Mid-Winter Chaos

Hubby has been sick. Hubby and I had birthdays in February. (And then of course Valentine's Day can't go uncelebrated!) Wrote one ordination exam (Hebrew exegesis). One kid finished diving and began rowing (a new driving schedule for me). Other one is bowling and playing basketball. Dog (age 12) is ailing -- we are all getting ready for "the decision." Field ed supervisor has been busy writing grants and has also been sick. Supervision has gone out the window -- time management and prioritizing maybe not a strength for either of us. Youth minister/afternoon tutoring program director quit -- have still not heard that whole story. Have made it to the Barth reading group (why not add 1 more thing onto an already-hectic schedule?) -- some great resources on campus I want to take advantage of -- and have been singing pretty regularly with the gospel choir. That helps keep me sane. Parents stopping by next week on the drive-through back from snowbirding it down in FL. Need to go cuddle with my little one because we haven't in many nights (Mom has been out at Bible study and typing up exegesis exam -- also saw Dave Barry speak in Philly one night -- what a highlight!). Must dash.

Another year older....

My birthday was yesterday. I'm old enough (!) not to make a fuss, but it was really nice that hubby went to campus the night before (while I was out at field ed bible study) and decorated in the cafeteria, mail room, and commuters' lounge. People came up to me and said "Happy Birthday" -- and I was surprised so many people knew. Then I discovered the decorations.... Sweet gesture -- if a tad over the top.

I preached my public issues sermon (on welcoming street gangs in worship) -- that went well. Picked up little one early (half-day, pre-Presidents' Day celebration, I guess) and then headed back for workshop. Studied for a Greek exam last night (hubby wanted to do dinner and a lecture -- Elaine Pegels was speaking), and then felt sick in the night -- thought I might have the flu. A little queasy today but mostly better now....

Had lunch at a friend's house -- lovely birthday luncheon and gift -- fun to pretend I was not a student and just engage in a little girl talk. She and I share many interests -- just can't quite manage to see each other as much as we'd like.... Never enough time to do everything -- but life is good when full.

Think I will let the little one play on the computer while I go take a nap (up at 4 a.m. to do church annual report stuff, study more Greek, and feel lousy w/o disturbing hubby) -- tomorrow I go pick up my 2nd (of 5) ordination exam -- hope it's easy enough...

Got someone IM'ing me -- this is long enough for now...always more to write, but again, no time!

Ash Wednesday

It was interesting in chapel this morning. I don't honestly remember if I went to chapel last Ash Wednesday (last year), but this morning, my first reaction upon seeing the program was: oh, this is high church. Seemed very formal and liturgistic. Well, wouldn't you know, it was just what I needed! The prayers grabbed me, the gregorian-chant-type music moved me, the scriptures were powerfully read. (No sermon generally on Wednesdays anyway.) And the man who put ashes on my forehead (an administrative type that I didn't know well) became human to me. It was a blessing! So glad I went!

I will read the Psalter and help out with communion tonight at field ed church. Had a nice chat just now with my supv who has (another!) cold. This has been a very sick year for her.

Had prayer group today -- prayed particularly for one church member who left Bible study cuz she felt so threatened by our conversation -- also prayed for a Nairobi pastor who is in the hospital. God can do all things.

My classes are going well, and I am keeping up with my assignments. So far, so good. Have been accepted into the CPE program of my choice -- one more detail taken care of... Writing a sermon about preaching to a gang (public issues sermon topic), working on position paper about the Enlightenment and its effect on mission... Better get to it.

lonely Saturday

It's about 5:20 on a Saturday night and the sun is starting to set. Husband is on a 4.5 hour drive to see a college hockey game with his nephew (college student). Oldest is shopping at the mall for a friend's birthday present. Youngest is on a playdate to see the newest video games. I am waiting at home for a friend to drop off her 3-year-old for me to babysit her while the friend has dinner out with her husband. Sigh.... Not my chosen evening activity, and I have been waiting to see them/get my afternoon settled since about 2:30. Oh, well.

I'm tired, but I have school work to do. It's only the 2nd week of classes so I am not way behind (not yet!). I actually really like my classes this semester and my schedule -- but I can feel the beginnings of spring fever (it got up to about 55 degrees today) and I'd like to do some fun stuff instead of school work or house work. I don't have anything (that I know of) to do in church tomorrow; I'm sure when I get there I will find there's a prayer or scripture to lead/read or something. Kind of nice to have a Saturday "off". Maybe I'll wear an African dress....

Bible study resumed at my field ed church this past Wednesday. We're doing The Bible from Scratch by Donald Griggs. Seems like a really good resource. Also, I went to this semester's first "How to Read Barth" seminar (90 mins. Monday night) with George Hunsinger. He does it every semester, but this is the first semester I have made the time to do it. Actually bought (with my own money!) Barth III.2 so I can participate!

Black history month began on Tuesday -- Thursday night in the chapel Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts preached -- and I sang with the gospel choir. It was an inspiring service, and sermon. I was aware of a sense of community among all the people of color -- shared history -- and how gracious they were in broadening their worship and their love of the Lord to include me. I believe I was the only white face (besides President of the Seminary, Iain Torrance) up at the chancel/altar area. A really spiritual night, when I had little in the way of energy to give, I was so well fed.

I am concerned about some seminary friends. I was glad to participate in mid-week, mid-day prayer this past Weds. I feel really close to the prayer leader, and we prayed for those we knew on campus (and elsewhere in the world) in pain. There's a lot of discontent and uncertainty and stress and anxiety on campus, and I wish in my old-age experience/wisdom I could say, "It will pass." They can't hear it, don't want to hear it, must live through it. Bible content exam was this past Friday and many were nervous about that -- other ordination exams are on February 19th. I am taking one (out of a possible four) but I am not nervous about it. Just one more hoop, and life goes on regardless of how well you do.

I always think of more to write after I've logged off, but I am going to sign off all the same. One friend got engaged this week, so that is happy news. I like her and her fiancee and think they will have a splendid marriage. Here's hoping! (and praying)