I've been doing some research on the Trinity for Constructive Theology. How is our theology affected by the doctrine of the Trinity? How are other doctrines shaped by our view of the Trinity? How are our lives changed because of the Trinity?
There is an aspect of the Trinity that will always remain beyond our comprehension, but many times, people are kind of scared of the Trinity.
It will be interesting to see where the research goes and hopefully it will be a transformative work.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My Calling
I admit it, I've slacked on posting. The only reason I've posted now is because it was something I've already written. This was for the deacon's banquet at FBCJC a couple of weeks ago. It tells of how FBC has nurtured my calling into ministry. If I had a theme verse(s) for my calling at this point, it would probably be Romans 7:14-8:4. I know it's long, but I love that passage.
So here's the call story:
I believe that every Christian receives a calling by God. Our calling, as Fredrick Buechner describes it, is where our greatest gladness and the world’s biggest hunger meet. Our calling is not limited to our workplace only. We live out our calling in the midst of community. In the community our callings are confirmed, practiced, tested, and growing. FBC has facilitated and participated in my calling for more than 10 years. Today I wanted share our story of God’s calling in my life to vocational ministry.
After attending a neighbor’s Vacation Bible School at the age of 10, I desired to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. A lady came to talk at our home about what it meant to follow Jesus. She, my mom, and I prayed, and I accepted Jesus as my Lord. That Sunday, at the time of decision, I went forward to my church to tell them I had made a decision to make Christ my Lord and wanted to be baptized. I remembered a keen sense of fear—a holy fear. I knew my life had changed forever. A few weeks later, I was baptized at Centertown Baptist Church.
My family became members of First Baptist that next year. First Baptist quickly became home. In middle school, I was involved in various youth activities and went on my first mission trip to New Orleans in 1998.
The mission trip to New Orleans opened my eyes to the deep needs that I, as a teenager, had been ignorant of. Rod took us to a homeless shelters where we served food and housing projects where we did Backyard Bible clubs. Our youth leaders saw the people we served as fellow children of God and treated them with kindness and dignity. I remember several of the leaders engaging in conversation with the adults of the homeless shelter, viewing them as equals. The youth leaders gave us a glimpse of Christ by breaking down boundaries and loving their neighbors.
In high school, I began to realize that I was being called into vocational ministry. During devotional times at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I would often pick out a lesser-known book of the bible such as Jude and give a brief overview on it, and enjoyed doing so. I also began to have a prayer journal where I would write semi-regularly.
When Melissa said that some of the youth would be able to go to Belarus on a mission trip in the summer of 2001, I jumped at the opportunity. I think this was the first time that youth had been allowed to participate in an overseas mission trip, and I was eager to go. FBC supported us through prayers, advice, and financial support. Several church members allowed me to work odd jobs so I could use the money to go on the mission trip.
I think it was in Belarus that I could see myself in ministry full time. I enjoyed helping Melissa out in bible studies, and I enjoyed interacting with the Belarussian students. I remember one interpreter asked me if I thought I would come back to Belarus. I felt a sense of peace over me, as if he had realized my calling.
By my junior year, I knew God had called me to do vocational ministry. I was allowed leadership opportunities in the youth group, such as co-leading C groups and helping organize dessert theater. The church made me feel as if I had value and as if I was contributing to its mission and purpose. I entered college assured of myself and what I believed.
When I entered Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis Missouri, those convictions were tested, which allowed for deeper growth of my faith. Some students did not agree that women should be in church leadership roles. I poured over Scripture, examining the passages they had to support their claim. I also reflected upon the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life and the Scriptures that had affirmed my calling. With the strength from the Holy Spirit and the encouragement from First Baptist, I navigated those tensions. This difficult time was a great lesson in humility. I learned that even though I did not agree with someone on theology or in doctrine, I still needed to respect that person and listen to them. Had I not allowed myself the opportunity to listen, I would have missed out on faith-building conversations. humility is a lesson that I continually need to learn
Although there were some difficulties during my college years, I was able to be exposed to different ministries—everything from scrubbing toilets to planning large events. Between my freshman and sophomore year of college, I interned at Logan Valley Christian Retreat for about two months. We worked long days: serving meals, cleaning cabins, and helping out on the ropes course. Because we were relatively isolated, during my limited free time I read through the Psalms. I began to meditate on them during difficult tasks or when I was tired. Since we were unable to attend church because we were preparing lunch for the groups, I experience worship through unconventional ways: chopping potatoes, a bike ride during a break, or even cleaning bathrooms between groups coming in.
I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Belarus again in the summer of 2006. This time, I was assisting at a Vacation Bible School in a town about the size of Jeff City called Marina Gorka. FBC played a major role in ministering alongside the Belarussians. You provided financial support for new heaters for our sister church, which was a small congregation in rural Belarus. You brought supplies for arts and crafts for the children who attended VBS. And most importantly, we felt your abundance of prayers flowing from the other side of the world.
The thing that struck me most about Marina Gorka was that there was only 1 church of about 50 members in that whole town of about 40,000. My heart broke as I realized there were thousands of people who had never heard the Gospel. However, the Belarussians remained hopeful. They were eager to train young people to be ministers in that community and had a passion for spreading the Gospel. Their passion for reaching the lost and spreading the good news wore off on me.
