So a new adventure begins…
A new step in my life began two weeks ago. I officially started my journey to what God has next for me. I started seminary.
It was not a decision that was easy for me. For one, I’m paying for this one. Secondly, I’m already working 70 hours a week. How am I going to fit school in with a crazy schedule like that?
Well, quite easily actually.
The last two weeks I’ve already written close to 2000 words in assignments, taken a quiz, and started writing a bible study on John from the New Testament. What are my grades so far? A 95 on the quiz and a 97 on my papers.
Not too shabby.
I’ve learned a lot in the past two weeks. We’ve been concentrating on the political background of the Jewish culture and the influence of Hellenism (the spread of Roman/Greek culture) on it. What I’ve learned has given me tremendous background for the stage of influence Jesus could have in that time period. There are already light bulbs clicking on concerning what I’ve studied.
What does it mean? Pray I’ll keep up the consistency with my school work. Pray I’ll stick with it. Pray my other two jobs won’t suffer because I have school work to do 4 days out of the week to keep up.
Master’s in Theology….here I come…
Things I Love Thursday
So my friend Lindsay (read her list here) had a blog idea that I read and am now copying. A rare un-orginial post this is but I once read that real artists starve and the smart ones steal….or something along those lines.
Things I love….
- Listening to vinyl records. There’s nothing like sliding a record out of its sleeve, slipping it on a turntable, lying down on the floor (even my hardwood floors!), closing your eyes, and getting lost in the warm, soothing tones.
- Flickerstick. The band of choice that comes up when I need something to get my day moving. Put on “Smile” from Welcoming Home the Astronauts or “Sorry, Wrong Trajectory” from Causing a Catastrophe and tell me it doesn’t get you ready to rock either.
- Books. I love how books feel and smell. There’s nothing quite like picking up a new book, thumbing through the pages quickly and getting a whiff of ink and paper before exploring the story or knowledge inside.
- Being a quasi-pastor. I say quasi because I don’t have the title but do many pastoral things in my church and as of next week am officially on my way to a Master’s in Theology. Woot! It also helps that I love my community I serve in, Element3 Church.
- My friends. There’s nothing quite like a fun night at the Trio’s house for beverages, Call of Duty, games like “Things”, running charades, and laughs.
- The movie Rudy. I swear. I don’t cry hardly ever. My grandmother died and I never even got choked up. I guess it comes with being an Armstrong. However, every time I watch Rudy, I cry at the end. Maybe its because I always feel like that underdog being held back and just looking for a chance to prove he can be good too. That heart and guts can get you somewhere if you’re patient and hang in there. The part where he gets in the game and makes the final tackle with his family crying and they carry him off the field, I cry every time and stay messed up for a good hour afterwards.
- Country Fried Steak. I know it’s bad for me but you know what, it’s delicious. Smother it in Sawmill gravy and I’ll slap a grandma to eat it.
- Non-Starbucks coffee shops. I love the Redeye (shameless plug) and I’ve really learned to love Grass Roots in Thomasville. There’s something about walking in and being hit with the aroma of brewing coffee. The ability to sit down and work or read a book while enjoying a cup of joe. It’s a little slice of heaven.
- My iPod. I use this object more than anything. With a busy schedule like mine, being able to download podcasts and stay updated on what’s going on in the world is essential.
- Snoopy. I love the Peanuts Gang but especially Snoopy. I have close to 30 something Snoopys in my apartment. Seriously. Always there, waiting for a hug. I know that’s lame but there’s just something about Snoopy.
- Classic Disney Animated Movies. Throw in Pinocchio or Bambi and I’m a happy guy.
- Going to the Greenway and lying by the water. When I have a free day (usually only Saturday), I go here and relax for a while. Enjoying the weather, the view, and the way the grass feels between my toes.
- My family. I don’t see them enough. We talk on the phone a lot and we make do. Without them, through the good and the bad, I wouldn’t be here so I will always love and be grateful for them.
There are many more but today, I’m very thankful for these…..
Why Hate?
Today is a day that makes me question why I do what I do.
I serve a wonderful community of people but watching this message of hate on several fronts today is saddening.
Are we better off Osama is not on this earth? Probably.
Am I glad that people DIRECTLY affected by 9/11 have closure? Definitely.
Do I applaud our military for doing their job well with no civilian casualties? HECK YES!!
But look at your Twitter and Facebook feeds today….
People are openly celebrating death. People filled the streets of DC and NYC last night celebrating the death of a man.
I’ve also seen people direct hate at people/entities that are not Osama bin Laden.
People are making fun of Republicans and former President Bush because Obama killed Osama rather than him.
People are mocking Fox News and indirectly the people that work there.
People are using the death of Osama as justification for why their own ideology is correct.
I was flipping through tv last night and I saw Fox News treating the event like Christmas. I saw CNN use it as a way to enforce the war agenda. I don’t know how NBC or CBS spun it but no one watches them anyway (I kid I kid).
Essentially, the death of one man is bringing to the forefront the true feelings in the hearts of many (some even people I know) and it makes me hurt.
Because if all these people are so filled with prideful hate….what’s the point?
Love conquers all. Set your mind on things of heaven and not of earth.
