VBS...Vacation Bible School...
It brings back lots of memories from my childhood. Growing up summers were spent going to Vacation Bible School. We would go to our church (Methodist), then go to my maternal grandparents church (Baptist), sometimes we would go the the Baptist church in our town and the Christian church as well. It didn't matter to anyone whether you were Methodist, Baptist, or Catholic. The churches all worke together so that no one church's VBS interferred with the other's!
Memories of singing songs, hearing Bible stories, making crafts, and of course cookies and Koolaid! In my day, VBS was held in the morning, from like 9-12, was 5 days in length and then the last evening, Friday, there would be a program in which all the kids participated and to which all the parents and grandparents attended. I imagine the preachers fo these little churches would have loved to have that kind of a crowd every Sunday morning!
Well, we just finished our VBS here at B'ville! It was the first VBS in several years and we were a little anxious about it. We had counted up and figured, if "everybody and their brother" came we could potentially have around 50, so we planned for 60! (just in case we had forgotten anyone!) I figured if we had 30...I would be happy. I would take anything, and would be tickled if we were overflowing!
We were only going to do three days and then have our program. It was kind of a way to ease back into it. We also were having it of an evening, for 1.5 hours. So we planned, ordered from OTC, designed backdrops, painted backdrops, ate pizza as we worked and then...IT WAS TIME!
Monday night, we were there at 5 to make sure everything was in order. We had 19 kids, but we knew that there were several who would be there the next night; that hadn't been able to come the first night. OK...so we would be able to use our supplies for out new Children's and YOuth ministry that will start in July.
Tuesday night kids started coming out of the woodwork! We had 34! WooHOO! I was pleased! The biggest group was the toddler, Pre-K and K group! Then came Wednesday and we had 39! If we had kept going through Friday, we may have hit that 50 -60! I was satisfied!
Thursday's program was well attended by parents and grandparents and the kiddos were wonderful! They sang, they recited their Bible verses and they were so proud to show off their craft work!
The adult workers were tired puppies to say the least! However, we have learned some valuable lessons for next year! All-in-all, "The Adventures of the Treasure Seekers" was a success! God was glorified and I am sure pleased with the efforts of all involved to teach the youngest of the kingdom of the love God has stored up for us as treasures in this life!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Well, a bit of time has passed since I posted. A lot of things have happened. It has been a busy month. Let me do a little catching up before I get back to the string of writings that I started out doing!
I took a little vacation early in May, going to Houston, spending time with family and friends. Then there was Annual Conference at the end of May, again back in Houston. However, no time to visit outside of visiting AT Conference!
Back here in B'ville, things have been hopping as well. The Beckville Bearcat Baseball time made it into the playoffs. I know they were their district champs and we went two more rounds into the playoffs before loosing! I managed to get to the last two or three games. I really enjoyed watching them play...even though they lost! They are still to be congratulated! GO BEARCATS!
School ended with a couple of hard times for the kids. The senior high counselor, who had been ill all year with brain cancer died just before the end of the year and then additionally, the band leader had heart surgery, got through that okay, but then died rather suddenly. He was still in the hospital so it was probably related to the heart surgery. The school system here has had, this year then, three deaths. Just before school started last summer one of the kindergarten teachers died. It has been a rough year!
The parsonage has been leveled, the heater replaced, the air conditioner cleaned and I am working now on the main bathroom. We are going to do some painting, probably this fall when things are a little cooler! I told them I would buy the pizza! Hehehe! I am not much of a painter on a grand scale. I am going to attempt to paint the bathroom, after I get the new tiles laid. They are just the stick on kind of tiles that you can lay easily. I have gotten the main center part down and now it will be the time to do the cutting of the odd pieces that will fill in around the edges and the like! I felt rather accomplished just getting the main pieces laid...a little "Martha Stewart" like!
As far as church goes...whew! Where to start? We are doing Vacation Bible School, the first time in several years. This first year, we are just doing like three days and then a program; kind of getting our feet wet, and additionally see how things work for when we start our new Childrens and Youth Ministry program. It will start in July. We had thought about starting it in June, but we needed the time to work on VBS! There are scads of little kids here! For such a small community, we are blessed!
Well, for the time being that is all I am going to write. I will try and be a little more dilegent in my postings now!
