Nearly Summer....

One day away, but really it's already begun with a string of "sunny and 70" days!

Yep- summer officially begins as of 12:00pm tomorrow, May 12th. And I am particularly ready for my first ever NJ summer!!!

The past few weeks I have been juggling a few life events- finishing my May term class (which has been really awesome- interfaith youth leadership), attempting to help AJ with website work for his new business (Small World Farms), finishing my internship at the hospital (one day left!), and phasing into my summer field education at our church. I say phasing into, mostly because that's what I would rather be doing right now (planting a garden for my internship? OKAY!), but I've had so many other commitments, so I am juggling my responsibilities accordingly.

In case anyone was desperately waiting at the edge of their seat to see whether or not I have become a NJ resident....well wait no longer, because it's official!!! Not only am I the proud owner of NJ legal domicile (does anyone actually say that?) but I have been okayed to enter the joint MSW program as a result! This means I am embarking on a new educational road, and I am surprisingly okay with that. I thought after my MDiv I would be through studying, but I have once again deceived myself. Bring on the exams! God's got something going on in the area of social work, and I am about to find out!

So, yes, that means for anyone looking to make an east coast visit, you're in luck! We will be here another year, and you are always welcome to board with us while exploring NYC, Philly, the shore (JERSEY shore) :) or anything else that catches your fancy. You may even inspire us to get away for a weekend- something my crazy schedule has not afforded us for quite some time.

This summer I am looking forward to many things- hopefully a day at the shore soon. And working the church garden. leading a church mission trip. preaching at least 2 sermons (hmm, the Spirit better be moving, that's all I have to say about that). grilling with neighbors. building more consistent relationships with church friends. not studying (unless I take a summer MSW course, in which case, nix this). Visiting SD friends and family in June- and perhaps again in August. celebrating my 1st year anniversary! (that one deserved a "!" because I can happily say our 'year of transition' has been quite successful and I'm looking forward to the next). expanding my cooking know-how (my anniversary gift to our marriage is the addition of the Food Network magazine). being intentional about caring for my body and spirit (which are always interrelated, of course). enduring the heat of a NJ summer without complaining. :)

Okay, that's my long-term anticipation. Short term? I have more than a week off from responsibilities before I begin officially at RCHP, during which time one of our good friends will be moving in with us for the summer. Thus, I have some major apartment organizing to do! It's perfect, though, because we are helping him with rent costs, and in turn he will be helping us with utility bills. We have a spare bedroom, which currently hosts an office, but we are glad to transform it into a bedroom this summer! Party every day! :)

I need to catch the bus. Oops!

Sending love in the precious name of Jesus.

Emily

Finals Week- Holy Week- Really?

Yes, I have been negligent. My blog has suffered the same neglect as many other regular endeavors in my life....and my reason? The busiest semester of graduate school yet.

And now I'm to finals week. And holy week- wait, really? A seminary decides to take one of the busiest weeks for ministry to have finals? Yes, that's right. Thankfully, my field education is at a hospital, not a church. In many ways I can hardly believe it's finals week. The semester has rushed by faster than any other....it's almost May??? Wow.

Okay, enough back-tracking....here's what's up. I am officially 10 pages away from being through my spring long-term semester. After this Saturday, I will be done done done with three classes. Only one class awaits two and 1/2 weeks of my attention in May, and summer will officially begin. Whew! I'm really excited for my May class, but before that can happen, we have IYM APRIL FORUM!!!! Next week I will be insanely busy with the forum and the beginning of May term. So finals week this week does not entail celebration next week. I must wait until May 11th to officially celebrate.

That's a flash look at my life....let's see, I'm sure many interesting things have occurred since my last post. We have started the garden at church, which will continue to be my project this summer. I experienced a flurry of drama surrounding spring student government elections (nothing I intended, just a little tension I walked into as oblivious as can be). AJ & I are going to western PA for Thanksgiving and bringing along a friend of ours from church. AJ has been enjoying his work at Whole Foods, and I am enjoying the ability to eat with him on breaks- and the discount!!! I only have a few weeks left at the hospital, and at this point in my experience, I can see myself possibly working as a chaplain at a hospice center. Perhaps as far opposite as I might have expected. Well, that or a chaplain at a children's hospital! :)

Oh, and I'm still waiting on word from Rutgers about my residency status for the MSW program. I have been officially accepted, yet now I must prove I have legal domicile here in NJ. My entry into the MSW program is entirely contingent upon my legal residency. And I'm not so sure how strong my case is. Yuck.

Spring weather has been hit and miss lately. Our weather hasn't been horrible, but definitely not all days have been like today- mid-seventies and sunny. Beautiful! AJ and I just got back from a bike ride, a celebration of finishing my first final paper. Now I'm on to my last paper, a 10 page hermeneutical paper that I am semi-excited for! :) I better be finished by Saturday, because whatever is done will get sent in- and I am off for Easter- two days before the forum begins.

