The Calm in the Middle of Busy-ness

Today is Sunday and I have turned in all of my assignments for the semester. Now I just have a couple of presentations this week and I am done! I am now at the end of my seminary career and am trying to tie up all of the loose ends. I am excited to see my family as they begin to arrive on Thursday for David's and my graduation. It will be a day of rejoicing that will go very fast, I am sure. Transitioning from one stage to another is easy sometimes, but other times, it is a little more difficult. Saint Paul has been a place of transition for me. It is here where I met and married my husband. It is here where I found my voice. It is here where I have developed many deep friendships that will last a lifetime. I am grateful to be part of such a connectional church as the United Methodist Church. There are always opportunities to see one another over the years - the International Clergywomen's Consultation, General Conference, Annual Conference, Ordination Activities, Intinating. These opportunities for me are glimpses of the full Kingdom of God. These are times of worship, reunion, prayer, laughter, and love. Oh the joy!

Beautiful Sunday

What a beautiful day to admire God's creation in Rural Kansas! The grass is green, there are multiple leaves on the trees, the irises are gorgeous, the dogs are enjoying the sun warming their silky fur. Another slice of heaven right in our own backyard! And now it is night and time to get renewed through a good night's sleep for another great and busy week. What a Creator who thought of everything, even rest!

Graduations Abound!

Early yesterday Morning, David & I traveled to Michigan to attend the graduation of my sister, Monique, from Michigan State University. She has now received her Master's Degree and is about to be off on several adventures of her own in the next several months. I have such pride in my "baby" sister who managed to graduate with her Master's Degree two weeks before David & I will graduate with ours. After the graduation we went out to dinner and then to bed only to get up early to head back to Kansas. Before we left we were able to help move some of the bigger items from Monique's apartment. Since April 22, I have had many early morning and late nights...I am exhausted, but must persevere to turn in my last assignments of my seminary career. I am looking forward to some Sabbath time with my hubby, dogs, and good friends the week after graduation. Graduations abound! Only 13 days until mine and David's!

Post-General Conference

Well, I did not have easy access to internet or time to blog as I had intended. Because I will be preparing a journal to turn in for a class, I will do some posting after the fact. I had a great time at General Conference catching up with friends and acquaintances and getting to know my classmates better. I saw many people who have been part of my journey as I have been in ministry through the United Methodist Church. I even met some new great people who are committed to the United Methodist Church and to justice for all of God's children. I bought a couple of clergy robes - one purple and one white. I also bought some books. I had a great roommate and some awesome suitemates at Texas Wesleyan University. We had some early mornings and some late nights. I enjoyed the city of Fort Worth and hope to return again someday, should I have an opportunity.