting a passage of scripture. Everyone believes that they are correct in their understanding. Who is a human to say that they fully comprehend the way of God and the opposing person does not? Neither of the authors of these articles were particularly humble. As I was reading, I asked myself the question "How is God being glorified through this?". I believe that His intention for Christians was to reflect the love, knowledge, and joy that is Him. The predominant goal should not be achieving all of the 'right answers' to theological questions. Our minds are a wonderful tool, and I still believe that they should be used to explore Scripture and form foundational beliefs. For myself, I have been raised with the theology of a global flood. I have yet to study the subject independent from church or Bible study, so I am unable to delegate a definite opinion regarding the matter. I believe that the debate is somewhat insignificant when compared with the grand scheme of things.  

Plagiarism: What is there to say?

1. How would you respond if you were convicted of plagiarism?
If I were guilty of the act, I would confess and try to handle to impending consequences with grace. I'm very aware of the fact that plagiarism is morally unethical, so I would be ashamed of my behavior. My parents would be incredibly disappointed, and that more than anything would probably affect the way I act in this hypothetical situation. If I were being falsely accused of plagiarism, I would try to piece together all of the proof that is available to me. That's essentially all you can do in that type of situation. You can't defend an act that was never performed.

2. How would your parents respond?
I think that they would be shocked. Both my mom and my dad hold my siblings and I to a high standard of morality for ourselves and how we treat others. They constantly emphasize the importance of hard work, honesty, and authenticity. They would be incredibly disappointed, and then explain to me why it is wrong. If you cheat, you are not only hurting other people, but ultimately yourself.

3. Do you feel as if you deserve a passing grade because your parents pay tuition?
Absolutely not. No one is entitled to success if he or she did not earn it. Private school education is intended to make the student work harder and think critically. This is only achieved if the curriculum molds around that goal. How is one supposed to learn how to work if what he or she yearns for is simply given? We are here not only to excel academically, but also as individuals with strong work ethics.

4. Does this story affect your view of plagiarism?
I've never viewed plagiarism as a justifiable act. Despite this, I think the reaction of the people within the town was a bit melodramatic. For example, when the company manager requested the list of names regarding the students accused of cheating: It was no concern of his. The matter is between that individual, the school administration, and his/her parents. Everyone has made a mistake at one point or another, and it is forgivable even if it is not justifiable.

5. What do you take away from this narrative?
No one has a right to take credit for someone else's work. It does not help grow you in any aspect of your life, but instead magnifies laziness. Be kind and authentic. Try your best.