What's in the Bag?

What is in this recyclable bag?



No seriously. What's in that bag?



Oh just a lot of money's worth in books . . .



Because today is Jesse's first day of school!


That's right. At long last we've begun the path towards Jesse's desired career. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his brother and begin graduate school late in life. However Jesse won't be studying in a foreign language (no Greek or Hebrew-whew!), nor will it take 5-6 years. (Well, we hope not.) Aaaand, he won't be able to heal sickness. So basically, the similarites between the 2 brothers ended at beginning graduate school late in life.



He really is happy about finally getting started.


We've had a lot of people ask us questions about what kind of degree Jesse is getting, where he's studying etc, so I thought I'd take the time and fill you in!


What degree will he have?
Jesse is working on a Masters of Arts in Counseling degree. This means that by the time he graduates, he'll be trained to take a test to receive state certification as a counselor.


So he's not studying at seminary to be a pastor?
No. Oh no. Not at all.


Then what can he do with a degree from a seminary?
Jesse's desire is to work in a secular counseling situation. So if he passes the test at the end of his schooling, he'll be licensed to work in that kind of a setting. If he wanted to work at a church of another Christian setting, he probably doesn't need the state certification, but since that's not his main goal, he'll be working on passing that test. I have full confidence that he'll be able to do it.


Where is he studying?
You are on a need to know basis, and you don't need to know. Seriously, you'll have to email us if you really want to know. Otherwise, we'll have to keep that a secret because sometimes we just have some stories we'd like to share and it wouldn't be good if you knew where these things happened. But be looking for a post from Jesse someday about a required Basic Evangelism class he has to take! That will be a good one.


Why did he choose to study counseling at a seminary?
Jesse got a scholarship which really helps bring the cost of his degree down. Plus, we also liked the idea of having a Biblical understanding for not only theology, but for counseling.


Does he really want to sit and listen to people talk about their problems all day?
Yes. And I'll answer this one from my perspective. We've learned that Jesse's main skill set is people. He doesn't have training to be a graphic designer, or a musician or an engineer. But he's highly gifted to work with people, and for people.


I've watched him countless times while he listens with genuine interest to people as they share what they are going through, and then listened to him give a wise answer. Usually when you think of counselors, you think of people who love to talk about feelings, emotions etc. Jesse is not that. Rather, he's one of the biggest thinkers I know. He does NOTHING on emotion. Which is one of the main reasons why I love him. He doesn't think with his heart so when he listens to others express their hearts and emotions, he can kind of sift through what they think is true, and point them in the right way to genuine Truth. I know because I've seen him do this with me-the complete opposite, a mega feeler.


So that my friends, is what Jesse is working on for the next 3 years. We've got a long road ahead of us but you know what? we feel a huge sense of contentment here. Not because we think God called us to this, but because we know God has opened up these doors, and he's providing beyond belief. And I'm not even talking just financially. God is so good, and so faithful.


P.S Today I went for my run and noticed a lot of extra cars on campus. Then I realized it was the day scheduled for chapel. All staff and undergraduate students are required to come. (Not the masters students though-thank goodness!)


I turned off my iPod and ran into the building to take a peek at what a twice-a-week chapel service looks like. A kind woman invited me to come on in. I said, "Oh thanks, but I'm going on a run." Then I walked back out of the building past the many students coming in, turned my iPod back on, and enjoyed a little Fee, Dispatch and Maroon 5. It was one of those moments where I had to laugh at the irony of living on a seminary campus, skipping chapel to run and listen to some goooood music. Thus begins our new life . . .

That's All I Needed

I said I needed a little break. And I did. And I still need a break from writing things that may be funny, but actually come from a deep feeling of brokenness for the post-modern, unchurched, dechurched, lost of this world. A lot of the things that you'll see me write about on this blog in regards to our lives here at seminary are tongue in cheek, but are also the only way I know how to convey some of the inconsistencies I see with "religion."

