Good morning! I am sitting in a dark, empty classroom, listening to Pandora, and waiting for class to start in...wow, I'm earlier than I thought! Class doesn't start for half an hour. Oh well!
Today is Thursday of week 6 in my first semester of theological studies. Next week is the long awaited, coveted blessing that is given to us by the university, aka, reading week. During reading week, there are no classes, and we all get the chance to get caught up and/or get ahead in our reading/papers for the rest of the semester. It is going to be wonderful! A lot of students are going home, but because I have commitments here in Madison, and at school, I will be staying at Drew. Hopefully this will be a wonderfully productive week (crossing fingers!).
This weekend my family is coming up to visit!! Not all of my family, but half of them. Lauren (my sister) is visiting a college in northern Jersey on Monday, so she, my mother, and father will come and stay with me Saturday and Sunday. It will be so good to see them- I wish Sarah could come as well, but she has school on Monday. Boo Baltimore County, not giving students off for Columbus Day! I'm so excited to see them, because I miss my family. ANNNND....they will meet Evan!!
Who is Evan? Evan is my boyfriend. : ) I am so happy- he's a great guy, and he treats me wonderfully. It's so nice to be with someone who shares the same interests as you, respects you, and sincerely likes you. He is such a genuine, kind-hearted person, I already consider myself deeply blessed to have him in my life. For possibly the first time ever, I can be completely honest with my partner (to borrow m friend Shannon's term) about anything and everything. In addition to being intelligent, kind, and musical, he's also an AWESOME cook! I may, for the first time ever, pack on those 15 lbs. people talk about when living at college, lol.
Coming to Drew has been such a wonderful change for me, in soooo many ways. Thanks to God, everyday, for the community I have become a part of.
Here come my classmates! Time for church history...I think we're talking about St. Augustine today, who, as my teacher says, probably should have participated in a "12 step sex" challenged program. LOL.
Blessings!!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Busy Busy Week
As the title clearly states, this is an extremely busy week. Now that classes have been in session a few weeks, all the clubs and organizations are starting back up. I really don't have time to write a full-blown entry, but here's a list of all the things I've gotten myself in to, in addition to classes, working in the Theo. Admissions office, and serving the United Methodist Church in Madison.
Introduction to the New Testament Bible Study- participant and facilitator (held at the church)
Choir- at the church
Spectrum- the LGBTQ (and allies) group within the Theo School
TSA- representative on the University Program Board
Beatitudes Society- www.beatitudessociety.org
reader's theatre performance of a play by a professor in the Theo School
phew!
AND, once TERRA (Transforming Ecological and Religious Resources into Action) begins, I will probably become involved in that.
Alrighty, now off to school for a day full of classes and meetings.
Peace!
Introduction to the New Testament Bible Study- participant and facilitator (held at the church)
Choir- at the church
Spectrum- the LGBTQ (and allies) group within the Theo School
TSA- representative on the University Program Board
Beatitudes Society- www.beatitudessociety.org
reader's theatre performance of a play by a professor in the Theo School
phew!
AND, once TERRA (Transforming Ecological and Religious Resources into Action) begins, I will probably become involved in that.
Alrighty, now off to school for a day full of classes and meetings.
Peace!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Oh Monday...
Good morning, one and all.
Today finds me chilly, tired, and a bit frustrated.
Chilly is easily explained- it is almost autumn, and it is getting much cooler up here, although they are predicting a high of 80 today, so hopefully I will warm up soon. I don't like being cold.
I am tired because I'm a seminary student! I have a lot of work to do today, and hopefully I will get it all done. I did not sleep well all last week, so I pray that this week will be different.
Now, as to why I am frustrated...
There are several reasons. One is that I still do not have hot water. It has been over a week (this is day 9)and while it could be MUCH worse, it is still beginning to get old. However, they are supposed to come and replace the hot water heater and boiler tomorrow, so soon I will be a very happy camper.
Secondly, I am frustrated with men. What else is new, lol. Just, simple things like, make your intentions/desires clear. If you just want to be friends, make that obvious. If you're going to walk a girl home, walk her home. If you say you're going to call tomorrow, make sure you call. Little things like that.
Thirdly...last night was supposed to be the first youth meeting at my new church in my new position. I got icecream and toppings, planned good welcome activities, got my house all cleaned...guess how many showed up.
ZERO
Now, I understand that school just started, and I understand that they have homework and projects (projects? already?) and I understand that fall sports have started...but I am still disappointed. I am trying to remain positive, and to just cheerfully say, "We'll try again next week," but the tired, chilly, frustrated part of me is trying to take it personally. *sigh*
I need to get started on my To-Do list...Biblical Lit. paper, here I come.