That September following our mission trip to Belarus, I began to co-lead a small group at the Journey Church for about a year. At first, this was intimidating, as I was the youngest one in the group and everyone else was mostly young professionals. They were very gracious and forgiving, and I was able to practice ministry in a safe environment. The Journey Church allowed opportunities for lay leader growth, which I eagerly participated in.
That same year, I was blessed to work as an assistant to the Student Activities director. I got to interact with a wide variety of people including faculty and staff as well as students. Since we had an open door policy in our office, I was able to interact with and become close to many people. I interacted with students who worked on-campus doing maintenance. I had theological discussions with the security guards. I got to plan and lead major events such as Welcome Weekend and Homecoming. I grew as a leader and as a minister and had a blast.
During my final semester, religion students were required to do an internship. Since internships at the Journey Church where I led a bible study required a year long commitment, I decided to look at a para church organization. Thankfully, Refuge of Nations graciously accepted me as an intern for five months. Refuge of Nations is a ministry in St. Louis that seeks spread the Gospel through mentoring relationships with refugees and immigrants. I encountered people from Liberia, Mexico, Iraq, and Bosnia. Much of the ministry I did was at a practical level. I would take people to the grocery store or to English lessons. I also prepared a mass mailing for fundraising. At times it was frustrating with communication barriers and the weight of the need. However, I was also blessed to build relationships with people. One woman wanted us to come over and offer her some encouragement and prayer. She was a refugee from Liberia and worked overnights at a casino far from her home. She had some sickness and was worried about her job. After another intern and I prayed with her, we began to talk about her life. She said that although she had attended church regularly growing up, she entered into a relationship with Christ after she saw her husband murdered. She fled to the Ivory Coast and eventually was able to come to the United States. Her bravery and devotion to God despite her adversity ministered to me more than I could have ministered to her.
All of these experiences, along with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, gave me assurance to come before FBC one Sunday morning and declare my intentions for vocational ministry. Although I should have done it before I even entered college, you accepted my call graciously and affirmed me in that calling. Standing up there, I felt that presence of Holy fear that was present at Centertown Baptist Church when I had declared my decision to follow Christ. This holy fear humbled me, as I realized God’s call for me to serve.
God called me to Central Baptist Seminary. I had never even visited the campus before orientation. I did receive a scholarship through CBF which allowed me to not have to take out loans. On my first day of class, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I loved the class discussions and the small class sizes. That first year, I commuted from Jeff City. It was wonderful being back home at FBC, and I got to participate in leading small groups for both youth and adults.
That following August, I got married and moved to Kansas City. My husband Steve , a lifetime St. Louisian, saw my calling as our calling and made the move so we would not have to commute.
We are now members of Holmeswood Baptist Church in south Kansas City and are leading the young adult bible fellowship group. To be honest, there has been some hard times the past two years. Seminary can be spiritually taxing—I am not only memorizing the material, but trying to integrate it my spiritual walk. I also work part time at an non-profit organization that provides free legal services for low income people. I struggle with balancing school, family, church, and work. The Holy Spirit’s call on my life continues to sustain me despite my struggles and failures. God willing, I plan on graduating with my Masters in Divinity in May of 2011. We are discerning where God is calling us next (hopefully it's a Ph.D. program, God willing)
I think God is calling me to minister to the forgotten people. I have felt the Holy Spirit working in me and despite me when I have engaged with forgotten people, whether they come in the form of refugees or maintenance workers. This passion has extended into my studies. For example, in my Caring Ministries class I wrote a paper about ministering to people who are unable to come to church regularly because of their jobs. This included a wide range of people, from fast food workers to doctors. Ministering to the forgotten people is where my deepest gladness and the world’s deepest hunger meet. It is my calling. Where it leads, only God knows.
But it is not just my calling, it is our calling. Each of you has participated in my journey to vocational ministry. You drove church buses for various youth events. You encouraged and supported youth to participate in worship. You wrote encouraging notes and have uplifted me with kind words. You have been patient when I have struggled. You have given me books. Your financial support allowed me to go on mission trips and your ministry to CBF has helped me get through seminary. Most importantly, you have prayed and continue to pray. Without First Baptist, I do not think I would have recognized God’s calling me into vocational ministry. THANK YOU
So here's the call story:
I believe that every Christian receives a calling by God. Our calling, as Fredrick Buechner describes it, is where our greatest gladness and the world’s biggest hunger meet. Our calling is not limited to our workplace only. We live out our calling in the midst of community. In the community our callings are confirmed, practiced, tested, and growing. FBC has facilitated and participated in my calling for more than 10 years. Today I wanted share our story of God’s calling in my life to vocational ministry.
After attending a neighbor’s Vacation Bible School at the age of 10, I desired to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. A lady came to talk at our home about what it meant to follow Jesus. She, my mom, and I prayed, and I accepted Jesus as my Lord. That Sunday, at the time of decision, I went forward to my church to tell them I had made a decision to make Christ my Lord and wanted to be baptized. I remembered a keen sense of fear—a holy fear. I knew my life had changed forever. A few weeks later, I was baptized at Centertown Baptist Church.