Whew- that's a lot in a little time. I wish you all the best, and I'm assuming I still have somewhat of a readership since I continue writing. If not, I totally understand. :)

Sending love on this particularly poignant Passion Week. May God bless you with experiences of resurrection in your own life.

Em

Lent, Transitions, Beauty

My wonderful friends and listeners...

I have a heart full of intention and peace. Today marks a transition of sorts in multiple ways. It is the first Sunday in our season of Lent- and our church service was particularly moving today. I cried multiple times, and the tears were refreshing. I find that I know when I am truly living by my tears. In recalling several momentous occasions in my life, I realize that tears were always a significant presence. My acceptance of Christ's calling on my life- check. My first break-up with a boyfriend- check. My graduation from high school- check. My second break-up with a boyfriend- check. My experiences on various mission trips- check. My graduation from college-check. My departure from Red Cloud- check. My wedding- check. The first Sunday of Lent 2011 while overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings of solid relationships- check.

Today is also a transition of sorts in my schooling- I am finished with a very fulfilling reading week (more on that later), and I am now embarking on the final half of my 4th semester. Essentially, 2 1/2 more semesters to go, and I'm an MDiv recipient. Yep. Never saw that coming....ha. Okay, I did- but it has snuck up on me, and I find in this season of Lent a wonderful moment to reflect on my experiences thus far, and how my experience has been so enhanced by my relationships.

I LOVE people, in case you hadn't noticed before, and my time here in NJ has introduced me to all sorts of people. Quite a variety of folks in my life, and I love it! For starters, my seminary friends and companions along this journey are remarkable. I cannot say enough about how dedicated, faithful, fun, inspiring, and life-giving my seminary friends have been and will (I'm sure) continue to be. LOVE them. Also, my church family in Highland Park, NJ- I have grown SO much as a result of the compassion, energy, humility, and concern each person has shown me in his/her own way. I am thrilled to be doing my internship there this summer. Another major aspect of my relationships while here is the continuity with folks back home- family and friends whom I adore...and they aren't all 'back home' either. My social network spans the globe- so let me be clear- I truly thank God for skype, email, facebook, and cell phones. Whew- what would a girl like me do without these tools?

And finally- I will risk sounding cheesy in saying this- hands down the #1 most significant relationship in which I am continually blessed is marriage. In some respects, people expect this to be true of newlyweds. However, I know a fair number of marriages that might shatter people's expectations (well, need I point to the 50% divorce rate?)- Wow- I suddenly feel quite justified in celebrating my marriage. AJ is wonderful- but more than either AJ or myself individually- I would like to celebrate the beauty of our marriage. This journey is not without bumps- and I risk speaking of marriage in the presence of readers who are light-years ahead of me in that department...but I risk it anyway, because I am enthralled with my husband.

9 months in, and I'd have to say that marriage has taught me more than any single relationship I have ever experienced (well, mom and dad still win the longevity award) :). I am learning when to say yes, when to say no, how I might lay the positive path of affirmation rather than the receding path of negativity, and what it means to cherish my life partner. We are exactly that- partners in this life together...and as wonderful as are all the positive models of marriage in my life, nothing can replace first-hand experience. Okay- really I can go on and on, but this blog would become a big marriage-loving fest, so I will move on to other things...

I have to report the most beautiful surprise that awaited me at the beginning of my reading week- none other than the arrival of my sister Alison from Japan (well, Okinawa to be precise)...she had coordinated a two-day surprise visit through AJ, and I had NO CLUE. When Al, my sister who was suppose to be in Japan, knocked on my door last Saturday night, it took me a few minutes to actually believe it! Once the initial shock wore off, I invited her in (probably a good thing to do when your sister is at your apartment door) and we spent two glorious days catching up. She saw my basic surroundings, attended church with me (which was wonderful) and we did some good ole sister bonding! How beautiful!

The rest of reading week I spent socializing (a must, you know), catching up on sleep, and actually being somewhat productive with my studies! I am entering the next 5 week sprint feeling refreshed and loving life. How much more could I ask for? (even with the time change!).

This is a long account, which isn't surprising considering my neglect this entire past month! One more tidbit- during the month of March I have been recording my sleep habits (which aren't great, but not horrible I realize) with the intent of discovering my ideal sleep needs. I need a more stable rhythm if that's gonna happen in the next three weeks- but I'm hopeful! Plus, this practice will give me some good raw data for my final paper in my sleep, surrender, sabbath class. If I have one mission after taking this class- I would say to all of you: SLEEP. It's pretty darn important.

