Official Announcement

Here it is folks, the moment I've been anticipating sharing on this blog for three years.....

Get ready...

Get set.....

Okay, here it is.... I have officially completed all my requirements for a Masters of Divinity....so in reference to this blog title, I suppose I can claim that I've found God! :)

Yes, the completing seminary bit is true. At 11:45am on Saturday, April 21st, I turned on my final 2 papers of my divinity education. And it feels great!

I haven't had much time to reflect on what all this means, however, because I have been busy with Rutgers classes and the Institute for Youth Ministry forum. Once those two things are done, however, 2 free weeks in May will afford me all the reflection time I desire! (and time for painting my nails, exercising, napping, writing letters, reading novels, organizing school materials, and cooking!)  I am pretty excited.

The last two months since I updated my blog have been eventful, although I'm sure I cannot remember half of what I've done....which brings me to a particular moment of reflection. In keeping a blog, I have come to understand more about life priorities. For example, if I don't recall things that have recently happened, how important was it that I spent so much time on these things?

Here is what I do remember, hence, things worth my time...

I remember celebrating Easter- and sharing the joy of the season with AJ and his family (and I remember AJ asking why I cried during the church service...because I responded with "I'm loving Jesus on Easter, I don't get why you think I wouldn't cry? It's me, you know.")

I remember celebrating my women senior cohorts at a lovely seminary brunch, the first senior year milestone that brought me to tears.

I remember celebrating the final paper submission with a lovely drive and lunch in a gazebo with my husband.

I remember a girls' night where close friends shared our ups and downs through seminary.

I remember senior banquet, during which I cried, of course.

I remember bits of conversations with friends and family.

I remember moments of shared intimacy, understanding, and spiritual reflection with my husband.

I remember the good news of friends receiving job offers.

I remember moments when I felt the Holy Spirit overtaking my fears of transition into Newark.

You see, these memories are reminders of how I might best spend my time. Do I remember the plot of a Bones episode? Not really. Do I remember what I ate for dinner yesterday- no. I really don't. Do I remember what I've read this semester? Not all of it, for sure, but I do remember conversations that reading sparked.  In essence, self-reflection is a way to keep my priorities in check. Spend time with friends and family. Check. That's the gist of my list above, and I aim to make this a priority as I enter a new stage of transition away from seminary.

I'm sure I will have more to come, but as I near the end of this period of my life, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has contributed to my network of support. I feel loved, appreciated, and motivated to serve God in so many ways.....

Now if only you all can help me choose a career path. My options only seem to continue expanding! :)

I sign off in the precious name that is above all names.
(that's Jesus Christ, something I learned in seminary) :)

Em