My family became members of First Baptist that next year. First Baptist quickly became home. In middle school, I was involved in various youth activities and went on my first mission trip to New Orleans in 1998.
The mission trip to New Orleans opened my eyes to the deep needs that I, as a teenager, had been ignorant of. Rod took us to a homeless shelters where we served food and housing projects where we did Backyard Bible clubs. Our youth leaders saw the people we served as fellow children of God and treated them with kindness and dignity. I remember several of the leaders engaging in conversation with the adults of the homeless shelter, viewing them as equals. The youth leaders gave us a glimpse of Christ by breaking down boundaries and loving their neighbors.
In high school, I began to realize that I was being called into vocational ministry. During devotional times at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I would often pick out a lesser-known book of the bible such as Jude and give a brief overview on it, and enjoyed doing so. I also began to have a prayer journal where I would write semi-regularly.
When Melissa said that some of the youth would be able to go to Belarus on a mission trip in the summer of 2001, I jumped at the opportunity. I think this was the first time that youth had been allowed to participate in an overseas mission trip, and I was eager to go. FBC supported us through prayers, advice, and financial support. Several church members allowed me to work odd jobs so I could use the money to go on the mission trip.
I think it was in Belarus that I could see myself in ministry full time. I enjoyed helping Melissa out in bible studies, and I enjoyed interacting with the Belarussian students. I remember one interpreter asked me if I thought I would come back to Belarus. I felt a sense of peace over me, as if he had realized my calling.
By my junior year, I knew God had called me to do vocational ministry. I was allowed leadership opportunities in the youth group, such as co-leading C groups and helping organize dessert theater. The church made me feel as if I had value and as if I was contributing to its mission and purpose. I entered college assured of myself and what I believed.
When I entered Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis Missouri, those convictions were tested, which allowed for deeper growth of my faith. Some students did not agree that women should be in church leadership roles. I poured over Scripture, examining the passages they had to support their claim. I also reflected upon the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life and the Scriptures that had affirmed my calling. With the strength from the Holy Spirit and the encouragement from First Baptist, I navigated those tensions. This difficult time was a great lesson in humility. I learned that even though I did not agree with someone on theology or in doctrine, I still needed to respect that person and listen to them. Had I not allowed myself the opportunity to listen, I would have missed out on faith-building conversations. humility is a lesson that I continually need to learn
Although there were some difficulties during my college years, I was able to be exposed to different ministries—everything from scrubbing toilets to planning large events. Between my freshman and sophomore year of college, I interned at Logan Valley Christian Retreat for about two months. We worked long days: serving meals, cleaning cabins, and helping out on the ropes course. Because we were relatively isolated, during my limited free time I read through the Psalms. I began to meditate on them during difficult tasks or when I was tired. Since we were unable to attend church because we were preparing lunch for the groups, I experience worship through unconventional ways: chopping potatoes, a bike ride during a break, or even cleaning bathrooms between groups coming in.
I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Belarus again in the summer of 2006. This time, I was assisting at a Vacation Bible School in a town about the size of Jeff City called Marina Gorka. FBC played a major role in ministering alongside the Belarussians. You provided financial support for new heaters for our sister church, which was a small congregation in rural Belarus. You brought supplies for arts and crafts for the children who attended VBS. And most importantly, we felt your abundance of prayers flowing from the other side of the world.
The thing that struck me most about Marina Gorka was that there was only 1 church of about 50 members in that whole town of about 40,000. My heart broke as I realized there were thousands of people who had never heard the Gospel. However, the Belarussians remained hopeful. They were eager to train young people to be ministers in that community and had a passion for spreading the Gospel. Their passion for reaching the lost and spreading the good news wore off on me.
That September following our mission trip to Belarus, I began to co-lead a small group at the Journey Church for about a year. At first, this was intimidating, as I was the youngest one in the group and everyone else was mostly young professionals. They were very gracious and forgiving, and I was able to practice ministry in a safe environment. The Journey Church allowed opportunities for lay leader growth, which I eagerly participated in.
That same year, I was blessed to work as an assistant to the Student Activities director. I got to interact with a wide variety of people including faculty and staff as well as students. Since we had an open door policy in our office, I was able to interact with and become close to many people. I interacted with students who worked on-campus doing maintenance. I had theological discussions with the security guards. I got to plan and lead major events such as Welcome Weekend and Homecoming. I grew as a leader and as a minister and had a blast.
During my final semester, religion students were required to do an internship. Since internships at the Journey Church where I led a bible study required a year long commitment, I decided to look at a para church organization. Thankfully, Refuge of Nations graciously accepted me as an intern for five months. Refuge of Nations is a ministry in St. Louis that seeks spread the Gospel through mentoring relationships with refugees and immigrants. I encountered people from Liberia, Mexico, Iraq, and Bosnia. Much of the ministry I did was at a practical level. I would take people to the grocery store or to English lessons. I also prepared a mass mailing for fundraising. At times it was frustrating with communication barriers and the weight of the need. However, I was also blessed to build relationships with people. One woman wanted us to come over and offer her some encouragement and prayer. She was a refugee from Liberia and worked overnights at a casino far from her home. She had some sickness and was worried about her job. After another intern and I prayed with her, we began to talk about her life. She said that although she had attended church regularly growing up, she entered into a relationship with Christ after she saw her husband murdered. She fled to the Ivory Coast and eventually was able to come to the United States. Her bravery and devotion to God despite her adversity ministered to me more than I could have ministered to her.
