Friday, April 11, 2008
Good News
A health update... evidently Randy (my step dad ... see yesterday's post) has been released from the doctor with a clean bill of health. I don't know any further details, but it is good to know this was "just" a scare... and I hope its a reminder that he should be cautious and take care in the future, too...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Celebrating Life... and the Need of Prayer
Its been a crazy week. I’m so busy and so overwhelmed with things to do here in my life in Chicago
It was great to take time out for worship on campus last night… and as is usually true, the message and music was right-on, just what I needed. I thank God and celebrate in the opportunities I have to be a part of such a community.
This morning (see below!!) I had my interview with my District Committee on Ordained Ministry. This was a BIG next step towards my ordination process, and I passed with flying colors!!!
Then this afternoon… I spent it on campus, sheltered from the rain in the library basement as I tried to get my reading done for class tonight. I missed a call from my younger brother… only to hear from him 3 hours later and hear more “wonderful” news from home (insert sarcastic tone). Randy (step-dad who was in car accident on Monday) was sent home from work this afternoon with severe chest pain… I just spoke with my mother, and after seven hours of running tests, they still don’t know what’s wrong. They really wanted him to stay overnight, but true to his stubborn self, he refused. So he’s going back at 7:30 in the morning to have more tests run, hoping to discover the root of whatever caused that kind of pain…
We don’t know anything more for now… while the doctors are afraid to definitely rule anything out, they don’t think it was a heart attack, which could both be really good and, well, not so good. So until there is something more concrete, I just ask for prayers for Randy, my Mom, and our family!
…and for peace of mind for me as I’m trying not to get weighed down by heavy thoughts such as these that I can do nothing about. Rather, I need to keep working on my papers, my sermon for Sunday, etc…
I am a Certified Candidate!
This morning I spent 45 minutes anxiously waiting for my phone to ring… I had my interview with my District Committee on Ordained Ministry. This was the next “big” step that I’ve been working on for nearly three years. This was the final of many steps I had to take to become a “Certified Candidate for Ordained Ministry.”
To be a Certified Candidate means a lot of things for me. For one, it means I am well on my way to ordination. It means that when I graduate next year, I am able to be Commissioned (a probationary minister). –One has to be certified for a year before that can happen, then I would serve as a commissioned (probationary) pastor for three years before being ordained. If I did not pass today, I would not be eligible for Commissioning next year.
On a different note… but also important… it also means I eligible for a scholarship from my conference next year… This is very good news!
My interview? I was a bit nervous about it being over the phone, and other than that being a bit awkward, it was a breeze. They had minimal questions about what I had written, followed up on only one “concern” (which I anticipated… my procrastination!), and were generally excited and hopeful about me returning to the
So… I celebrate today! I am excited to progress through the process and affirmed to know that the 12 (11?) people sitting around the table during a blizzard in Sioux Falls, South Dakota unanimously voted to certify me, believing that I do in fact have gifts to offer the church.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Day to Celebrate
Taking this moment to share a time of celebration. Celebration for new life, for healing, for the miraculous recoveries and for hurdles we overcome.
In the midst of my own struggles and challenges with daily life and all that is required of me as a seminary student, an intern and future leader of the church, as a friend and as a sister.... I celebrate the gift of life and the healing hand God blesses each of us with. As a friend prepares to leave the ICU tomorrow after 3 weeks of strength and courage and recovery after a huge surgery, I am thankful.
I count my blessings, and seek to remember that even when I am burdened by papers to write, sermons to preach, and interviews to survive, there are bigger things at work behind all of this.
In all things, God is present, active, and alive. For that, I am thankful.
In the midst of my own struggles and challenges with daily life and all that is required of me as a seminary student, an intern and future leader of the church, as a friend and as a sister.... I celebrate the gift of life and the healing hand God blesses each of us with. As a friend prepares to leave the ICU tomorrow after 3 weeks of strength and courage and recovery after a huge surgery, I am thankful.
I count my blessings, and seek to remember that even when I am burdened by papers to write, sermons to preach, and interviews to survive, there are bigger things at work behind all of this.
In all things, God is present, active, and alive. For that, I am thankful.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Peace-filled Night
Thunderstorms. Oh, how I love thunderstorms!
The flashing bright night sky of lightning, the sound of nature as thunder roars, and the freshness of the water that pours down. The life that will spring up as a result of the much-needed nurturing of the land... the smell of that fresh rain, new life... Ideally, I would love to curl up under a light blanket with a chic-flick and a couple good friends, free from worries and work and the stresses of class, work, papers and sermons waiting to be prepared. I guess we can't have it all!
