[1st summer post: living life!]

"Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." [John 10: 7-10]

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Live life to the fullest"? Or what about the quote, "Our days are like identical suitcases - all the same size, some people pack more in them than others"? For some reason, the first phrase has ran through my head more than once recently. And I find it funny because I try not to be concerned with paying attention to what cliches mean or emphasize. So, why's the phrase hit me recently? Maybe it's the stage of life I'm in, who knows... As for the second quote (above), there's a lot of truth in understanding the stewardship of how a person spends his or her day. We are all aging. No one can run from the process of life's varying stages. Some days, we get more done than others. And other days, we don't. It's all okay in the end though. Really, it is. Some days, the reminder of the aches and pains our failing bodies have are more apparent than ever before. Other days, we feel fit as a fiddle - just like "back in the day." Where does the time go? Recently, I asked a wiser, older friend of mine (yes, she's in the LWML) about life and if it ever slows down. She smiled and laughed, summing up that life presents a new kind of busy in each season you experience and endure.

Let me tell you, I'm absolutely thrilled for the current experiences (and what is to come) that God continues to reveal in my life.

I don't mean to disappoint but I am not going to begin to write up a list to tell you how to "Live life to the fullest." If you really care to, I'm sure you could do a Google search and find a list for yourself. But in the end I don't think one list you find on the internet will truly guide you on how to fully live out your life. Your life is yours. It is a gift from God! Thanks be to God for this! Your life looks different than your neighbor's. And praise the Lord for that! Continue pressing on in the race of life. Invest time in what you are passionate about and the current vocations God has blessed you to have. And in everything you do, pray and seek to share the love of Christ in all you do!

Just a few things (but for sure not an exhaustive list, nor in any particular order) about life that I pray God will continue to bless me with the rest of my life...
   
     -Interacting with God's people - yes, I'm talking about being with the youngest of young & the oldest of old. Cherish the moments God gives you when you spend time with the people He puts in your life. You may learn something you didn't anticipate learning from the unexpected teacher of a 6 year old!

     -Recognizing ministry moments - Ministry is such a beautiful thing. I pray that God doesn't ever allow me to see ministry as a boring experience in my life. He is at work in all moments of ministry! And I am along for the ride! It is in exciting ministry moments I always hear my good friend from Seward exclaim, "Heck yes, I'm church work!" :)

     -Living out the beauty of forgiveness - No one is perfect and forgiveness is one gift of God's we are able to use to help us in moments where we wrong others we care about in our lives. In my opinion there's no way to survive life without utilizing this beautiful gift of God's!

     -Sharing the Gospel - And this occurs in so many ways! Whether you are doing family devotions at home, teaching Sunday School at church, praying for missionaries, collecting mites for mission projects, or hopping a pond for an overseas mission trip - God enables all people of all ages to share about the work of Jesus! Praise the Lord for giving us the Holy Spirit who works faith in our hearts and gives us the ability to trust in Him!

     -Living life one day at a time - Life seems to be less stressful this way, and frankly, I'm all for decreasing the amount of stress in my life. This does not mean though, that I'd recommend not planning ahead for things you're responsible for. Planning ahead is super wise and makes the event/ responsibility that much more enjoyable when the time comes to implement something!

     -Realizing that learning doesn't stop - AND It never has to stop! I don't know about you but I thoroughly enjoy learning from others. Trust me, it makes life more interesting.

That's all, folks!

(...for now.)

long lost blogger... & another 10 things!

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." [1 John 4:7]

So if there is any chance you may be concerned about if I am ever going to return to blog land or not the answer is: I am going to try! You may be thinking... well, that girl hasn't blogged since October of last year. Fat chance she'll keep it up. While it's true that most likely I will fail, as I do with many other things I desire to get done, I'm going to give it a go again. Can I just use the "I'm in grad school" card? I feel this is an okay time to play that card. Seems there's always something more I should be doing. (Or is that just the story of life?) I'm never reading enough of what I am supposed to read for class. I find myself digger deeper into resources related to things that interest me about ministry related topics but rarely do they line up with what is required in the current course I am taking. Oh well! Learning is learning and benefits me in some way whether it is in or out of the classroom. Just as long as I read the stuff that's required in due (and on) time!