All of these experiences, along with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, gave me assurance to come before FBC one Sunday morning and declare my intentions for vocational ministry. Although I should have done it before I even entered college, you accepted my call graciously and affirmed me in that calling. Standing up there, I felt that presence of Holy fear that was present at Centertown Baptist Church when I had declared my decision to follow Christ. This holy fear humbled me, as I realized God’s call for me to serve.
God called me to Central Baptist Seminary. I had never even visited the campus before orientation. I did receive a scholarship through CBF which allowed me to not have to take out loans. On my first day of class, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I loved the class discussions and the small class sizes. That first year, I commuted from Jeff City. It was wonderful being back home at FBC, and I got to participate in leading small groups for both youth and adults.
That following August, I got married and moved to Kansas City. My husband Steve , a lifetime St. Louisian, saw my calling as our calling and made the move so we would not have to commute.
We are now members of Holmeswood Baptist Church in south Kansas City and are leading the young adult bible fellowship group. To be honest, there has been some hard times the past two years. Seminary can be spiritually taxing—I am not only memorizing the material, but trying to integrate it my spiritual walk. I also work part time at an non-profit organization that provides free legal services for low income people. I struggle with balancing school, family, church, and work. The Holy Spirit’s call on my life continues to sustain me despite my struggles and failures. God willing, I plan on graduating with my Masters in Divinity in May of 2011. We are discerning where God is calling us next (hopefully it's a Ph.D. program, God willing)
I think God is calling me to minister to the forgotten people. I have felt the Holy Spirit working in me and despite me when I have engaged with forgotten people, whether they come in the form of refugees or maintenance workers. This passion has extended into my studies. For example, in my Caring Ministries class I wrote a paper about ministering to people who are unable to come to church regularly because of their jobs. This included a wide range of people, from fast food workers to doctors. Ministering to the forgotten people is where my deepest gladness and the world’s deepest hunger meet. It is my calling. Where it leads, only God knows.
But it is not just my calling, it is our calling. Each of you has participated in my journey to vocational ministry. You drove church buses for various youth events. You encouraged and supported youth to participate in worship. You wrote encouraging notes and have uplifted me with kind words. You have been patient when I have struggled. You have given me books. Your financial support allowed me to go on mission trips and your ministry to CBF has helped me get through seminary. Most importantly, you have prayed and continue to pray. Without First Baptist, I do not think I would have recognized God’s calling me into vocational ministry. THANK YOU
Saturday, July 18, 2009
it's been a while
I've fallen off the radar when it comes to blogging. I don't have time to do it now, so here's a couple of short sentences that describe what's going on:
~we're moving 5 miles away in about a month. Looking forward to it--especially having a specified study area. also looking forward to having people over
~i'm a big fan of summer. but who isn't? got to go to TX, Table Rock Lake with the fam, & will be going to Lake of the Ozarks with some friends have a lake house.
That's all for now!
~we're moving 5 miles away in about a month. Looking forward to it--especially having a specified study area. also looking forward to having people over
~i'm a big fan of summer. but who isn't? got to go to TX, Table Rock Lake with the fam, & will be going to Lake of the Ozarks with some friends have a lake house.
That's all for now!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Loneliness continued
As I mentioned before, I'm doing a paper on loneliness. Some of my questions are: who are the lonely? What makes people lonely? What do lonely people do about their loneliness? What are our churches doing about our loneliness?
Here's some issues I'm dealing with:
Identifying loneliness (can it ever be truly defined?)
Who is lonely (pretty much everyone at some point or another. Groups that include signficant loneliness include stay at home parents, the developmentally disabled, elderly widows/widowers, people who are unable to be involved in social networks because of socieoeconomic status)
When do we feel alone? (after a big move, after the loss of a significant friend/other)
What does the Bible have to say about loneliness (I'll look at Psalms and Jesus' crucifixion with the famous words of "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?")
What can our churches do about it (small groups, intentional reaching out and transcending barriers)
Where is God in our loneliness? (here, I want to address the issue of solitude as a spiritual practice)
When we moved to KC after we got married, I dealt with loneliness. Steve and I have conflicting work schedules, and we spend time by ourselves. Although homework has kept me occupied for a majority of the time, it can be lonely.
So how have I dealt with it? Sometimes I watch TV (not a good option. I read somewhere where people who watch more TV tend to be unhappier than people who watch less). Sometimes I exercise (this weekend was good for that). I get my ipod geared toward some good music, and enjoy God's creation. Other actions to alleviate loneliness are getting involved in a small group at church (I'm a big fan of those), reaching out to a coworker who may be down, call an old friend, or get involved in service projects. Sometimes, it's good to be alone and listen to God's voice. FOr me, I'm constantly struggling with being patient enough to listen.