Tonight is a perfect night for this kind of peaceful reflective mood, though. Especially after the great (crazy!) day! I went to a great lecture, had a great meeting, enjoyed the (brief) company of friends I rarely get to see... and then of course had a lovely time at Dignity Diner, even if I had to be late!
Dignity Diner... it never ceases to amaze me how great that community is. They always pull through. We were short volunteers tonight, so a couple regulars jumped up and asked if they could help. Then they put everything away in a timely fashion too... and did so with smiles and grace and genuine joy in the opportunity to help out. Bible Study was AWESOME- TEN people! One of my regulars wasn't there, and another left b/c he wasn't comfortable with the big group. Of those ten- only four had EVER come before! Praise God for new voices - and they were more than willing to share! I believe it was a fruitful conversation, and am definitely better for it.
As sad as I am to be leaving in a couple of weeks, I hope the great conversation we had tonight can be the light I need to make the best of the two weeks we do have left together. I also continue to pray for an unknown person to step up and fill this role... its heartbreaking to think of how far I've come, and that it is going to cease to exist as soon as I leave...
The flashing bright night sky of lightning, the sound of nature as thunder roars, and the freshness of the water that pours down. The life that will spring up as a result of the much-needed nurturing of the land... the smell of that fresh rain, new life... Ideally, I would love to curl up under a light blanket with a chic-flick and a couple good friends, free from worries and work and the stresses of class, work, papers and sermons waiting to be prepared. I guess we can't have it all!
Tonight is a perfect night for this kind of peaceful reflective mood, though. Especially after the great (crazy!) day! I went to a great lecture, had a great meeting, enjoyed the (brief) company of friends I rarely get to see... and then of course had a lovely time at Dignity Diner, even if I had to be late!
Dignity Diner... it never ceases to amaze me how great that community is. They always pull through. We were short volunteers tonight, so a couple regulars jumped up and asked if they could help. Then they put everything away in a timely fashion too... and did so with smiles and grace and genuine joy in the opportunity to help out. Bible Study was AWESOME- TEN people! One of my regulars wasn't there, and another left b/c he wasn't comfortable with the big group. Of those ten- only four had EVER come before! Praise God for new voices - and they were more than willing to share! I believe it was a fruitful conversation, and am definitely better for it.
As sad as I am to be leaving in a couple of weeks, I hope the great conversation we had tonight can be the light I need to make the best of the two weeks we do have left together. I also continue to pray for an unknown person to step up and fill this role... its heartbreaking to think of how far I've come, and that it is going to cease to exist as soon as I leave...
A Beautiful Day
Today is going to be another beautiful day of springtime weather and sunshine... and I cannot wait for it! Even on weeks like this one, when I am running from meeting to meeting, spending hours sitting to research and write, my life is made better by the sunshine. The small glimpses of the shinning sun I get while I walk from home to class or from the el into the church are not as much as I would like, but its just enough to give me the breath of fresh air I need to keep me going!
I had a WONDERFUL time in South Africa last summer, but since it was winter there, it also means I never really had a summer. Now, that is making me appreciate this warm, spring-like weather even more. Anticipation of a real (HOT!) summer for the first time in two years is definitely something to be thankful for! I'll be on the road in the dessert for much of that... and I can't wait!
I had a WONDERFUL time in South Africa last summer, but since it was winter there, it also means I never really had a summer. Now, that is making me appreciate this warm, spring-like weather even more. Anticipation of a real (HOT!) summer for the first time in two years is definitely something to be thankful for! I'll be on the road in the dessert for much of that... and I can't wait!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Cubbies Win!
I know I've said it a thousand times, but I really do LOVE Chicago!!! Even more, I love it when I am able to take a day off and enjoy pieces of all the city has to offer.
One of the things about this wonderful city, is that it is the home to my beloved Cubbies. I *LOVE* baseball!! It is something from deep within, reminding me of the many, many days I spent at the ballpark as a child watching my brother play. I love that it is a relaxed, low-key game that makes it a great social activity. I love that it can be as low key as you want it to be, as missing but a moment will not throw you off the rest of the game... yet at the same time, if you want it to be high-energy and really get into it, the crowd around you is almost always supportive of that! Not to mention Wrigley Field is amazing, with a GREAT atmosphere unlike any other park I've been to.
Today, I went to see the Chicago Cubs play the Houston
Astros... and the CUBS WON!!! 9-7! This was the first game I went to that the Cubbies actually won! It was VERY exciting!!! My hope is that even though time this semester is winding down quickly, I will manage to find time to go to a couple more games before I leave for the summer. Its a simple, FUN, always memorable activity... and living this close to the field (I pass it almost daily on my way to church), I have NO good reason not to go to more games!
