Dear friends,
It's been over a year since I've written here on this blog, except for the poem and road trip photo journal I just posted today. I thought I'd give you an update!
Asbury Seminary
The biggest thing that has happened in the last year is that I graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Ministry on May 15 at the Orlando campus ceremony! I wish we could have had our guests come in person but at least they could watch the live stream. Seminary took me just three years since this degree is only 48 credits. Since I didn't have to take Greek or Hebrew or any of the other most difficult classes, I managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA.
I have always said, and still say with all my heart, "Asbury gave me my life back!" I met amazing people, learned so much about theology and ministry, raised abuse advocacy awareness among students and faculty, and gained confidence in my calling.
I also had the wonderful opportunity to work for two of my professors for two semesters. I was a Practical Theology course assistant, which meant grading papers, interacting on the discussion boards, teaching a Zoom session on research methodology, and coaching students on their writing projects. For the other professor, I evaluated doctoral ministry student term papers.
I flew up to the Wilmore, Kentucky campus this spring for my Transformative Teaching class. This dear professor, Dr. Beverly Johnson-Miller, taught my Practical Theology class last spring and had hired me as her course assistant in the fall. She pulled me aside after class to commend and commission me for my ministry, especially with empowering those in crisis situations. Her words were priceless. I wish I had a recording of them. I am so blessed.
What's Next?
Many people have asked what I will do with my seminary degree. I was tempted at first to try to find some big new thing, like church employment or training in spiritual direction. However, the more I contemplated this, the more I realized that right now I just need to quietly focus on what is already in front of me, which is more than enough. I'd rather go deep and do it well than spread myself too thin. In a few years (when my youngest graduates from high school) I will be able to reassess my direction and pursue more "ministry" opportunities.
So here is what I am doing for now:
- I am almost done writing another book, Burned: Rising from the Ashes of Spiritual Crisis. It's filled with restorative spiritual practices, mainly for people who have been burned up or burned out with their religious experiences but really for anyone who wants a closer connection with God. I started writing it last summer after hearing, "It's time to write another book!" while I was praying. This was a surprise to me. People have been telling me I should, but I kept answering, "I just don't have time right now!" But I took it as a word from the Lord and started writing. I knew it was going to take an awful lot of careful preparation, so I only took one class that fall semester: an independent research course on crisis and spirituality. I read about 2,200 pages and wrote half the book. I also attended the Florida Christian Writer's Conference as my "field trip" for the class. In the spring semester, in addition to the two other classes I needed to graduate, I did a second independent research course and continued to read (another 2,200 pages!) and write. Now I've got about four chapters and an extensive appendix left to write. Please check out the website and hit the subscribe button! If this book launches well, I will continue to write other books.
- I am active in my own congregation with the Scripture, prayer, and greeting ministries. I also teach Transplanted, a women's Bible study on the Psalms, every other week on Zoom.
- I still work part-time from home for the United Way 211 crisis and referral helpline, which also serves the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in our area. I've been there for three years and recently passed my AIRS certification.
- Next month I start teaching middle school and high school language arts in a local homeschool program one day per week. I love teaching this subject at these grade levels, and I am so grateful for the extra income. It's been several years since I taught in the classroom, so I'm also glad I took a Transformative Teaching class in my last semester of seminary.
- I am still homeschooling my youngest daughter for the rest of high school, which is another three years. I think this makes about 30 years of homeschooling so far if you count preschool with my oldest.
- My almost 16 year old daughter will be in my language arts class, as well as a studio art class in the homeschool program. She has done an amazing job getting her bedroom in order this past year with mega-organizing. Her dad came over to help her paint, and she's redone all of her decorating as well. I am so proud of her!
- My 18 year old son graduated from public high school in May and is joining the Navy. He leaves for boot camp in Illinois at the end of this month and then will train in aircraft mechanics in northwest Florida. I'm going to miss him so much! Wahhhh! Though raised in our Protestant home, he was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic church at Easter. He now has quite a collection of icons, rosaries, crucifixes, and beautiful things which reflect his faith. We have the loveliest conversations.
- My 20 year old daughter is a college student and a customer service manager. She has taken a lot of very hard science courses but hasn't yet decided on her major. She is very active in student leadership on her campus and enjoys frequent trips to the beach. She still lives at home.
- My 22 year old son, who joined the Navy last year, finished his course at the Defense Language Institute in California last month and is awaiting orders for his next assignment. He continues to compose amazing music.
- My 24 year old son works full-time and lives nearby; he had COVID last year and was out of work for a month but has made a full recovery. He is an excellent chef. I think he should open a catering business someday.
- My 26 year old daughter is a ceramics artist and restaurant server. She and her husband are building a house near St. Augustine and will be reclaiming her dog Persephone who has been living with me for several years.
- My 28 year old daughter, a licensed marriage and family therapist just started in private practice specializing in religious trauma. She and her husband live in Melbourne, Florida.
- My 30 year old daughter is a hospital RN and lives nearby. I was hospitalized for a few days last year and was lucky enough to get a bed in her cardiovascular progressive care unit. She took some time off and monitored my care from my room. She loves to travel with her next younger sister. They went for a western national parks adventure this past year. She lives with her kitty and housemates.
- My 32 year old daughter has been managing a legal office but has reduced her hours. She and her husband have two children and three cats and live nearby. They frequently also visit his family's cabin in North Carolina. I love that she is well connected with great friends.
- My 34 year old daughter started her own business from home with public relations, writing, editing, and web design. She and her husband both homeschool their four children. They all live nearby with their dog.
Travel
- My two youngest children and I took a road trip last month to Maryland and back. You can see my photo journal of that here: Road Trip 2021!
- My youngest daughter and I also took a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida for two days to see art museums. We especially loved the Imagine and Chihuly glass art museums.