That being said... I'll do a quick run down of the top 10 things that I can think of off the top of my head currently about being back in Fort Wayne for my first Spring quarter at the seminary:

[10] Winter quarter ended and I was blessed to be part of a short term 2 week mission/study abroad trip to Nagercoil, India with a group of students and faculty from Concordia Theological Seminary. WOW! I did not at all anticipate God bringing me to Indiana this year and leading me with an opportunity to go to India. (Pretty sure my parents didn't either!) What joy it was to meet students of the seminary of the India Evangelical Lutheran church (IELC)! It was also really neat to visit multiple sites that the IELC supports and runs. Homes/ schools for children who are blind, deaf, dealing with polio, a high school, place for mentally disabled, etc. We toured a hospital that received support through LWML mites in 1955. I was shocked! It was so neat to have God show me half way around the world how the LWML had benefited his people! I especially enjoyed being able to attend worship services and recognized hymn tunes of the hymns the people sang in the Tamil language. I'd recognize a tune and be able to find the hymn number in the LSB and then the team was able to sing along in English. Well, these are biggest highlights I can think of for now. That and our tour guide, Ravi, was an amazing blessing for our group! The final thing is Chicken 65 was the best dish I enjoyed to eat along with naan bread!

[9] My classes this Spring quarter are absolutely awesome. I am taking: Psalms (Hello, hymnbook of the Bible...anything having to do with hymns and I am there!), Theologia I: Baptism, Field Education, Lutheran Confessions II (Love me some Book of Concord!), Theology of Diakonal Care, and Organ lessons (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). While I have enjoyed my entire first year of graduate studies so far, I am pretty sure this will be my most favorite quarter. Maybe it has to do with it being Spring. The sun's bound to shine a lot more than it did during the dreary months of winter. But who knows...it could be I am understanding and realizing "formation" process unfold in my studies and time here at the seminary.  I don't know for sure yet, but I do know that God does know and will show me reasons why in his timing.

[8] Visiting others. It just doesn't get old. And I pray it never does. The Lord grants me so much joy in visiting the old and the youngest of young I know in this area I find myself living in. It was wonderful to come back from India and stop by the senior center nearby to show my residents I was safely back in the states. I rode my bike there, so I didn't stay long because I didn't smell the best :) And what joy to learn from an aunt of a seminarian's kids that a 3 year was ecstatic I was coming over to play for a bit! Little kids bring me so much joy and help me remember to worry less and play more. It was wonderful to see a little of Cinderella a few weeks ago and even more precious to do devotions with a 3 year old. I don't think I've ever been asked so many "what else happened?" questions in regards to explaining Easter to a youngster. Kids are smart. They can challenge you in more ways than one. And for that, I am so thankful!

[7] Studying theology. I'm am incredibly grateful and blessed that God led me to find about the deaconess program through people he placed in my life and at just the right time. I'm glad he had me at Concordia University Seward, NE right when the pre-deaconess program began and he nudged me on my own accord to begin taking theology classes before it was even required for a program. I will forever remember the deep love of theology that began at Seward and continues to grow and strengthen its roots here in my studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.

[6] Liturgical posture...before I became a student at the seminary I really hadn't thought much about these two words. But as I am nearing the end of my first year as a deaconess student, so it's time for me to reflect on these words and confess - yes, it's hard for me to stand during the Prayers of the Church portion of a church service these days. It may seem weird to you - especially if your church doesn't have kneelers - but when you spend 3/4 of the year at seminary kneeling during prayers there's something about changing your posture that can help a person be more focused in praying together as a community. We no longer kneel as we are in the Easter season of the church year and for this I'm ever so thankful to rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord - even if it means standing during prayers again!

[5] During Lent we chanted the Litany found in the Lutheran Service Book. It's probably the first time I've ever sung it and it is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. I still remember the joy that filled my soul in partaking of this sung prayer for the first time at chapel. What peace and comfort it brings to a person!!!

[4] Surprises!!!! I have been blessed to share in many surprises this year. And for all of that, I am forever grateful that God blessed me with completing successful surprises!

[3] Receiving wonderful news...from friends all over the USA. I rejoice in getting to share in others' joy and I pray God continues to teach me how to mourn with others in their sorrows. It seems easy to share with others when all life hands you is good news after good news. I continue to ask the Lord to give me strength and his words to share in the proper time when others have bad news come their way.

[2] Springtime...is just a wonderful season of the year. What with nature coming to life again, trees budding, flowers perking up, birds chirping, milder temperatures, etc - why wouldn't a person love Spring? Good news has come my way this spring from friends from all over, friends receiving their first calls, friends about to complete their first year serving as teachers, Directors of Music, etc. Graduations are upon us all over the country, Confirmations are coming up, recent engagements, with witnessing celebrations of weddings, etc - just more events to take part in and celebrate and rejoice with others! 