Speaking of religion, I heard a great quote today. Religion says, "we're here to make sure you do something you don't want to do." (Read your Bible, go to church, share your faith, etc.) A grace filled relationship with God causes us to want to do what we are supposed to do. (Read your Bible, go to church, share your faith, etc.) It's a beautiful thing to be in a relationship with that kind of God. One who loves us enough to give us the Holy Spirit to convict, encourage, correct and in my case, make me cry when I'm all verklempt thinking about how awesome relationship with God is. Yes, that happens. If I think too hard about how good God is, and how much he's radically changed me, my husband and our marriage over the past 3 years, well the tears start a-flowin. This happens often during my runs in the morning. I'll be running along and the hands come out to flap away the moisture. (That doesn't work very well, fyi.)

I may have just said that last part so that you're impressed with the fact that I exercise daily. What I should say, is that it's on my schedule each day (Mon-Fri) and there are lots of days that I miss. I think the real thing I need to change on my blog is that I need to write more about my own inconsistencies if I'm going to write about all the inconsistencies I see when I walk out my front seminary housing door. So here is my first inconsistency: I threw in that tidbit about running in the morning so you'd know I'm "one of those" Moms who makes time to run. So I'm also "one of those" proud, self-righteous types too. Dang it.

I really appreciated all the kind comments people left me (and the few emails too.) I can't stay away from anything too long so I'll be back. I just don't know what I'll want to write about.

Wow. This was one of the most random, personal blog posts I think I've ever written. I've always said I didn't want to be "one of those" (I love that phrase) bloggers who just go on and on about their thoughts. So I apologize for this post and any that follow it's example.It probably stems from spending the past half hour reading this blog. It's my new favorite and I've added it to my blog roll so that you can know when she updates. Thanks Kari for the vine (whatever that phrase means. I'm just using it to sound more blogsmart. See? I am proud! Wow . . . what a weird post this has become.)

One more thing. When I say I heard a quote the other day, what I usually mean is, "I heard a really cool thing come out of someone's mouth and I can't remember exactly what they said but here is my paraphrase." So don't quote me on anything in this blog . . .

Lessons from Writing

Before Renae was born, I read the book "Babywise." I thought so many aspects of it were great. Then I had Renae and quickly threw some of it out the window. Although there are some good tips in there, what I caught loud and clear from the book is that many times when your child is crying, they are just being manipulative and bad. Well, I can't agree with that 100% of the time, especially after having 2 children! As I've talked with other Moms about that book, many people heard the same message that I heard, despite the fact that there are lots of other (and some not so great) good tips in the book. So what's the lesson?

It doesn't matter what you say in a book . . . or a blog post. Whatever stands out the strongest is what others will hear. I received some feedback about my last few posts and I'm learning that I'm not very good at conveying some funny daily happenings without sounding very negative and judgemental. I apologize. That was not my intent and I thought each time that I brought it full circle by talking about how I need to see them as God sees them and learn from them. But lesson learned.

I think I'm going to take a break from blogging for a bit. I'm not sure how long. Until I learn how to kindly and humourusly convey my life here, it really is a stretch to blog about things that are fun for me to write about. Perhaps when I get a camera that works better I'll start blogging about the kids, but honestly, the personal blog thing has lost some of it's charm on me.

Again, I apologize for being overly negative and judgemental. We have met some GREAT people here and we are enjoying having friends so close by to hang out with! God is teaching us some great things and life is good.

Turf Wars

Fingers snap in perfect rhythm.

Two sides face off wearing rolled up sleeves and slicked down hair.

West Side Story's got nothin' on the turf wars going on at this seminary campus.

I know lots of people put pastors on pedestals. Usually, the head shepherd would be voted "Most Likely to say Amen Instead of a Cuss Word When Being Cut Off on the Interstate." Well before these "perfect" men become pastors, they often times have to go to seminary first; at least if you are still part of a traditional church. Some of you attend a more "modern" church, oftentimes dubbed an "emergent" church and you may have a "lay pastor" (turned metrosexual). You lucky A29ers usually get someone who function just like a real person, but studies theology classes as he goes.