Today finds me chilly, tired, and a bit frustrated.
Chilly is easily explained- it is almost autumn, and it is getting much cooler up here, although they are predicting a high of 80 today, so hopefully I will warm up soon. I don't like being cold.
I am tired because I'm a seminary student! I have a lot of work to do today, and hopefully I will get it all done. I did not sleep well all last week, so I pray that this week will be different.
Now, as to why I am frustrated...
There are several reasons. One is that I still do not have hot water. It has been over a week (this is day 9)and while it could be MUCH worse, it is still beginning to get old. However, they are supposed to come and replace the hot water heater and boiler tomorrow, so soon I will be a very happy camper.
Secondly, I am frustrated with men. What else is new, lol. Just, simple things like, make your intentions/desires clear. If you just want to be friends, make that obvious. If you're going to walk a girl home, walk her home. If you say you're going to call tomorrow, make sure you call. Little things like that.
Thirdly...last night was supposed to be the first youth meeting at my new church in my new position. I got icecream and toppings, planned good welcome activities, got my house all cleaned...guess how many showed up.
ZERO
Now, I understand that school just started, and I understand that they have homework and projects (projects? already?) and I understand that fall sports have started...but I am still disappointed. I am trying to remain positive, and to just cheerfully say, "We'll try again next week," but the tired, chilly, frustrated part of me is trying to take it personally. *sigh*
I need to get started on my To-Do list...Biblical Lit. paper, here I come.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
First Week Recap
I did it- I survived my first week of theological studies. Yippee!!! It has been a really awesome week. I like all of my classes, and am looking forward to what I will learn from them. Choir is going to be a lot of fun, and Ultimate on Friday was a blast. We had a birthday party for a fellow student Thursday night, attended a gathering on Friday, then I had a few people over Saturday. This morning I wore several hats in church- everyone was on vacation! I was the organist, led the service, and preached. Everything went very well, and it was so nice to look out in the congregation and see the first few pews full of my new Drew friends, there to support me. Thank you guys so much! I am blessed to know them, and it's only been one week! Well, two if you count orientation...
This upcoming week should be good. Labor Day is tomorrow, and we are having a small BBQ over at the theo. dorms. Thursday is my first day working in the theo. admissions office, and then Friday through Saturday is a fall retreat at Ocean Grove. Sunday is the first youth group meeting, so I'll be gearing up for that. Yup, it's going to be a good week.
Peace and blessings to all.
PS: I don't have hot water...thankfully, everyone has been very generous and offered me the use of their showers. Hopefully this won't last long.
This upcoming week should be good. Labor Day is tomorrow, and we are having a small BBQ over at the theo. dorms. Thursday is my first day working in the theo. admissions office, and then Friday through Saturday is a fall retreat at Ocean Grove. Sunday is the first youth group meeting, so I'll be gearing up for that. Yup, it's going to be a good week.
Peace and blessings to all.
PS: I don't have hot water...thankfully, everyone has been very generous and offered me the use of their showers. Hopefully this won't last long.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
New Beginnings
IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, if you can't already tell, I am excited. I love new beginnings, and especially the first day of just about any class. Yesterday I organized my binder and re-read my syllabus (not sure of the plural form), and got some reading assignments done for later this week. I had a meeting with the pastor of the church I am working in, and then baby-sat a new friend's son while she was in class. My house is clean, the rest of my books are currently being shipped, and life really couldn't be better. : )
I have Church History at 9:55 with some of my new friends (yay) and then the precept for that course (a precept is a small study/discussion group you are required to be a part of) later this afternoon. Pray for me, as I begin this new adventure. : )
"This is a day of new beginnings,
time to remember and move on,
time to believe what love is bringing,
laying to rest the pain that's gone.
Then let us, with the Spirit's daring,
step from the past and leave behind
our disappointment, guilt, and grieving,
seeking new paths, and sure to find.
In faith we'll gather round the table
to taste and share what love can do.
This is a day of new beginnings;
our God is making all things new."
-select verses from "This Is a Day of New Beginnings" UMH 383
Text: Brian Wren
So, if you can't already tell, I am excited. I love new beginnings, and especially the first day of just about any class. Yesterday I organized my binder and re-read my syllabus (not sure of the plural form), and got some reading assignments done for later this week. I had a meeting with the pastor of the church I am working in, and then baby-sat a new friend's son while she was in class. My house is clean, the rest of my books are currently being shipped, and life really couldn't be better. : )
I have Church History at 9:55 with some of my new friends (yay) and then the precept for that course (a precept is a small study/discussion group you are required to be a part of) later this afternoon. Pray for me, as I begin this new adventure. : )
"This is a day of new beginnings,
time to remember and move on,
time to believe what love is bringing,
laying to rest the pain that's gone.