I took a little vacation early in May, going to Houston, spending time with family and friends. Then there was Annual Conference at the end of May, again back in Houston. However, no time to visit outside of visiting AT Conference!
Back here in B'ville, things have been hopping as well. The Beckville Bearcat Baseball time made it into the playoffs. I know they were their district champs and we went two more rounds into the playoffs before loosing! I managed to get to the last two or three games. I really enjoyed watching them play...even though they lost! They are still to be congratulated! GO BEARCATS!
School ended with a couple of hard times for the kids. The senior high counselor, who had been ill all year with brain cancer died just before the end of the year and then additionally, the band leader had heart surgery, got through that okay, but then died rather suddenly. He was still in the hospital so it was probably related to the heart surgery. The school system here has had, this year then, three deaths. Just before school started last summer one of the kindergarten teachers died. It has been a rough year!
The parsonage has been leveled, the heater replaced, the air conditioner cleaned and I am working now on the main bathroom. We are going to do some painting, probably this fall when things are a little cooler! I told them I would buy the pizza! Hehehe! I am not much of a painter on a grand scale. I am going to attempt to paint the bathroom, after I get the new tiles laid. They are just the stick on kind of tiles that you can lay easily. I have gotten the main center part down and now it will be the time to do the cutting of the odd pieces that will fill in around the edges and the like! I felt rather accomplished just getting the main pieces laid...a little "Martha Stewart" like!
As far as church goes...whew! Where to start? We are doing Vacation Bible School, the first time in several years. This first year, we are just doing like three days and then a program; kind of getting our feet wet, and additionally see how things work for when we start our new Childrens and Youth Ministry program. It will start in July. We had thought about starting it in June, but we needed the time to work on VBS! There are scads of little kids here! For such a small community, we are blessed!
Well, for the time being that is all I am going to write. I will try and be a little more dilegent in my postings now!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
First Communion
My first Communion Sunday here at Beckville was July 3, 2005. I had already been warned to expect a light crowd. This congregation has lots of campers! With it being the July 4th weekend, I knew there would be a lot of folk gone. Now, I had never completely performed a Communion Service. I had assisted, but never done the entire liturgy myself. I was a little nervous. We had "practiced" in seminary, but somehow this was different. This was The Real Thing so to speak. I had gone over and over the liturgy at home, practicing when to do what and how.
There are a couple of women who handle preparing the elements, but I still was anxious...what if they didn't show up, what if they went camping, what if they forgot. I thought "perhaps I should have gotten bread and juice - just in case!" But, I hadn't! I woke up early that Sunday morning, getting to the church about 8:30am (Sunday School doesn't start til 10, Worship at 11). I went into the sanctuary, sat in the pew and prayed...and prayed...and prayed! "God...just lead me through this, let me honor you with all that I do..." I went through the liturgy there in the sanctuary, trying to figure out where to stand, how to move; basically I was blocking out the Communion service.
About 9:30 the phone in the church rang. I went to answer it. "Kim, this is Jerry, what time is your worship service?" My mind is racing, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry??? THEN it HITS ME! Jerry is my District Superintendent! "Uh...Worship starts at 11:00. Will you be here?" "Yes," he responds. "We will." "OK, great! See you then!" OK Great??? OK GREAT???? Oh dear! Why my first Communion Sunday? Why July 3, when there may be only a few people here? I begin to feel panic setting in!
Sunday school starts at 10, and I announce to the adult class that the DS will be in worship. They don't seem ruffled by the prospect at all. I leave the class a little early to go in and prepare for worship. The time to begin service starts and just a couple minutes before 11, in the DS and his wife walk. I had thought that since the hour was almost there, perhaps he wasn't coming after all, but no such luck. I manage to get through the sermon and the communion service with only a couple of minor glitches, that were probably only known to me!
After the service, I greeted Jerry and he complimented me on the service. I told him he really caught me off guard! His wife said, "I told him not to call you..." I responded, "I don't know what would have been better-knowing or not knowing!" I guess, in all honesty, I was glad there wasn't a larger congregation there, it probably would have made me more nervous. No matter how much I went through the liturgy in school, no matter how much I practiced at home, actually doing it in front of the congregation was SOOO much different. I am glad to say, I am much more at ease now and feel that I have finally conquered (at least for Beckville UMC) the Communion jitters!