[1] And my number one thing about this Spring quarter...is that the love of Christ continues to abound in my life in many ways. Whether in reading his Word during devotions, hearing it spoken in daily chapel services or receiving the preaching through the pastor's lips into my ears, the love of Christ is continually poured into my life. Not to forget the many people God places in my life and shares his love with me in so many ways. I am forever grateful for this. It is so comforting to know in an ever-changing world, Jesus Christ remains constant and is always there. He never changes, never will, and his love for me, for you, is always present in our lives! Thanks be to God!

Life on Martin Luther Drive.

"For in him we live and move and have our being." [Acts 17:28]

Hello to those who are still reading this blog! Please forgive me for not being more faithful to regularly updating the blog. I realize it's now the last day in October - Reformation actually or for those of you who participated in the secular holiday, Halloween!  Didn't really get to observe Halloween today other than to see a bunch of decorations adorning walls at the retirement/health care center I stopped by today.  I did sing Martin Luther's solid paraphrase of Psalm 46 hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" in chapel today. Is singing that hymn 4 times in the past two days too much!? Naah! :)

What a whirlwind the last month has been... my studies definitely picked up and I experienced my first crunch time two weeks ago and here I am in the midst of another crunch time part of the quarter - so of course, I am blogging.

Life on Martin Luther Drive is absolutely splendid. Don't get me wrong...it's not perfect, but I love love love it here and am extremely blessed to study in this place. Here are some recent thoughts I'll share of highlights/delights/ learning of life here:

-I'm still desiring an oven to be able to use at my disposal whenever I have the craving to bake bread...but let's face it: grad school doesn't lend itself well to the disposal of tons of free time for as much stress relieving baking I did in Seward last year. I do miss being able to share bread with friends, but God blessed me to use a friend's kitchen two weekends ago and bake 4 loaves of coffee tin English muffin bread and pumpkin dessert.

-I no longer have to sleep with ear plugs...guess I'm just so exhausted my body can block out the loud water/pipe noises I hear in the "natural" background of my dorm room.

-I'm continuing to grow closer to deaconess sisters and gals on this campus. I'm learning. I'm living. I'm growing. I'm serving... and yet waiting to serve. Does that make sense? I'll expand that thought sometime soon - that's a whole subject of its own!

-I've learned to survive on 6-7 hours of sleep. I've only slept through missing 20 minutes of class and of course it happens for my favorite topic of all...Liturgics. I saw it coming though. I went to bed the night before thinking, "Wouldn't it be awful to sleep through this class?" Bam. It happened. I guess though I did get ready in 5 minutes and the prof didn't give me too much grief about it :)  

-I can't for the life of me figure out how long mail takes to get here to Ft. Wayne or how long it takes to get elsewhere. It's weird to not be able to check for mail on Saturdays. I am so my father's daughter. I just get really excited when there's something in the real mail box for me and it's not a filler advertisement from the sem community. So if you ever want to write me... I will write you back. I am so my mother's daughter.

-The Lord continues to teach me even when I think I'm done learning for the day. Love that. I am thankful for learning and pray it will be put to good use one day.

-And there's so much else to include...but I am going to have to pause here now in this list.

It's now week 9 and next week is the last week in the quarter. I'm trying and hoping and praying I get tons of homework related things done this week because one of the best conferences I've been blessed to attend the last two years is next weekend.

The Good Shepherd Institute occurs each fall at the Ft. Wayne seminary and is the annual sacred music and theology conference. Wonderful speakers present papers and there are a myriad of opportunities shared for continuing education in attending this institute for church musicians and pastors currently serving in the field. I pray I am blessed to attend this conference every so often when I am serving in my call as a deaconess somewhere. This year's topic is all about weddings. Considering a lot of my summer was filled with going to weddings and playing at weddings, I'm excited to hear more about the musical end of things!

What else is there to say? So much I wish I could type it all out, but I also don't care to bore any of you. I am still debating the choice between completing the one year program or the two year program. Praying God allows me peace in that decision and that the answer comes sooner than later...part of me wishes that when you have to make a decision in life there needs to be a right answer and a wrong answer! In this case, either route I go I know will be a blessing... but if there was a wrong answer... I think that'd make the decision easier. 

