Weekly post

Dear Friends,
Happy All Hallow's Eve!
I waited to post today because it's registration time, and I wanted to see how matters sorted out. It's not definite yet, but it looks as though I will continue in New Testament and History of Christianity (two-semester courses) and pick up the required Multicultural Immersion course, with a week of doing ministry in New York in March; a required Foundations of Ethics course, and a course called God and the New York Times. Of course, mileage may vary!
I'm plugging along. In addition to five term papers, there are the "regular" papers that must be submitted, but I'm doing well at working ahead on the smaller papers and on homework so that I can give good attention to the term papers. I have finished the New Testament term paper and am satisfied that within the word limits, that's the best I can do.
Have a wonderful All Saint's Day.
Grace and peace,
Beth

Weekly post

October 24, 2005

Dear friends,
Today is starting off as one of those days, so it can only get better. As I was leaving for school, the dog got out. He used to be a stray, so sometimes he slips out the front door and bounds away faster than you can round him up. It took me fifteen minutes and 3/4 of the way around the pond to get to a place where he was willing to lie down and let me come to him. I picked him up and escorted him home, so that I left for school fifteen minutes later than planned and with sopping wet shoes, feet and pants legs.
There was a massive traffic jam on the exit I usually take, so I had to take another exit, and when I got to school and went to get a cup of coffee, I discovered that my DeaconOne card was not in its usual place in my wallet. The DeaconOne card is ID and also pays for meals in the cafeteria, copies at the copy machine, allows me to check out library books, etc., etc. I have been meticulous about taking it out only to have it swiped and immediately putting it back in my wallet. I can't imagine where it's gotten to, but rather than live without it until it turns up, I'll really need to go by the appropriate office after class this morning and pay to get a new one made, however long that takes.
The weekend, however, was good. On Saturday I got the first draft of a term paper written, did four loads of laundry, took George and the dog to go pick out pumpkins, had fun as all four of the humans carved the pumpkins, and watched the White Sox win Game 1 of the World Series. Church and Sunday school were good and Sunday afternoon was relaxing.
It stinks about my DeaconOne card, but life happens, occasionally.

Grace and peace,
Beth

Weekly post P.S.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Update! I just got back my church history midterm and found that I made a B on it! If I'd had 10 more minutes on the second essay question, I might have made a few points more, but I'm very pleased with the results, especially for not having had any sleep the night before.
See you on Monday.
Grace and peace,
Beth

weekly post

Oct. 17, 2005

Dear friends,

As promised, a slightly longer post this week. Midterms are over, and I now turn my attention to five term papers all due about five weeks from now. I'm looking forward to having a good 8-hour block between classes today to be busy and productive in the library! I plan to knock out my New Testament exegetical essay first, if I can get permission to write on Luke aspects of Luke 7:37-50. Then, I suppose, I'll want to try to lay the groundwork for the most challenging one, a term paper exploring the influence of indulgence sales on lay receptiveness to the Reformation.
I received an 84, a solid B, on my New Testament midterm. By this time next week, I should know the results of the church history midterm, so am keeping my fingers crossed.
The semester is flying by, and it's hard to believe that final exams are only six weeks away! I'm continuing to enjoy the hard work and the interaction in classes. I just hope some of it sticks.
In other news, we enjoyed a wonderful birthday party for our daughter and a visit with friends and family for a niece's birthday party as well last weekend.
I had hoped to make good progress on my term papers over the weekend, but received an assignment on Thursday afternoon that took up most of my study time. At least it's completed!
Am enjoying the cooler weather and the spectacle of the White Sox headed to the World Series. The ghost of Shoeless Joe may finally get to rest in peace.
And grace and peace to you, my friends.
Beth
P.S.: The jpegs came through just fine! Many, many thanks!

weekly post PS

Quick PS before I got to midterm study group:
Just got a paper back from the dean, who also teaches church history, and I GOT AN A!!! Very neat.
Grace and peace,
Beth

weekly post

Oct. 10, 2005
Dear friends,
This is one of those weeks with no time to post. Very demanding history midterm tomorrow at 1:30. Please include me in your prayers! More next week, I promise.
Grace and peace,
Beth

Weekly post

Monday, Oct. 3, 2005
Dear friends,
I have just completed my first exam here, a midterm in New Testament interpretation, and am very pleased. I expect easily to get a B or better. I have gotten good grades on my papers so far, but have a very demanding history midterm coming up a week from tomorrow.
As I promised at the beginning of the semester, some posts will have to be very brief as other topics demand my time. I will say only that I caught the div school crud that is going around, but the worst seems to be over.
Grace and peace,
Beth