Well I live in the world of the traditional pastor. Everyday I'm surrounded by families who will one day be your head pastor, youth pastor, music leader, or resident theologian. They'll be in charge of teaching you the Bible, modeling Christ's love to you (even when you call in every week to nag about the volume of last Sunday's praise worship) and general head pastor stuff. I have a secret to tell you: they aren't perfect! Which brings me to my Turf Wars story . . .

Some friends of ours shared a story about one particular neighbor. This certain person was very possessive about his parking spot. So much so that in one instance, this (future pastor or theologian) left a scathing note on a visiting friends car that pretty much said, "This space is MINE! Now give it back or I'll tell on you to the Dean of Students!" And don't think this only happened once. Sometimes the Parking Spot Nazi came to our friends' door and asked them to move their car . . .to one of the many, many open spaces in the lot.

Last week, we noticed that someone from another building was parking in "our" area. Not our parking spots, but our area. We thought it was weird considering he lived right across the street and there were open spots much closer to his apartment. But oh well. We thought, maybe he's a classic Southern Baptist and needs a little exercise.

Then a fellow neighbor talked with us about how much it bothered him and how he really wished that person would stick to his side of the parking lot. (Can you see the gangs getting ready to gather for a good ole fashioned fist fight?) Like I said, it wasn't bothering us so we didn't really encourage this person to do anything about it. Well lo and behold . . . the next morning, the said car had a "friendly" (not sure what it said) note tucked under the windshield wiper. By early afternoon, the car was moved and has since stopped parking in "our" area.

Mission accomplished. One future church leader avoided conflict by taking the heathens way out and writing a nasty note. Awww . . . I'm going to love living in this weird world the next few years. Best get out the "Lord give my grace, humility and eyes to love these people like you do" prayers.

A New Era Has Begun

1 moving van, 1 swagger wagon, 1 "SUV" and a compact car

We're 27 and 28 years old and we finally moved out of our parents house! OK, cut us some slack . . . we returned from almost 2 years living in Spain and had no place to live for 4 months before moving down to Kansas City. My parents were very gracious to let us camp out at their place. We wore out our welcome though and finally made the big move.


One of Sammy's last naps in Nana and Grandpy's house.

I mentioned before that Jesse will be getting his Master's of Counseling beginning this fall. This begins at least a 3 year seminary living experience for us. Now that we've been here a week, I can say that some of the sterotypes are true. Jesse attended a video game night that (of course) ended with a few guys praying the sterotypical Christian jargon kind of prayers. There hearts are in the right place I'm sure . . . (and obviously my judgmental heart is not! )

Renae and her confident self on the way to her new park. ( No Jaime at this one :( )

Thankfully, not all of the people fit the sterotypes and we've already met some pretty cool neighbors. Jesse has even made one guy jealous due to "our" recent Cornhole game project. Hmmm . . . since some people think Cornhole is a bad term should I start calling it The Bean Bag Toss game? Or since we live at the seminary, Bible Toss??

Checking out our garden plot

One of the cool things about living on seminary is they have a garden! We lucked out (ahem-were blessed) to get a plot that no one was using. It's not in the greatest spot in the garden but hey, we're just giving it a shot anyways. My thumb is a dark shade of pink so I'll be calling my Mother-in-law for lots of advice with our garden.

All of the garden plots

I'm hoping planting a garden will save us some money because I've now jumped on the Penny Pinching wagon and every little bit helps. I've also jumped on the Half-off Coupon-Cutting wagon which is actually pretty fun so far. Last week I saved 15 dollars in coupons-and I didn't even go in with that great of a plan!

Sammy McFatterson

In all seriousness, we are really excited to be here. Jesse is looking forward to starting his career path, and I'm looking forward to what adventures will be coming our way. We know it won't be easy by any means, but we saw how many cool (though at times hard) things God taught us while in Spain and we are trusting the same will happen in this next phase!



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