Once classes end next Friday, I look forward to the drive WEST to Iowa and also to Nebraska. To see friends and family. To be refreshed and probably, most likely, to catch on all the sleep I've missed the last 10 weeks.

Church shopping is just not for me...

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." [Hebrews 13:8]

and probably won't ever be for me. Church shopping is not something I grew up doing and maybe that's why I've felt as though I have been doing this the last 3 weekends in this town I currently find myself in.

I have been blessed to visit 5 different churches and worship with many other brothers and sisters in Christ. I've found things I like, things that are new & different to me (Hello, Healey Willan's setting of liturgy), but not necessarily things I dislike (too terribly much). Visiting so many churches in such a short time has allowed me to think about things I prefer but realize that what I prefer is not necessarily what others prefer. This is something I've noticed before, it's not new to me that people can differ in what they like or dislike. It's nice to have my eyes opened to other and new things in regards to worship.

I will say I am very thankful that tomorrow marks the day I won't have to feel like I am a church shopper any longer. Tomorrow, in one sense (a very, very tiny sense) I am receiving a call. Really, I am being placed in my field work parish for this academic year. I am so excited for this!!! I pray that wherever the Lord has placed me for this year that I may grow and learn more about serving Him in the parish I am placed. I will be meeting the field work pastor and getting to dine with him. Who knows what we'll discuss? Most likely the usual introductory stuff to find out a bit about myself, where I grew up, where I went to college, etc and possibly (hopefully!!) we'll discuss what will be expected of me during my time as field work deaconess in the parish. Maybe, I'll give you an update of how that goes :)

As the beautiful season of fall is upon us, I have been pondering all that comes with the changing colors of this season. I think that's why I love autumn so much!!! I get to see the beauty of God's handiwork in creation (Check out Psalm 8, good stuff there). Things don't stay the same during autumn. Things change. And that's how life is: things change. And that's how life is for me, currently.

Maybe you can relate.

Here are some themes in the story of life: Changes. Stages. Chapters. Newness. And then, same old, same old. There is so much to ponder with life decisions, and ultimately I don't want it to be left up to me. But one day, that's what seems to be the case. I have to make the final say. I have to decide what's best for my life, so it seems. God will bless me and continue to bless me as He always does where ever life takes me.

I am forever grateful that Jesus is the same in all of life's changes I experience and go through. He never leaves me and never forsakes me and the same is true for you.

10 things re: grad school thus far...

 "O my people, hear my teaching;
   listen to the words of my mouth.
 I will open my mouth in parables,
   I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
 what we have heard and known,
   what our fathers have told us.  

We will not hide them from their children;
   we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
   his power, and the wonders he has done."

[Psalm 78: 1-4]

Well, here it is another Sunday night: I am heading into week #3 of classes and am still super excited. Part of me thinks the excitement should have worn off by now, but God continues to grant me encouragement in the things I am learning and digging deeper into things I've looked at before. I am thinking about the coming week and not stressing one bit. It's weird because I keep telling myself I need to be concerned more and worried about things up and coming. But I'm not. I'm at peace. There's a lot going on. A lot of information coming in what seems to be too short of time...and yet this is the amount of time I am supposed to have been here. And yet at the same time it all seems to be moving way too fast. I was chatting with a friend tonight and she said something about how we've been here for 18 days. I couldn't believe it!

I'd figure I'd share a short list of 10 things I've come to realize whether in or out of the classroom. Keep in mind this is a rather broad list of things I have learned, observed, and reflected upon since beginning my studies at the seminary. Some could be considered common sense, some are my favorite things about being here, etc nonetheless the list follows:

1. Stay ahead while you can and as much as possible. This is the number one way to avoid being over stressed and I am all about not getting stressed.

2. Ridiculously large reading assignment?! No problem! Reading is all about pacing!! Learn to read quickly by highlighting, hunting for the important stuff & skim, skim, skim! Take notes when needed.

3. Fit in Fun First and foremost, I am here to study, grow, and learn as much as possible. This also means I need to take full advantage of activities in the surrounding area (Johnny Appleseed Fest, contra dancing, Philharmonic, etc) and things on campus. My favorite past time is finding seminarians to challenge me in a round of Ping Pong (which is the greatest indoor game ever!) I may or may not be somewhat of a challenge :)

4. A good night's sleep is helpful to maintain in this whole being a morning person thing. The night owl in me is slowing down and preparing for hibernation (I hope). Again, have I mentioned how thankful I am for the invention of ear plugs?? They also assist in the process of being well rested.

