Deep in Thought

Okay, so it's been awhile since I've posted anything.  Why, you ask? Oh, I imagine it has something to do with chapters and books and articles and readings and papers and workshops and...well, you get the idea.  I'm deep in the throes of study and I'm loving it.  As I suspected I'm enlarging my theological vocabulary, I'm being challenged on my beliefs, and I'm gaining a deep(er) appreciation for the history of the church.  I'm also establishing new relationships with my fellow seminarians as we journey through this thing called MDiv (a.k.a., Master of Divinity).



Oh, by the way, here is a photo of the primary administration/classroom building on campus.  Beautiful!

I've Arrived (at Seminary)

Yesterday I was able to register for spring semester classes at Eden. Classes begin next week and I can hardly wait!  I'll have courses in Biblical studies, Christian social ethics, church history and doctrine, and the impact of Judaism on Christianity.

I'm bound to learn a lot and grow much over these next few years.  I pray that I will be open to hear what it is that God desires of me and be able to respond appropriately and lovingly.

Preparing the Way

Well, it looks as if things are coming together.  In order for me to attend morning classes at seminary, I needed to arrange for child care...no easy feat since we really don't know anyone in our community.  We ended up finding a service, care.com, that provided us with several quality child care provider options.

Next Tuesday, I'll be attending orientation and registration for classes which will begin on February 1.  I'm looking forward to the start of the semester and all the pearls of wisdom I'll acquire :).  I'll also get squared away with parking tags, e-mail accounts, mailboxes, textbooks and other tools designed to get me launched on this journey.

I'm so excited!

It Won't Be Long Now...

Well, classes will begin in less than a month.  In the meantime, I need to get the girls back into the routine of school, need to find childcare for those times when my class schedule conflicts with the girl's school schedule, and bid farewell (for part of each week) to my husband as he begins his Spring teaching schedule.

I also need to finish preparations for my interview with the District Committee on Ministry in late February--the last step of three that moves me from a declared candidate to a certified candidate as recognized by the United Methodist Church.  I'm also identifying scholarship and grant opportunities to help support my education which is particularly crucial considering I'm no longer gainfully employed.

Despite the level of activity and the newness of everything, we feel blessed. We've moved to a great town and are plugged into an exciting faith community.  God is good!

The Journey Has Begun

Well, our family is one (big) step closer to reality.  We moved last weekend to a home that will allow me to commute a reasonable distance to seminary this Spring.  My two girls (ages 5 and 7) started at their new school today and my husband began his commuting schedule this week as well.  Many changes.  But, I believe they are all good since they all support what it is that I believe God has called me to and what I believe He has in mind for my family.

Part of the whole process was saying "so long for now" to co-workers, neighbors, and our church family.  It was wonderful, touching and sad at the same time.  God certainly has blessed us with many wonderful acquaintances and friends.  God is good and greatly to be praised!

Another Prayer Answered

I received official word today that I've been accepted to seminary.  I'm excited, thankful and grateful that I'll be able to journey alongside others who have experienced the call to ministry.  May I remain ever mindful for Whom I'm doing this.





Photo courtesy of
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scuddr/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

An Adventurous Spirit

Well, I'm definitely in transition.  A decision was made to attend seminary onsite rather than online so we're looking to relocate to the St. Louis area (Illinois side) within the next few months.  That means we've had to locate a new home and try to sell our current one.  It means exiting from my current job and looking for another source of supplemental income while I attend school.  It means getting the girls transitioned from their current school to a new one.  And the list goes on.

I'm trying to remind myself that it's not all about the destination but also the journey.  This transition gives me time, and my family time, to celebrate the friendships and memories that have been built so far as well as to anticipate the adventures that exist before us.

Isn't that true of our faith walk, too?  We can express our thanks and gratitude for the many blessings that we have experienced over time, yet our eyes are set toward the future, the hope, and the love that is Jesus.  What a great adventure!