Okay- much love to you all on this Lenten journey, as we anticipate the coming of our precious redeemer, and recognize our humanity along the way.

With a peace-filled heart,

Emily

Sinking slowly...

This may sound strange, coming from someone who is entirely blessed and excited about my future...but I feel as if I am slowly sinking into the dense quicksand of a new semester.

Despite the fact that my courseload is quite similar to last semester- same two jobs, same number of credits, same husband, same friends, pretty much same everything- I feel more, well, rushed somehow, as if I've stepped onto quicksand and must find my way out immediately. Only I'm not on my way out- I'm on my way in...

One explanation for the feeling I am currently experiencing might be my propensity to add more social events than is somehow sustainable. A few of these so-called "social" events have actually been altruistic in nature (hosting weekly meals at the house in Newark, serving at the senior citizen 'high tea' at church, volunteering to speak with a friend's youth group about the reservation, cutting someone's hair...yes, that's right. I said cutting someone's hair). Even so, they tend to whittle my time down to a few spare minutes here and there, during which I am suppose to be a student.

I say all that to mention how attentive I must become to my schedule so as to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed. I've been truly overwhelmed before, particularly my senior year of college, and I vowed to never go back. The past few weeks I've been getting similar feelings of slight panic about my schedule, a clear sign I must prune. But the obvious question is- what? I enjoy everything I'm doing, and this semester's classes are quite interesting, so my reading is not only fun, but somewhat necessary for my well-being. I think I'm on to something though...we have been hosting A LOT lately at our apartment, which involves cleaning, cooking, more cleaning, and several hours of missed opportunity to be productive. If you know me, I of course think that hosting IS productive, so I'm speaking from both sides of my mouth, I guess.

I have a few other estimations regarding the reason behind my feelings of sinking slowly and the need to refocus my time...events have transpired recently to put my focus back on being a diligent student, and here they are!

1. I have officially applied to the joint program between PTS and Rutgers University through which I may receive a Masters of Social Work. I will not go into detail regarding this decision, but I will say that I am extremely excited about this opportunity to further my studies in the field of such practical ministry....It will only be one year extra, after which I will have received both my Masters of Divinity and my Masters of Social Work. Oh yeah- I know what some of you are saying (Katie...) that I'm deliberately being a professional student. Ha, this might be true, but for such a good price, why not? :):)

2. AJ has officially started his job with Whole Foods, where he is acquiring the skills of a meat-cutter professional! That's right, he works behind the meat counter- AND we get a 20 percept discount. :) This new addition to our lives means that our 'together time' will need to be much more intentional, but I guess we're facing what all couples face all the time....we were spoiled for 8 months of super-flexible schedules, and now we might have to actually...(gasp)...plan dates!

3. To top it all off, I have begun a class called "Sleep, Surrender, Sabbath" which has inspired me to focus on the amount of sleep I recieve and how I spend my time on a daily basis. Don't you think that's a little ironic- the week I start my "sleep" class I become extremely busy, and get a cold? Oh yeah- that's something else fogging my mind...I have a cold. First one since this past summer- is it also ironic that it's warmer outside today than is has been for several months?

Hmm, evidently I caught myself in a rather introspective mood today during my blogging moment. I hope you enjoy this somewhat murky post...complete with random tidbits and a slight amount of complaining. I really do know better, than to let myself sink slowly into the quicksand of life, sometimes I just need a reminder to rest myself on firmer ground.

May I seek to find my place of centeredness in the one true God that desires my complete trust. And I'd have to say that I do find peace amidst the chaos in knowing that God is in control, and my frantic human efforts really could be scaled back...who knows, it might even allow God to work in my weakness.

Here's to continually discovering new and frustrating parts of life, all with the deep and unfettered knowledge of a God who knows, loves, and cares for all of Creation- including me and you!

Emily

A New Semester Begins...

I have to admit- the past week I have been on break, presumably giving me ample time to update my blog. However, at this point I will refer you to my previous post. :)

To recap my past few weeks- I enjoyed my whirlwind of a class called Theology of the Lord's Supper. We really dug into the major theologians representing a majority of Christian eucharistic traditions....and we also studied our professor's suggested ecumenical approach toward church unity. I must say, it grieves me that we are so far away from unity as Christians, and as much as I respect attempts toward ecumenical dialogue, I really have serious reservations as to whether we are capable of allowing variances in tradition to exist without condemnation. Time will tell...

Last Saturday (well, after an evening of girl-time on Friday) I finally finished my paper, and starting Sunday I've been on a glorious break! I did have to spend two days at the hospital being a chaplain (which continues to be a really fulfilling experience) and an afternoon working at the institute for youth ministry...but overall I've been doing fun things- like hanging out with my husband, going to the gym on a 'free week' trial, digging out of 15 inches of snow (it began again about 15 minutes ago), helping host a birthday party for a dear friend, baking hundreds of cookies (seriously), and cleaning, organizing (if you know me, this is a good thing), and overall feeling great about life!

