Busy Busy Busy

Again I apologize for the far and few posts... Seminary has become a lot more busy this quarter since I have a total of 4 papers, 1 presentation and 3 full books to read within 10 weeks. I didn't sign up for this because it was easy though... it just takes a lot of time to get through all these things

But blessings be! I have finally turned in my candidacy paperwork! Last Thursday to be exact. Now I am beginning the initial interview processes and psych evaluations which again, takes more time. Luckily these are necessary things I don't mind doing since I truly feel God is calling me this way. There's a joy and peace I only experiences when I'm at school or within "church" which seems to be lacking at work

Hopefully when I get a break at the end of March I can write something more in-depth and reflective :)

Just some Rambling again

So this quarter at Fuller I'm taking another Systematic Theology class. Except this time of tryingto understand the many facets of God & the Trinity & what it means to be human, we've moved onto Christology (study of Christ, who He is & What He has done) and Sotierology (the study of salvation.) Say that 3 times fast.

Now--I will admit something I have never really thought of-- though I am a Christian I have really evaluated my thoughts about Christ. I know, sound silly. Usually I think I throw my thoughts about God into the bunch & include Christ (because I think of the 3-n-1 more together all the time) but this class is causing me to really think of my definition. Not to question authority, just to think. Which has lead me to thinking about more of what I believe and what I believed I'm called to do.

There are many names & adjectives for Christ-- Victor, Liberator, Savior, Lord, King of Kings, Prince of Peace... and all of these names really shape who

Christ becomes to a believer. I have realized that speaking truth (Scripturally speaking) of who Christ is will encourage those who are listening. Let me explain this better: I have been reading about Liberation theology--a thought that Jesus is more of a liberator for those being oppressed. Personally I believe that this is who Jesus is/was/will be all along. I mean, didn't Jesus do this in the Bible sorta? Doesn't what Jesus does in the Bible show He sets the captives free!? So my initial reaction to that liberation theology ends up being "well of course, duh..."

But I have become to realize that those who are oppressed, the ones it is directly affecting, need and should point out who Jesus is to them... because that is the real point. Jesus is real, His love, His death, resurrection. And to make it real people have to connect (something I would argue that 90% of the world refuses to do because of the effort it takes and the commitment it might mean) And as someone who wants to go into ministry... I suddenly realize that me learning all this stuff (which I love learning anyways...) is to eventually be able to show how Jesus and God and belief and faith and all that junk people think seminarians and ministers and priests learn that is too beyond their minds is actually what matters, what becomes important....is actually what they want to know, hear, speak, ... LIVE.

So in layman's terms... I am beginning to figure out why this all matters. Because though I love knowledge and I may have a gift of learning knowledge, God has created me to be able to use that gift. So, I think i'm getting somewhere...

New Year--New Stuff

Hello everyone,

I apologize for the long awaited update. November was a busy month scholastically and December was just insane between finals & my long awaited sinus surgery. However, I figured as the New Year begins today (welcome 2011!) I would start off by updating my blog.

My first semester of seminary was fantastic! I think I enjoy the people the most. Everyone is there to become better equipped in whatever ministry they are doing and there is no hesitating claiming Christ out loud of praying in the middle of class. Sometimes I wish all learning in school was this exciting but we all know that's just a wishful dream :) I begin classes again for Winter Quarter on Monday-- again back to the 3 nights a week after work and lots of reading & studying. In fact I just ordered my last books for class. I've never been so excited about all of this.

On a second note I did experience some wonderful things over break. One of the most amazing services ever was one of my seminary friends had her ordination. In addition to see the Bishop throw his hands up in praise while in his fully robs it was just an amazing service to watch someone publicly proclaim their ministry for the church. Keep in mind I grew up in a Methodist Church where ordination was 1 ceremony a year with everyone as opposed to other denominations who are ordained when they reach their church or ministry field. It was truly amazing!

Well, I'm outside @ Victoria Gardens right now and "cold" is beginning to define what I feel like. I will leave you all for now.

Shalom In Christ