I'm amazed at how much time can pass between posts. As I mentioned in my last entry, life tends to get in the way. But, as I also shared, that can be a good thing.

It wasn't long after my spring semester ended that I found myself facing CPE--otherwise known as Clinical Pastoral Education. This unit, which I took as a summer intensive unit, is something required by my denomination as I seek ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church. I knew that I would learn things about myself and ministry and found that I was constantly being asked to stretch, grow, reflect, and evaluate every aspect of my ministry and service to others. It took a lot of energy to complete and, while I'm so fortunate to have completed the program, I'm also glad to a have a little time to breathe.

What made the summer even more interesting was the reality of having been appointed by the bishop to pastor a church on July 1. So, in the middle of CPE madness, I found myself leading a new faith community, trying to figure out where everything was at, meeting all the new members of my church family, preparing messages, conducting meetings, and walking with those who were ill and those who were mourning the loss of their loved ones.

While I wouldn't recommend trying to do both at the same time, I found that the Lord blessed that time just the same. The things that I was learning about myself and my ministry were things that I was able to call upon immediately. I was being equipped for the journey and that journey was now!

I have a moment of respite now before the fall semester gets underway. How grateful I am for the programs, the people, and the places that help to shape me as one to be used by God to serve others.  Great is His name and greatly to be praised!

Wow...that's embarrassing...but also good

I can't believe that it's been this long since I've posted to this blog.  It's not that I haven't wanted to wax poetic.  It's more like I didn't have a great deal of time to do so.

My last semester was a doosy.  I'm still not quite sure what overtook me but working on a plethora of papers certainly added to the fray. As soon as I finished the semester, I jumped right into holiday sermon preparations, CPE applications and various other proposals and projects.  

I promised that I would take some time for myself and, well, here I am a few days away from the start of the new semester and it just hasn't happened. Part of that came as a result of the multitude of snow days (some of them understandable) that our girls had off from school.  Part of that also came as a result of the demise and passing of one our cherished family pets.  And, part of that came from the regular onslaught of appointments and studies that I've engaged in.

All to say that life does not stop when you are in seminary.  It's a test of the will, of one's character and one's endurance.  And, yet, the Bible always seems to have something to say about our human condition and God's ability to reach out and embrace us and journey with us.  We find this in Paul's exhortation in Romans 5:2-5 where he noted that "we...boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

I am so grateful for the privilege of suffering for the cause of Christ.  Even if it means that my public utterings on this blog don't occur as often as I'd like. My absence means that life is being lived...and that's a good thing!

And on the Third Day...

...it was finished.  Orientation, that is.  Despite my having started classes at Eden this past spring, I'm still officially recognized as a first-year student for which I was awarded the pleasure of participating in three days of orientation.  Some of the time was spent orienting the group to the mechanics of being a student (e.g., parking tags, insurance, library cards) for which I'd already been introduced and some of the time was spent in forming community and being oriented in our ability to think theologically.

I found the time to be meaningful in that I was introduced to individuals who will encourage me, challenge me, inspire me, and love me as I wrestle with what it means to become a leader in ministry.  My prayer is that I, too, can be a source of support and encouragement.

I'm excited about what treasures await me this fall.  God is so good!

Achieving the Right Balance?

In my most recent post at goingtoseminary.com I reflect on how well (or not) I was able to balance all of the aspect of my life -- my faith walk, my family, my schoolwork and me.  To see how I did, please visit my post entitled, "The Balancing Act".

Prisms of Light--Prisms of Thought

As part of my last post entitled Prisms of Thought at GoingToSeminary.com, I shared about my experiences at Eden during my first semester...specifically as it related to the great diversity of thought and action that existed there.  I'll admit that at first I was a little put off by the wide range of thought and interpretation.  In time, however, I began to appreciate it.  In one sense, it helped me to understand the breadth of beliefs surrounding our Christian faith.  In another sense, it has made me understand (and wrestle with) what it is that I believe to be true.  I invite you to read the article and consider for yourself the words of John Wesley who wrote...

“But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.“

Keeping up the Pace

Okay, it's been a little bit since I've last blogged.  But that's not to say that I haven't been busy.

After I finished my very first semester at Eden I did what any normal seminary student would do--I went back for more.  My Spring classes finished on May 14 and I started in with a two-week summer intensive course on the 17th.  It seems a lot of my fellow classmates had the same idea as the class I took had to me what looked like record enrollment.

Not wanting to lie fallow too long, I then left for the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference--my denomination's annual meeting.  It was wonderful to meet up with a number of clergy and laity during this important time.

I also signed on a student worker at seminary so I immediately jumped into work there along with preparations for our first garage sale after having moved.

Sometimes I think of stepping back and just taking it easy...and there is great wisdom in that.  Yet, I stand amazed at how God continues to orchestrate events, relationships, friendships and opportunities where I am able to grow even more in service to Him.  It's so amazing.  GOD is so amazing!

I Survived

...my first semester, that is.  It's been a hectic semester, filled with readings and writings and class dialogues.  It has been one in which I've not slept near as much as I should, and spent far less time with the girls than I hoped. Yet, it's done and I am glad.

But, lest I get too accustomed to my one day of rest, I start in with a two-week summer intensive course on Monday.  It will be interesting to see how that course goes.

In any event, I pray that I've done well and look forward to future semesters of learning and discovery.