When have you felt lonely? What do you do about it? How is God present in your loneliness?
Here's some issues I'm dealing with:
Identifying loneliness (can it ever be truly defined?)
Who is lonely (pretty much everyone at some point or another. Groups that include signficant loneliness include stay at home parents, the developmentally disabled, elderly widows/widowers, people who are unable to be involved in social networks because of socieoeconomic status)
When do we feel alone? (after a big move, after the loss of a significant friend/other)
What does the Bible have to say about loneliness (I'll look at Psalms and Jesus' crucifixion with the famous words of "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?")
What can our churches do about it (small groups, intentional reaching out and transcending barriers)
Where is God in our loneliness? (here, I want to address the issue of solitude as a spiritual practice)
When we moved to KC after we got married, I dealt with loneliness. Steve and I have conflicting work schedules, and we spend time by ourselves. Although homework has kept me occupied for a majority of the time, it can be lonely.
So how have I dealt with it? Sometimes I watch TV (not a good option. I read somewhere where people who watch more TV tend to be unhappier than people who watch less). Sometimes I exercise (this weekend was good for that). I get my ipod geared toward some good music, and enjoy God's creation. Other actions to alleviate loneliness are getting involved in a small group at church (I'm a big fan of those), reaching out to a coworker who may be down, call an old friend, or get involved in service projects. Sometimes, it's good to be alone and listen to God's voice. FOr me, I'm constantly struggling with being patient enough to listen.
When have you felt lonely? What do you do about it? How is God present in your loneliness?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Loneliness
I'm doing a paper in pastoral counseling on Loneliness and how the church can help. I think everyone, at some point or another, has been lonely. Here's a quote from Mother Theresa that sums it up:
"When Christ said: "I was hungry and you fed me," he didn't mean only the hunger for bread and for food; he also meant the hunger to be loved. Jesus himself experienced this loneliness. He came amongst his own and his own received him not, and it hurt him then and it has kept on hurting him. The same hunger, the same loneliness, the same having no one to be accepted by and to be loved and wanted by. Every human being in that case resembles Christ in his loneliness; and that is the hardest part, that's real hunger."
I'm exploring several questions: Do our churches address loneliness? If so, how? Who are some people that are most suspectible to loneliness? How do we reach out and minister to them?
Hopefully, this will connect with last year's paper of Caring for Christians who are Unable to Attend Corporate Worship Because of Vocational Calling/Committment/Limitation. Perhaps people who can't attend corporate worship are especially vulnerable to loneliness and feel as if they are outsiders, often due to no fault of their own. Furthermore, if they are among the blue collar workers who have to work on Sundays to support their families, they may feel additional economic alienation from people who have weekday jobs and perhaps higher incomes.
Feelings of loneliness are common, but also allow for us to rely on God. Even though we feel lonely, we are never truly alone (I think I got that from Doyle). Loneliness is inevitable, but at the same time is a blessing to see God in a new light.
"When Christ said: "I was hungry and you fed me," he didn't mean only the hunger for bread and for food; he also meant the hunger to be loved. Jesus himself experienced this loneliness. He came amongst his own and his own received him not, and it hurt him then and it has kept on hurting him. The same hunger, the same loneliness, the same having no one to be accepted by and to be loved and wanted by. Every human being in that case resembles Christ in his loneliness; and that is the hardest part, that's real hunger."
I'm exploring several questions: Do our churches address loneliness? If so, how? Who are some people that are most suspectible to loneliness? How do we reach out and minister to them?
Hopefully, this will connect with last year's paper of Caring for Christians who are Unable to Attend Corporate Worship Because of Vocational Calling/Committment/Limitation. Perhaps people who can't attend corporate worship are especially vulnerable to loneliness and feel as if they are outsiders, often due to no fault of their own. Furthermore, if they are among the blue collar workers who have to work on Sundays to support their families, they may feel additional economic alienation from people who have weekday jobs and perhaps higher incomes.
Feelings of loneliness are common, but also allow for us to rely on God. Even though we feel lonely, we are never truly alone (I think I got that from Doyle). Loneliness is inevitable, but at the same time is a blessing to see God in a new light.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
question
What would a church look like if it intentionally ministered to and reached out to people who had to work on Sundays? (Airport personnel, Fast food workers, Nurses, Gas station workers, etc). How would this happen?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Mini Vacation/conference
Steve and I went to Orlando last week for a conference and to see my friend Lindsey. I must say, though, I had more fun on the beach than at the conference (no offense to Brian McLaren or any of the other speakers). The conference was good, but I felt out of place. So last week, I was doing this:
(new Smyrna Beach on Sunday--before the conference)
Needless to say, we got back on Thursday, and on Friday night/Saturday morning, we got 6 inches of snow. Talk about change!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Losing a bet, watching Rambo, and seeing God
Steve and I had a Super Bowl bet. His team won, so I had to watch a movie of his choice (without falling asleep, which I have been known to do) as well as make him a dinner he likes. I had just gotten off of work, so he did most of the cooking (chicken fingers and fries in a deep fryer he got for Christmas). We watched the most recent Rambo movie. I had never seen a Rambo movie at all, but he's got the whole collection with special features.
