News as of March 12th 2008

 

Just Breathe. That is what Charles is saying these days as we deal with all the joys of Studying, Work (Both of US), Kids School, Scouts (Both Girls & Boys), Taxes and the FLU.  The last few weeks have been wild.

 

Yes, young S managed to raise his temperature to 104 the other week, distracting me from my classes.  It is hard to concentrate on reading about Baptism and Eucharist when there is a sick kid in the other room.  Charles ended up taking time off to be with him during the sickness since Monday is the only day that I am completely off school. S was off from school for 4 days. Then when S returned to school it was a panic to get his work done before the end of the grading period that Friday. As you can guess we have been a little distracted from updating the Web Page.  However, Charles did remember to wish his brother a happy birthday during all of this. Touch wood (If I can say that in seminary), the rest of us have managed to avoid the dreaded bug.

 

Death and Taxes, that is the sure certainty of life. Thankfully we are wrapping our taxes up for the year and will throw the details over to the accountant to work out how to handle all the changes we have gone through in 2007.  We are not sure how to handle them and our accountant has been quite good to us in the past.

 

Reading, Reading, Reading.......

Did I mention that I did my first Sermon in class and it was recorded.  I managed to survive and learnt some valuable lessons for the next time - Breathe, Points, Pause, Pace and most importantly RELAX.  I'm not sure it is as nerve wracking to preach in front of a congregation as it is to preach in front of your peers (who I might add get the opportunity to critique your sermon).  I did all right for my first time--of course, you veterans will understand that I wanted to get too much in and ended up with too many points.

 

I went on a "preaching" trip to Flint River Presbytery in Southwest Georgia.  It went well, I still insisted on not preaching and learned a very valuable lesson. See on the fall trip to Mississippi the pastor gave me the task to organize the liturgy.  This time the liturgy was already arranged and I was pretty much unneeded.  With this experience I have learned--either step up to the plate or get out of the way.  So the next time I go on one of these trips I will preach.  And have asked the organizer of the trips (Randy) to hold me to it.  And now I've told you all--so hold me to it.  

 

Mid Term Exam Alert - the week of March 17 through 21 is mid-term.  I have an exam on Thursday in New Testament.  The good news is that it is the only exam this time.  I have big plans to study all week for it, but I'm going to start now because the week is getting eaten away with other stuff that needs attending to.  Ugghhh!  I only have to recognize scripture by which gospel its in based on the overall theme of the gospel, identify key terms in New Testament study and why they are important and write an essay on a topic that the professor chooses.  No big deal.  Right? 

 

I passed the Bible Content Exam--also known as the Bible Trivia Exam.  Speaking of recognizing scripture and where it comes from.  Moving forward-I do my internship this summer and Praise God!  The church we are attending has graciously accepted me as their summer intern.  I am so excited that this opportunity worked out because I have already built relationships with some of the folks and the pastor is wonderful.  I think I'm going to learn a lot this summer.  

 

Charles remains employed and has a little more work to do. Not much more to that right now. Last Sunday he started his Sunday school class (Same time as the clocks went forward - some call it a brave move) . One other adult showed up followed by 7 youth and their two adult leaders who were looking for the TV & DVD player for their class. So Charles ended up partaking in the youth class which was an experience. He has since broadcast in church that he has a class and is looking forward to a larger turnout. After the service on Sunday, he was also informed that it was not enough to just form a class but he also had to name it. After much thought he is going to suggest a name of "Discovery".

 

The time change this past weekend was not an eye opener as we struggle as a family to get used to the loss of an hour sleep.  I think by Thursday we will be back on track - hopefully.  S was shocked to find it very dark on the walk to the bus stop on Monday morning and even B noticed it was slightly darker for her walk to school.  

 

S & Charles had their Scout Pinewood Derby over the weekend. S won 2 race and lost 2 as well which put him out of the running, still this was his best performance at a Pinewood Derby to date.  This Saturday, it is the Scouts Blue & Gold Banquet where S should get his Webelos badge and Charles has been busy creating songs and skits for his den to do. Keep your fingers crossed that S will be able to attend Scout summer camp as he would be the only kid from his den going due to the fact that Charles is the only parent available to be there for the 4 days. We are waiting for a response from the organizers.

 

B has been wrapping up her girl scout cookie sales - Thin Mints and Samoa's were the big hit, we currently have a surplus of TreFoils (Shortbread). She has also been working hard on the weekends on her scouting activities and has completed three Try-its just this weekend alone.  

 

A Walmart has opened down the road from us so that is good news if we need to run out and get something. So far however Charles tried it and found it did not have what he needed so he ended up at our old one to buy groceries. Hopefully it will get better stocked the longer it is open.

 

Keep your kind thoughts and wishes coming; I love to hear from you. 

 

 God Bless,    Diane J
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