... and for those keeping track, THIS is going to be the year! ;) We're off to a fair start... this was our second win this week!
One of the things about this wonderful city, is that it is the home to my beloved Cubbies. I *LOVE* baseball!! It is something from deep within, reminding me of the many, many days I spent at the ballpark as a child watching my brother play. I love that it is a relaxed, low-key game that makes it a great social activity. I love that it can be as low key as you want it to be, as missing but a moment will not throw you off the rest of the game... yet at the same time, if you want it to be high-energy and really get into it, the crowd around you is almost always supportive of that! Not to mention Wrigley Field is amazing, with a GREAT atmosphere unlike any other park I've been to.Today, I went to see the Chicago Cubs play the Houston
Astros... and the CUBS WON!!! 9-7! This was the first game I went to that the Cubbies actually won! It was VERY exciting!!! My hope is that even though time this semester is winding down quickly, I will manage to find time to go to a couple more games before I leave for the summer. Its a simple, FUN, always memorable activity... and living this close to the field (I pass it almost daily on my way to church), I have NO good reason not to go to more games!... and for those keeping track, THIS is going to be the year! ;) We're off to a fair start... this was our second win this week!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Summer 2008
Well, friends, a decision has finally been made!
This summer, I will be joining the Ride:Well Bike Tour as a member of the support staff for the cross-country (LA to DC) bike trip. The goal of the trip? To raise money and awareness for Blood:Water Mission. My role in this is not yet clear, though it may include a number of things from driving the support vehicle to running errands and picking up groceries, to things that fit in line with my gifts... like helping to lead daily devotions and the like. More than anything, this is going to be an adventure of the unknown for me... and if you know me at all... you know that's a good thing!
This will be a fun, wonderful, rigorous trip to be sure. If nothing else, it will be an adjustment to move into camping daily and getting up with the sun! The map of where/when we'll be traveling is available online here. If you are in/around any of the places we're going through, I would LOVE to see you!
One thing I have to do (in a VERY short amount of time!) to be able to go on this trip is raise quite a bit of money. As the goal of this trip is to raise support for Blood:Water, all bikers and volunteers must raise their own support to go on the trip. Inclusive of flights to LA/from DC, all transportation, lodging and food during the trip, my cell phone on the road and related expenses, I am seeking to raise my estimated need of $3000. That is a LOT of money in a LITTLE bit of time, but I really believe this is where I'm called to be for the summer, so I also believe it is possible. I am hoping for a couple of big sponsors, and a couple of smaller ones. Don't let the big number scare you... its as simple as 30 people donating $100!
PLEASE let me know if you or some one/agency you know would be interested in donating. Because the money is going through an agency, all donations can be tax-deductible! I will have more information soon, hopefully including a place to donate online. Until then, please check out the Ride:Well website (or feel free to contact me!) for more information... and watch for updates on my profile!
This summer, I will be joining the Ride:Well Bike Tour as a member of the support staff for the cross-country (LA to DC) bike trip. The goal of the trip? To raise money and awareness for Blood:Water Mission. My role in this is not yet clear, though it may include a number of things from driving the support vehicle to running errands and picking up groceries, to things that fit in line with my gifts... like helping to lead daily devotions and the like. More than anything, this is going to be an adventure of the unknown for me... and if you know me at all... you know that's a good thing!
This will be a fun, wonderful, rigorous trip to be sure. If nothing else, it will be an adjustment to move into camping daily and getting up with the sun! The map of where/when we'll be traveling is available online here. If you are in/around any of the places we're going through, I would LOVE to see you!
One thing I have to do (in a VERY short amount of time!) to be able to go on this trip is raise quite a bit of money. As the goal of this trip is to raise support for Blood:Water, all bikers and volunteers must raise their own support to go on the trip. Inclusive of flights to LA/from DC, all transportation, lodging and food during the trip, my cell phone on the road and related expenses, I am seeking to raise my estimated need of $3000. That is a LOT of money in a LITTLE bit of time, but I really believe this is where I'm called to be for the summer, so I also believe it is possible. I am hoping for a couple of big sponsors, and a couple of smaller ones. Don't let the big number scare you... its as simple as 30 people donating $100!
PLEASE let me know if you or some one/agency you know would be interested in donating. Because the money is going through an agency, all donations can be tax-deductible! I will have more information soon, hopefully including a place to donate online. Until then, please check out the Ride:Well website (or feel free to contact me!) for more information... and watch for updates on my profile!
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