The most recent Rambo movie takes place in Burma. I've mentioned Burma before, particularly in its horrible treatment of Christians and minorities. My seminary has a partnership with a school over there, and I would like to visit sometime.
Steve and I also watched the special features in Rambo. One feature chronicles the horrible situation in Burma. Sylvester Stallone said that he actually had to tone down the violence in the movie from what was actually being depicted in real life (which, for Rambo, is saying a lot). Another person on the feature said that the situation in Burma was worse than in Darfur, with the taking of boys as child soliders, raping of the women, and burning of entire villages. The military junta (the government) spends about 40% on the military with no external enemies.
It's a very interesting movie if you can handle the violence. Props to Stallone for bringing this unknown issue into light. There are also some Christian references in the movie that are pretty neutral.
Please pray for our Burmese brothers and sisters.
"No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” -John Donne
The most recent Rambo movie takes place in Burma. I've mentioned Burma before, particularly in its horrible treatment of Christians and minorities. My seminary has a partnership with a school over there, and I would like to visit sometime.
Steve and I also watched the special features in Rambo. One feature chronicles the horrible situation in Burma. Sylvester Stallone said that he actually had to tone down the violence in the movie from what was actually being depicted in real life (which, for Rambo, is saying a lot). Another person on the feature said that the situation in Burma was worse than in Darfur, with the taking of boys as child soliders, raping of the women, and burning of entire villages. The military junta (the government) spends about 40% on the military with no external enemies.
It's a very interesting movie if you can handle the violence. Props to Stallone for bringing this unknown issue into light. There are also some Christian references in the movie that are pretty neutral.
Please pray for our Burmese brothers and sisters.
"No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” -John Donne
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
things I'm looking forward to this semester
1. going to Orlando for conference for CBF young leaders and to see a friend. This will happen in about 3 weeks (not that I'm excited or anything). It will be over Steve's birthday.
2. Winter turning into Spring. I'm sick of the cold.
3. translating various parts of the NT in Greek, and using it in personal study and meditation.
4. Actually exploring KC and actually visiting the Crown Center and the Plaza
5. Learning how to counsel in Pastoral Counseling (I've got a long way to go)
6. Finding a good tasting but not too expensive Chinese restaurant (and Mexican as well)
7. Perhaps finally finding kitchen chairs for our table.
8. Putting wedding photos in an album (Ok, that will probably wait until summer)
9. Planning a camping trip with Steve (the actual trip itself will have to wait this summer)
10. Seeing both my siblings graduate, although only attending one graduation (they graduate on the same day, 4 hours apart).
11. being halfway done with school
2. Winter turning into Spring. I'm sick of the cold.
3. translating various parts of the NT in Greek, and using it in personal study and meditation.
4. Actually exploring KC and actually visiting the Crown Center and the Plaza
5. Learning how to counsel in Pastoral Counseling (I've got a long way to go)
6. Finding a good tasting but not too expensive Chinese restaurant (and Mexican as well)
7. Perhaps finally finding kitchen chairs for our table.
8. Putting wedding photos in an album (Ok, that will probably wait until summer)
9. Planning a camping trip with Steve (the actual trip itself will have to wait this summer)
10. Seeing both my siblings graduate, although only attending one graduation (they graduate on the same day, 4 hours apart).
11. being halfway done with school
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Since I was tagged.....
I was tagged by my friend Hannah Banana, and haven't written in a while, so what better than to start off with silly random facts? :) Here they are:
Rules:Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
1. I plan on(God willing, of course) getting my doctorate. I haven't decided though, between Ph.D. or D.Min or Th.D.
2. Steve and I had our first date at Dairy Queen. Although, at the time we were "hanging out"
3. I've named every car that I've had. I'm tenatively calling this one "the silver bullet". Names mean character
4. I want to go to every continent except Antarctica. I want to travel a lot, even visit the South Pacific.
5. I used to play piano
6. After going without a radio in my car for 6 months, I'm amazed that, well, how a lot of Christian music sounds similar (there are good songs out there, though). Steve should produce a good quality (both musically and theologically) heavy metal Christian CD
7. Even though I'm frustated with the monotony of Christian music, I still listen to it the most. In the past, I gave up "secular" music for Lent. Only classical, Christian, and Disney music. (Disney allows for the fun and humor)
8. I hate trying on shoes and buying shoes and, in the summer, wearing shoes
9. My sister in the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz in her play at Lindenwood. If you are in the STL area, be sure to check her out. Best actress ever!
