Weekly post

Jan. 30, 2006

Dear friends,
A weekend filled with homework, but I got a lot done. I looked over my calendar and find that I have between 2 and 4 papers due every week, so I'm finding it productive to do my daily readings and homework on weekends to clear the deck.

Our daughter lost an upper front tooth this weekend, giving her a really adorable smile! If we're organized enough, we'll take pictures.

I hope that the week that's beginning is busy and productive! In only 5 weeks, my MIN 591 class will be on its way to New York for a week of doing ministry -- very exciting. I'm not sure what the week will hold, but I look forward to the preparations.

The Sunday Times yielded several great articles for my class, including a wickedly good review of a new hagiography of Phyllis Schlafly (ugh). Also a neat feature article on a family that, for more than 200 years, has saved all its letters, some written with dip quill pens on parchment. What a history!

Much to print.
Grace and peace,
Beth

Weekly post

Jan. 23, 2006

Dear friends,

A rainy Monday morning. No school for the children -- teacher workday -- which ironically put me behind schedule. I made it to school in time to find a parking place.
About the Panthers NFC championship game, less said the better, except that I think the Cats lost the game in Chicago, when the Bears mugged the Panthers, costing the team Steve Smith, DeShaun Foster, Julius Peppers and five other players who were injured. Then young Goings was injured in the first quarter in Seattle.
Well, a good team, a good season, and wait till next year!
Not overly much to report today. Got a lot done academically this weekend.
See you next week.
Grace and peace,
Beth

Weekly post

Jan. 16, 2006
Dear friends,

Late post today because no classes (MLK Day). I still had to drive into Winston-Salem, though, to do a couple of things on campus and have lunch with a friend. Then I took George to Barnes & Noble to enjoy his $25 gift card. After that, since we were halfway across town, I took him with me while I went to donate blood. He was very patient during the hour it took.
Now I'm in the midst of serious studying, including a hundred or so pages about families in the New Testament world, which I'm enjoying, but the frequent use of Roman terms is slowing me down. My knowledge of English helps some, however, in trying to figure out what an impluvium or cubiculum might be.
I'm enjoying being "required" :) to read The New York Times Monday-Friday and Sundays. On weekdays, I get it on campus; on Sundays, it lands in the driveway, and Mark and I both enjoy spending part of the afternoon on it. No, I haven't tried the crosswords yet!
We're looking forward to watching Lincoln on the History Channel tonight, so I'd better get back to work. Go, Panthers!!
Grace and peace,
Beth

Weekly post

Jan. 9, 2006
Dear friends,
After a month to center down, rest and renew, I embark on a new semester. Although the semester officially begins today, that's primarily for new students' orientation, etc. Classes do not begin until tomorrow. Already we have homework -- if we wish to have it -- the history professor posted the syllabus online, and our first paper is due on the 24th. It's on a book of essays and poetry by a 17th-century Mexican nun. Luckily, before break he said that we would be starting with this book if any of us wanted to read it over the break (hint, hint!).
So you have an idea of where I'll be when, here's the schedule.
MONDAYS
9:00 New Testament II
4:00 Multicultural Immersion
TUESDAYS
1:30 Church History
3:00 God & the New York Times
6:00 Foundations of Ethics
WEDNESDAYS
9:00 New Testament II
1:00 Work
THURSDAYS
8:00 Work
1:30 Church History
3:00 God & the New York Times
FRIDAYS
9:00 New Testament II
1:00 Work
Thanks for being with me on this journey.
Grace and peace,
Beth