I have to brag a minute. Only a minute, I promise. A few weeks ago AJ and I were having some minor bickering argument, which had been occurring relatively frequently, and I went for a run...which was amazing...and during my stress-relieving run, I had an epiphany. AJ and I are SO LUCKY to be together. I decided right then and there that we should start acting like we believe it. And since that moment, we HAVE. Every time something minor comes up, all I have to do is remember that moment on my run- and I am overwhelmed with joy in marriage.

There, that's all the bragging I'll do for one day. Thanks for indulging me.

Well, another development has recently occurred in our lives. AJ spent a few nights last week up in Newark at a house for young men and women who were without a home and somehow connected with the justice system. It is a new housing initiative through our church, and this particular house is still awaiting a house mentor...as you might be able to imagine, some unpleasant happenings occurred in the house, and our pastor asked AJ if he could go monitor the house for a few days. While there, AJ developed a relationship with a few of the guys, and now we have decided to go up to the house weekly and cook a meal, stay the night, etc. It should be a fun adventure for AJ and I this semester!

I'm sure there's more to tell, but that's it for right now. If I were really cool I would have provided pictures of all the snow here (think- South Dakota!) :) Alas, I'm still leaving something to be desired.... :)

I hope you are all well, if you happen to be reading this blog. Since my lapse in writing seems to be progressing at a normal rate, I imagine I may have lost a few readers. In any case- much love to you all from this winter wonderland called NJ!

Emily

Remember when...

I used to blog regularly?

Yeah, I vaguely do too.

Except now I don't feel as inspired. Why?

Well, perhaps because what I do actually seems boring to write about.

Certainly I must have crazy stories from my winter break. But then again, I didn't spend winter break in Princeton. And this blog is suppose to be about Princeton.

Nor did I truly 'break' from anything in my travels back to SD.

Except reading and writing. I didn't read a single page. Nope. Okay, maybe a news article here and there.

Instead I saw plenty of friends and family- and my darling little niece, whom AJ now loves (she gives him kisses- it didn't take much more than a scrunched-up smile to win him over).

And now I'm back in Princeton, doing my boring ole' study thing.

Except lately I intersperse studying with visions of my next life. My life after Princeton. Maybe I'm not suppose to live in the future, but the present is too boring without visions of the future, when I, you know, actually do something with my life.

Don't get me wrong. I love seminary. I do. I love so many things about it. I love the people. I like the lectures. But I don't like writing papers, or striving for grades. Instead, I seek my 'meaning' in odd sorts of ways one really shouldn't say aloud. So... (in a whispered voice)... I practice speeches I will one day give to young people. It's true. I stand in front of a mirror and rehearse motivational speeches. There I said it. And you may have even heard, despite the lowered voice.

So, that's what I've been up to lately, with my husband gone again to a week of class in Kansas. I prance around our apartment pretending that millions of bright and hopeful young people are eagerly anticipating my next word. And it keeps me going....keeps me contemplating this enormous mystery of God- being people of God in a world littered with false messages of meaning. Oh- and I'm also studying the Lord's Supper...interesting, but pretty 'heady' and really dense reading.

Speaking of dense reading, I hear a few books calling my name. Off to my world of study that is painfully necessary to enhance my future vision of ministry. That's what we like to call seminary.

Love- with all the hugs possible,

Emily

Seeking God through Papers

Can this be possible?

Yes, it must be, if I'm to assume that my every action can be performed in an attitude of prayer. Here's the deal. I'm entirely unmotivated to write these three final papers....so if I tell myself it is a viable form of seeking God, maybe I will find motivation?

Ha- okay, I will let you know exactly 2 weeks from now if it worked. My final papers are all due 2 weeks from now, and I lack nearly all motivation to write them. Several of the thoughts are in my head already (well, for two...the other one is gonna be sheer sweat and blood)...but putting them on paper is always the most difficult.

In other areas of life, however, I have experienced more success. I finished my photo album from the wedding, finally. I have gathered my energies and figured out Xmas gifts for family members. I have added a few decor items to our apartment recently. And I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with AJ since he returned from his 11 day hiatus... Although he is gone again, this time only for a few days.

I honestly don't have too much to say. I need to write papers- so if I can request a massive helping of your prayers, I will. I know that's a little selfish when so many children and adults alike experience horrendous life situations...and here I am in my privileged position of study, thinking I have it so hard. Geez, someday I might get over myself. :)

Thanks for tuning in to this rather boring post. I am sending my love and cheer on this brisk December evening. May the love of God surround you like a warm fuzzy blanket!

Em