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!