10. We plan on naming our first dog "Sir Poops a Lot" or, if it's a girl "Lady Poops a lot"
11. I yell at football games more than Steve. We're rooting for different teams at the Super Bowl. What can I say, I root for the underdog
12. I need to work on my study habits
13. I miss my STL friends
14. I like to color and act like a kid
15. I'm more of a summer girl than a winter one.
16. I'm growing my hair for locks of love....and only have a couple of more inches!
17. I like some Adam Sandler movies, but not all of them. I do like weird comedy
18. We have a kitchen table and no chairs. And it's been a while like that. Thank goodness for camping chairs
19. the only stuffed animal we have in our apartment is an orange cow that our friends Jeni and Trevor gave to us when we moved in
20. I am from one of 3 state capitols in the nation with no interstates running through it
21. I've been craving a frappacino, even though it's been cold. Good thing our budget keeps me from caving in.
22. My high school mascot was fictional. There is no such thing as a red Jaybird.
23. My brother and sister are twins, but they look nothing alike. Some say I look like a mixture between them
24. Steve didn't tell me where we were going on the honeymoon until two weeks beforehand
25. I can't shuffle cards or snap my fingers
Rules:Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
1. I plan on(God willing, of course) getting my doctorate. I haven't decided though, between Ph.D. or D.Min or Th.D.
2. Steve and I had our first date at Dairy Queen. Although, at the time we were "hanging out"
3. I've named every car that I've had. I'm tenatively calling this one "the silver bullet". Names mean character
4. I want to go to every continent except Antarctica. I want to travel a lot, even visit the South Pacific.
5. I used to play piano
6. After going without a radio in my car for 6 months, I'm amazed that, well, how a lot of Christian music sounds similar (there are good songs out there, though). Steve should produce a good quality (both musically and theologically) heavy metal Christian CD
7. Even though I'm frustated with the monotony of Christian music, I still listen to it the most. In the past, I gave up "secular" music for Lent. Only classical, Christian, and Disney music. (Disney allows for the fun and humor)
8. I hate trying on shoes and buying shoes and, in the summer, wearing shoes
9. My sister in the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz in her play at Lindenwood. If you are in the STL area, be sure to check her out. Best actress ever!
10. We plan on naming our first dog "Sir Poops a Lot" or, if it's a girl "Lady Poops a lot"
11. I yell at football games more than Steve. We're rooting for different teams at the Super Bowl. What can I say, I root for the underdog
12. I need to work on my study habits
13. I miss my STL friends
14. I like to color and act like a kid
15. I'm more of a summer girl than a winter one.
16. I'm growing my hair for locks of love....and only have a couple of more inches!
17. I like some Adam Sandler movies, but not all of them. I do like weird comedy
18. We have a kitchen table and no chairs. And it's been a while like that. Thank goodness for camping chairs
19. the only stuffed animal we have in our apartment is an orange cow that our friends Jeni and Trevor gave to us when we moved in
20. I am from one of 3 state capitols in the nation with no interstates running through it
21. I've been craving a frappacino, even though it's been cold. Good thing our budget keeps me from caving in.
22. My high school mascot was fictional. There is no such thing as a red Jaybird.
23. My brother and sister are twins, but they look nothing alike. Some say I look like a mixture between them
24. Steve didn't tell me where we were going on the honeymoon until two weeks beforehand
25. I can't shuffle cards or snap my fingers
Monday, December 8, 2008
What I like about Seminary
Here it is: Professors and staff playing frisbee golf inside the main building. The prize? A gift certificate to Borders. Talk about a perfect way to relieve finals stress.
One more week and I am done for the semester. Praise God!!
One more week and I am done for the semester. Praise God!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Edit to my Christmas song post.
My sister graciously reminded me of the song "The Hat I got for Christmas is too Beeg [big]" that should have made the top 5 list. It has a Latin melody with a singer that has a latin accent. For some reason, this song reminds me of my parents' cat Seymore. I can see him wearing a sombrero and singing this song.
You'll have to forgive me. I stayed up late last night finishing a paper, and needless to say, am a little loopy.
Here's to you Seymour the cat!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Top 5 Christmas songs
I have a love-hate relationship with Christmas. I like Christmas songs, but hate commercialization. I like Christmas parties and being off school, but hate making Christmas lists. I like the birth of Christ, but hate shopping for Christmas gifts. I almost adopted a bah-humbug attitude several times, and am trying not to do that this year. Truth be told though, I'm not so keen about having a Christmas tree. And really, with a one-bedroom apartment, who needs one?
I do like probably 70% of Christmas songs (except the little drummer boy--can't stand that one!), with the exception of some extra cheesy songs. Here, I would like to say, are my top 5 favorite Christmas songs:
1. Baby It's Cold Outside. Not neccessarily a Christmas song, but fun enough in and of itself. It doesn't talk about Jesus, but sure makes me crave hot chocolate and blankets.
2. Christmas Eve Sarajevo by Trans Siberian Orchestra. It's just a cool song. I would like to go to a concert to see them with Steve sometimes. (When it's not around Christmas, they are a heavy metal band called Savatage. Steve likes heavy metal. It would be probably the only concert we could go to together and both be happy.)
3. O Holy Night. I love praying the words of this song. Absolutely beautiful, a song about redemption and praise.
4. While You were Sleeping by Casting Crowns.
5. Handel's Messiah. The whole thing.
I do like probably 70% of Christmas songs (except the little drummer boy--can't stand that one!), with the exception of some extra cheesy songs. Here, I would like to say, are my top 5 favorite Christmas songs:
1. Baby It's Cold Outside. Not neccessarily a Christmas song, but fun enough in and of itself. It doesn't talk about Jesus, but sure makes me crave hot chocolate and blankets.