Then let us, with the Spirit's daring,
step from the past and leave behind
our disappointment, guilt, and grieving,
seeking new paths, and sure to find.
In faith we'll gather round the table
to taste and share what love can do.
This is a day of new beginnings;
our God is making all things new."
-select verses from "This Is a Day of New Beginnings" UMH 383
Text: Brian Wren
Monday, August 24, 2009
Day of New Beginnings...
Orientation starts tomorrow!!!!!
can you tell I'm excited?
I had a wonderful weekend at home in Baltimore where I got to spend a little more time with my family and friends before leaving. I won't be home until mid-October, and only for a weekend. This is a big transition for all of us, but I know with God's help we will all make it through just fine.
I really like Madison, and I am so thankful that I will get to call it "home" for the next three years.
can you tell I'm excited?
I had a wonderful weekend at home in Baltimore where I got to spend a little more time with my family and friends before leaving. I won't be home until mid-October, and only for a weekend. This is a big transition for all of us, but I know with God's help we will all make it through just fine.
I really like Madison, and I am so thankful that I will get to call it "home" for the next three years.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
First Seminary Assignment complete!
SO, I just finished my first assignment. YIPPEE!
I am being a church music geek and taking a wonderful class about hymnology. I am so excited!!! : )
Our first assignment was to describe our first experience with hymns, what are our favorite hymns are, and what our denominational background is.
Since it's info about me, I thought I would duplicate it here. (Plus, I haven't posted in a while, and I thought, hey, why not kill two birds with one stone. You might learn something about me).
I was born and raised in a United Methodist Church in Parkville, MD. I always loved singing hymns, and admit I would often flip through the hymnal reading the hymn texts rather than listen to the sermon. Music is one of my stronger talents, so I was very active in the choirs at church since I was young.
During my sophomore year of undergrad I became the organist and choir director at a small rural church, where I once again fell in love with hymns and the rich theology they offer. I also came to greatly dislike most praise and worship music, for both the tunes and text. At first, I considered The Faith We Sing to be the bane of my existence (I did not like the way the hymns were used or selected in worship) but after delving deeper into it I have come to love it. I especially like the hymns that tell stories, such as Two Fishermen and Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory. I always enjoy finding a familiar tune set with new text.
Some of my favorite hymns are "Be Thou My Vision" (there are some wonderful choral arrangements out there, or, I have found you can get a very different feel if you simply change a few chords or where the stress of the beat is placed). I once heard this hymn described as a love song to God, and that has always stuck with me.
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is a new favorite, after I learned the difference of white and black Gospel. I find it to be much more uplifting and joyful when stress is placed on the upbeat.
My all time favorite hymn is "When in Our Music God is Glorified" (UMH 68). The text is rich, and the tune beautiful. I always find myself tearing up on the last phrase, "And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia!"
I am so glad to have found this class. Having majored in church music in undergraduate, I hope this will offer a sense of familiarity that I may not find in other classes.
I am being a church music geek and taking a wonderful class about hymnology. I am so excited!!! : )
Our first assignment was to describe our first experience with hymns, what are our favorite hymns are, and what our denominational background is.
Since it's info about me, I thought I would duplicate it here. (Plus, I haven't posted in a while, and I thought, hey, why not kill two birds with one stone. You might learn something about me).
I was born and raised in a United Methodist Church in Parkville, MD. I always loved singing hymns, and admit I would often flip through the hymnal reading the hymn texts rather than listen to the sermon. Music is one of my stronger talents, so I was very active in the choirs at church since I was young.
During my sophomore year of undergrad I became the organist and choir director at a small rural church, where I once again fell in love with hymns and the rich theology they offer. I also came to greatly dislike most praise and worship music, for both the tunes and text. At first, I considered The Faith We Sing to be the bane of my existence (I did not like the way the hymns were used or selected in worship) but after delving deeper into it I have come to love it. I especially like the hymns that tell stories, such as Two Fishermen and Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory. I always enjoy finding a familiar tune set with new text.
Some of my favorite hymns are "Be Thou My Vision" (there are some wonderful choral arrangements out there, or, I have found you can get a very different feel if you simply change a few chords or where the stress of the beat is placed). I once heard this hymn described as a love song to God, and that has always stuck with me.
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is a new favorite, after I learned the difference of white and black Gospel. I find it to be much more uplifting and joyful when stress is placed on the upbeat.
My all time favorite hymn is "When in Our Music God is Glorified" (UMH 68). The text is rich, and the tune beautiful. I always find myself tearing up on the last phrase, "And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia!"
I am so glad to have found this class. Having majored in church music in undergraduate, I hope this will offer a sense of familiarity that I may not find in other classes.
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