5. FRIDAYS! are still going to continue to be one of my favorite days of the week. Why? Not just because it's the one week day that shares with the beginning of the weekend but it's also the day we sing Matins (LSB, pg. 219) at the main chapel service. Last week we had Matins TWICE in one week. I was stoked!

6. Chapel opportunities!! are endless. I really enjoy the opportunity to worship with brothers and sisters in Christ each day, 4 different times. Living life by the sound of the chapel bell is a beautiful thing. Hearing God's Word read, reading a psalm, and singing hymns each day doesn't get much better than that. (I also enjoy being the Chapel deaconess intern..helping out when extra help is needed!)

7. A few favorite things to share about the experience thus far:

     -people who've come to study here (from ALL over)

     -Liturgics class & everything that has to do with this subject

     -Deaconess choir (& accompanying this!)

     -studying God's Word (in & out of class)

     -impromptu hymn sings!

     -fellowship!

     -free coffee hour following the main chapel service

     -the Gospel of Luke

     -interacting with incredible pastor/professors

     -MATINS!

     -thought provoking, deep theological sermons

     -Psalm Tone H

     . . . and much, much more

     (+ I know this list will continue to grow as time goes on!)

8. GEMÜTLICHKEIT!!! I like to describe it as a specifically set aside fellowship time the sem hosts each week and it happens to include Lutheran Lemonade. Great way to unwind, chat with friends, profs and play a bit of ping pong if any one wants to play.

9. Correspond frequently. Why? Because I am my mother's daughter. I appreciate emailing, skype, FB, texting, twitter, etc but above all I so enjoy participating in the USPS. Snail mail is the best thing ever!

10. Appreciate symbolism. There is SO much symbolism in this place; the more days I go through  observing and learning the more symbols and deeper understanding of looking at scriptures I am made aware of and it is SO cool. I can't wait to share the knowledge with God's people!

I'll tell you about one of the neatest things about this campus: All over campus you'll see bricks that lay horizontal but they are not just any old square or rectangle shaped, they are diamond shaped:

Nothing too special about these right? Just some diamond shaped bricks laying horizontal. They don't have any special meaning or do they? Here's some more:

 

So you may be asking, "Just why is she showing pictures of bricks and parts of the architecture of campus on her blog?" Wait for it! These bricks appear ALL over campus. I figured there had to be a story behind them and sure enough there is one! I learned earlier in the duration of my time being a student that the bricks can be found no where else and are branded to this campus. They are measured to have the angle of 23.5 degrees. I guess that is the measurement the earth's axis rotates upon. The diamonds that lie horizontal represent the command Christ gives to all people to love one another. There is only one place on campus where the diamonds lay vertical and point towards the Son. You probably guessed it: the chapel.

 

 

And the reason behind only the Chapel having the diamond vertical bricks is because it reminds us of God coming to us and giving us the gift of faith. Because He shares faith with us, we are able to turn to others we meet in life and share His love with them. I also think the bricks all around campus serve as a good reminder for the various vocations we have in life. We are called to love God and we are called to serve others in various tasks and duties we serve in during this lifetime.

How Firm a Foundation, LSB 728

1. How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
    Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
   What more can He say than to you He has said
   Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. "Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
    For I am your God and will still give you aid;
    I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
    Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

3. "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
    I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
    That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
    I'll never, no never, no never, forsake!

4. "When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,
    My grace, all sufficient, will be your supply.
    The flames will not hurt you; I only design
    Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

5. "Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
    My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
    And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
    Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne."

"How Firm a Foundation" (LSB 728) is my first [Hymn of the Week] choice because it's been in my head and on my heart a ton recently. This is a hymn that falls in the TRUST section of the Lutheran Service Book and is the hymn I've chosen to memorize for one of my deaconess classes at seminary.

Stanza 1 reminds those who sing it where a foundation for their faith is found - God's Word.

Stanza 2 is a paraphrase - or almost a literal translation of the following scripture verse: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Stanza 3 comforts those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus. This stanza reminds us that Jesus will never leave or forsake us.

Stanza 4 speaks of hard times those in faith may endure, but God doesn't leave us hanging. His grace is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12: 9).

Stanza 5 ends the hymn up with a reminder of how God's love will surpass all time and when life's end comes our way the Lord will protect and care for us just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

How comforting are the words and meaning of this beautiful hymn!

