Happy Autumn!

Happy Autumn to you! We have certainly enjoyed the crisp fall mornings and cooler afternoons down here in Hotlanta. Saturdays are usually our family time and we have been having some fun. Saturday October 4, I was finally able to visit Stone Mountain with Doug and the girls. So many weekends during summer Greek School and early in the fall semester, Doug would take the girls to Stone Mtn. alone to give me extra study time. I was so excited to be a part of the excursion last weekend! Devon and I climbed the rock wall together, which was our very first time. I was very proud of Devon, as she caught on to the necessary agility very quickly.


Last Saturday, October 11 Doug and I took the girls to The Rock Ranch, about an hour south of Atlanta. It is owned by Chik-Fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy. It was a great trip. We went along with my cousin Amy and her family. Rock Ranch has pony rides, a small petting zoo of sheep, goats, and Shetland ponies, as well as little train that rode around the perimeter of the property. The ranch itself is over 1200 acres. They even had a pumpkin canon, which shot a real pumpkin over half a mile across the ranch. It was a fun outing.


The time has arrived to prepare for mid-term exams. The only class which I will truly be examined is in Old Testament Survey (OT). It is a fascinating course that covers the majority of the OT at a brisk pace. Thus far we have read and discussed the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, Deuteronomy), the Deuteronomistic History books (Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings ), and some of the Former and Latter Prophetic books (Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malachi). It has been fascinating to learn more about the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and the Matriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah), as well as Israel's struggles through antiquity. If you have never truly had an in-depth Bible study of the Old Testament, I would encourage you to take a Disciple Bible study (interdenominational) or Bible Study Fellowship. They are both rich with information and will certainly bless you as you begin to expand your Biblical knowledge.

I continue to use my Greek skills in New Testament Exegesis of Mark. The Greek word for "exegesis" means to "lead out". The process of exegesis is to read the original Biblical scripture of Greek for a particular passage, translate the text, and then to understand what that text meant for the original audience. Once time has been spent understanding the historical aspect of the passage and the purpose for the text itself, the homiletical aspect can begin to apply how this passage relates to our lives today. Mark's gospel is fascinating. Thus far our class has covered chapters 1-8 and the tension is building as to who Jesus really is and where the source of his healing and authority comes from.


My last two and a half classes are Church History, Spiritual Formations in Ministry, and Scripture Reading Practicum. Church History is a fast paced overview of Early Christianity and involves a lot of reading of primary source documents of early Christians. The most fascinating period for me was learning more about the Christian Crusades and the religious tensions between Christians, Jews, and Muslims of the 12th century. While I am at CTS I hope to learn more about the Islamic faith; to better understand the influence which this faith has. It is the fastest growing religious tradition in the world.


Spiritual Formations in Ministry focuses on the disciplines and practices which form us spiritually. We have been learning of the many different ways to pray, fasting coupled with prayer, as well as Lectia Divino, which is the meditating on Scripture and listening for God's word in a time of silence. We have also been learning about the value of silence, which is difficult to practice. The major focus our professor desires for us to embrace is that of journaling. It can be just jotting down ideas that steal your attention during the day, quotes and phrases that you want to remember or think more about, or writing about your feelings during particular times. The beauty of it is there is no wrong way to journal; one must find a way that works for them. I try not to write every day, but more when thoughts invade my mind and I want to record them to think on them later. It has served me well in the past, especially in discerning the way in difficult decisions, writing about particular joys, and how I hear God speaking to my heart.


Scripture Reading Practicum is a course which is not for credit. We practice reading scripture in front of a small group of peers and a teacher's assistant (TA). The past week we memorized and recited Luke 4:1-14 which entailed the temptation of Jesus. My motivation to memorize this passage is a CTS professor who recited 3 chapters of Job in a chapel service on prayer and lament! Three chapters of Job! Can you imagine?!? For me it was very empowering to recite Luke 4:1-14 in an emphatic style. I really enjoyed bringing the passage to life and I am realizing how much I enjoy participating in dramas. We left this section with much to reflect on Jesus' temptations as we prepare ourselves for our ministries.


Doug and I still enjoy being here at Columbia. So far in the semester Doug and I feel we are able to relate to my study schedule as an 8-5 "full time job". There are times when this schedule changes and we are flexible with that.


There are days that we feel we struggle here at CTS as well. I came to the campus thinking that the majority of students would be more of like minds, and many are. But I do struggle with the reality that not all families on campus have similar values and I find myself more protective of my children. I find myself so saddened by this and yet do not have any answers on how to handle this other than being more intentional in my devotional time with my children and how Doug and I raise the girls. I also feel more of a conviction to pray for my family and the community of families here. It is my hope that those who are heavy on my heart this week will truly be led to knowing what a Christian home is and how a husband and wife can have an incredibly strong marriage and family in seeking Christ together. I remember the time that Doug and I were not focused on these things. I am incredibly grateful to know personally how strong marriage and family can be when we do center our lives around Christ. There are so many influences in our world today. As Casting Crowns sings, "It's a slow fade" when we are not centered in Christ. http://www.last.fm/music/Casting+Crowns/+videos/+1-ao927GMhlzI