2. Christmas Eve Sarajevo by Trans Siberian Orchestra. It's just a cool song. I would like to go to a concert to see them with Steve sometimes. (When it's not around Christmas, they are a heavy metal band called Savatage. Steve likes heavy metal. It would be probably the only concert we could go to together and both be happy.)
3. O Holy Night. I love praying the words of this song. Absolutely beautiful, a song about redemption and praise.
4. While You were Sleeping by Casting Crowns.
5. Handel's Messiah. The whole thing.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Vetran's Day
Just reminding you to thank a vetran! I'm going to see my grandparents. My grandpa is a WWII vet. He flew (wasn't a pilot, but a gunner) planes over the South Pacific. After watching that PBS special last year on WWII, I was amazed.
Also, an estimated 1/3 of the homeless are vetrans. There are many ways to thank a vetran, and ministering to the homeless is one of them.
Also, an estimated 1/3 of the homeless are vetrans. There are many ways to thank a vetran, and ministering to the homeless is one of them.
Monday, November 10, 2008
facebook, seminary, and marriage
The semester is in full gear, so the posts might be fewer and fewer in between (it's not like I posted a lot anyway).
5k:
The 5k training isn't going as well as I had planned, but Steve and I got some cold weather running gear (aka swishy pants at Walmart) so I am good to go. I do need a cheapo headband thing for my ears. I'm going to try to run in the morning, except for a couple of days.
Seminary:
I had mentioned a project that I was going to do before called "caring for people who aren't able to go to Sunday morning worship because they have jobs". I know it's along title, but I haven't figured out a way to shorten it appropriately. Basically, it addresses how one can be a part of the church community if he/she is unable to come Sunday mornings.
I figured out about 20 or 30 jobs that people have that would inhibit them sometimes or most times to be unable to come to church. Oftentimes, people have no choice (such as doctors, police officers, etc). For others, their job is the primary source of income (retail positions, nurses, emergency personnel).
To connect people who are unable to come to church to church body, there are some options. Facebook could be a popular one. Making sure sermons and worship services are recorded is another. Of course, small groups remain a popular choice.
I'm really excited about this because I see a real need for ministering to those who don't work 8-5 Mon.-Fri. If we only minister to the 8-5 crowd, what does that say about our churches? and who attends them?
In hermeneutics, I used a phrase from the rapper FLAME (who also attended my alma mater, btw) on my test. I'm also writing a paper on Jer. 7.1-15.
In other seminary news, I really like being in community. Most people who attend my seminary are either going back to school after being in another career or are attending while pastoring a church. There is so much to learn from these individuals, and it's a very humbling experience. I enjoy our seminary and our community.
Work:
Is good, I actually don't mind working downtown. the hours are good, the pay is good, and I get good healthcare. Which saves us $$ since I don't have to be on Steve's plan.
Marriage:
is great. Steve is better than I deserve.
Spiritual Life:
Thank goodness God is a God of grace. I feel like Paul in Romans 7-8. Enough said.
Well, to put it bugs bunny style, "That's all folks"
5k:
The 5k training isn't going as well as I had planned, but Steve and I got some cold weather running gear (aka swishy pants at Walmart) so I am good to go. I do need a cheapo headband thing for my ears. I'm going to try to run in the morning, except for a couple of days.
Seminary:
I had mentioned a project that I was going to do before called "caring for people who aren't able to go to Sunday morning worship because they have jobs". I know it's along title, but I haven't figured out a way to shorten it appropriately. Basically, it addresses how one can be a part of the church community if he/she is unable to come Sunday mornings.
I figured out about 20 or 30 jobs that people have that would inhibit them sometimes or most times to be unable to come to church. Oftentimes, people have no choice (such as doctors, police officers, etc). For others, their job is the primary source of income (retail positions, nurses, emergency personnel).
To connect people who are unable to come to church to church body, there are some options. Facebook could be a popular one. Making sure sermons and worship services are recorded is another. Of course, small groups remain a popular choice.
I'm really excited about this because I see a real need for ministering to those who don't work 8-5 Mon.-Fri. If we only minister to the 8-5 crowd, what does that say about our churches? and who attends them?
In hermeneutics, I used a phrase from the rapper FLAME (who also attended my alma mater, btw) on my test. I'm also writing a paper on Jer. 7.1-15.
In other seminary news, I really like being in community. Most people who attend my seminary are either going back to school after being in another career or are attending while pastoring a church. There is so much to learn from these individuals, and it's a very humbling experience. I enjoy our seminary and our community.
Work:
Is good, I actually don't mind working downtown. the hours are good, the pay is good, and I get good healthcare. Which saves us $$ since I don't have to be on Steve's plan.
Marriage:
is great. Steve is better than I deserve.
Spiritual Life:
Thank goodness God is a God of grace. I feel like Paul in Romans 7-8. Enough said.
Well, to put it bugs bunny style, "That's all folks"
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