Let the Learning begin!!!

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." [John 1:16]

This post is an attempt to fill in those dear loved ones, friends, family, all brothers and sisters in Christ who care to know about what's occurred in my life the past 6 or so days. It's been a whirlwind of a few days. I am still gathering my thoughts together as I reflect on the experience of moving 2 states eastward and the beginning (finally!!) of graduate studies in the MA Theology Deaconess program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne. Bear with my randomness and hope you can piece things together; if not, I'm an email away (for clarification).

I'll begin by sharing, I am amazed at how God continues to give me blessing after blessing each step of my life. He is unbelievable and full of so much love, I don't deserve any of it, and yet day after day, I feel his grace, blessing and love showered upon me in various ways. Thanks be to God for this!!

The drive here seemed to take forever, but all in all a week ago I spent the majority of the final day of August on the road, with my parents' van following me here. I felt like I was on Cloud 9 as soon as I got to Ft. Wayne. It was so great to arrive before dusk and give my parents a very quick (& brief) driving tour of campus before enjoying dinner at Applebee's.

Thursday, all of sudden decided to be super hot, which of course happened to be moving into the dorm day. Oh well, as I've done the packing/unpacking process more than once before, my attitude & mission quickly became "My van is full, let's get it empty." So, I was off, unloading, along with my father helping me. He also helped put together a 5 shelf bookcase for my room. Unloading and all of that went well and rather quickly. We didn't eat lunch until almost 4. Mom and Dad headed off to IL to visit my brother and sister-in-law. This helped to break up their trip home.

Spent most of Thursday evening unpacking/getting organized and so I'll show you "home" in Ft. Wayne:

 This is what you see as you look towards the door that you enter & leave the room. Behind the wood is my closet. I kind of have two closets :)

Bed & desk on one side of the room.

My first study area in the room.

The other half of the room! Loads of books to help aid in studies this year!

Friday came quickly and began with a Matins service at 7:30am in the chapel. From there, we were in a lecture hall to meet any one and everyone that had anything to do with campus community. It was great to see all the people but after awhile my brain was turning to mush with trying to keep straight who's face belonged to who's name. This was also when my eye began to hurt really badly, but I didn't figure I should miss any of orientation. Friday late afternoon, there was a short time to get a nap in and I thought the eye would feel better after being closed for a bit. It didn't though. Enjoyed a banquet with professors and new students that evening and an excellent speech by the sem's new president. He quoted from a Walther sermon circa 1542 who quoted Luther. It just amazed me that something said so long ago was relevant to what I'm beginning this year of my life. (I'd share the quote - but waiting to get it from the president!)

Saturday, I woke up and my eye hurt even worse so I showered and figured out how to get to a doctor. Turn's out I ended up with pink eye and I was so so so sad because the doctor said I shouldn't be around any one for 24 hours. I was very unhappy to have to miss deaconess orientation activities, but figured I should abide by the doctor's orders. Watched a couple movies to pass time, napped, and hung up pictures on the wall. Finally, girls returned to the dorm and I spoke with a few but didn't touch any one. (Thankfully, the eye drops helped and I looked much better by Monday!)

Sunday, I went to a seminarian's daughter's baptism and baptismal dinner at his house afterwards. It was so beautiful to witness a family celebrate this special day in their daughter's life and enjoy fellowship with other people. After that I enjoyed time with a dear friend - she teaches first grade and visited Ft. Wayne for her Labor Day weekend. We had a blast being together and catching up. It was great to have a visitor. Monday was especially nice to enjoy not having to go to class for the first time in 4 years.

And Tuesday finally came!!!! First day of classes and I loved every minute of it....well minus having to wade through logistics of introducing the courses. Sometimes, I wish the syllabus could be sent via email and we just show up the first day and already begin the learning. I'm ready to dig in!!!!

Things I've learned since becoming a seminary student:

1. Ear plugs are an ingenious man made creation, and allow me to get sleep here.
2. Living life by the sound of Kramer Chapel bell is wonderful. I know it's only been a few short days, but I really have enjoyed the depth of hearing God's Word shared 4 times a day and the opportunity to pray and worship my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
3. Don't ignore when your body says something's wrong to you.
4. Professors everywhere are hilarious.
5. Believe it or not, I'm becoming a morning person.

There's much more I could add to this list, but I think I'll end there for now. God bless you all. Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers as I begin my time here at the sem!