There are a couple of women who handle preparing the elements, but I still was anxious...what if they didn't show up, what if they went camping, what if they forgot. I thought "perhaps I should have gotten bread and juice - just in case!" But, I hadn't! I woke up early that Sunday morning, getting to the church about 8:30am (Sunday School doesn't start til 10, Worship at 11). I went into the sanctuary, sat in the pew and prayed...and prayed...and prayed! "God...just lead me through this, let me honor you with all that I do..." I went through the liturgy there in the sanctuary, trying to figure out where to stand, how to move; basically I was blocking out the Communion service.
About 9:30 the phone in the church rang. I went to answer it. "Kim, this is Jerry, what time is your worship service?" My mind is racing, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry??? THEN it HITS ME! Jerry is my District Superintendent! "Uh...Worship starts at 11:00. Will you be here?" "Yes," he responds. "We will." "OK, great! See you then!" OK Great??? OK GREAT???? Oh dear! Why my first Communion Sunday? Why July 3, when there may be only a few people here? I begin to feel panic setting in!
Sunday school starts at 10, and I announce to the adult class that the DS will be in worship. They don't seem ruffled by the prospect at all. I leave the class a little early to go in and prepare for worship. The time to begin service starts and just a couple minutes before 11, in the DS and his wife walk. I had thought that since the hour was almost there, perhaps he wasn't coming after all, but no such luck. I manage to get through the sermon and the communion service with only a couple of minor glitches, that were probably only known to me!
After the service, I greeted Jerry and he complimented me on the service. I told him he really caught me off guard! His wife said, "I told him not to call you..." I responded, "I don't know what would have been better-knowing or not knowing!" I guess, in all honesty, I was glad there wasn't a larger congregation there, it probably would have made me more nervous. No matter how much I went through the liturgy in school, no matter how much I practiced at home, actually doing it in front of the congregation was SOOO much different. I am glad to say, I am much more at ease now and feel that I have finally conquered (at least for Beckville UMC) the Communion jitters!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Serving...
I am going to jump a little out of order again; I want to reflect on Maundy Thursday while it is still fairly fresh.
I offered a Maundy Thursday Service of Footwashing and Communion. Services outside of Sunday morning are not usually well attended. although I did have 55 or so on Christmas Eve. I did tell the congregation this Maundy Thursday service would not be over 30 minutes. Lengths of service outside of Sundays are something I have to contend with because of the number of young children that we have. We don't have childcare, and it makes it a little difficult. It will be something I look into this next year...offering child care for services other than Sunday morning. Anyway...
As I said, these services are not always well attended. I didn't know whether to expect only me, or anyone else. I ended up with 15, which for such a small church (125 membership), and this being the first kind of service like this, I thought it was pretty good.
I had gone in earlier in the day and set up for this service. I had the altar table covered in candles, all different kinds and sizes along with my crystal crosses. I had moved one of the large chairs down in front of the altar and had my foot washing bowl and pitcher from my commissioning set up along with two large towels. I also had the Elements for communion on the altar table, using a beautiful chalice that I had been given by Nancy when I left St. T's. I found a beautiful glass paten to match it. So I was set.
I had a short message and went through the communion liturgy, after which I instructed those that felt comfortable to come forward, allow me to wash their feet and then they could partake of communion and have a time of prayer at the altar and that after everyone had finished and was agin seated, they would be dismissed, and I asked them to leave in cotemplative silence. I also gave them the option that if they preferred, I would wash their hands.
It was a humbling experience, to say the least, as I knelt before them, offering in love the sacrifice of washing their feet as Jesus had washed the disciples. I encouraged them to go into the world and offer a sacrificial love to others.
There was only one who had a hand washing and she had on a dress and hose, so it would have been a little more difficult for me to wash her feet. Everyone else allowed me the privilege of serving them in this service.
I had one young girl (she is in 1st grade) who, after I washed her feet, asked me, "Ms Kim...who is going to wash your feet?" I explained to her that there would be no one to wash my feet, just as no one had washed Jesus' feet...that I did this becaus of my love for her and to help her learn to serve others, even when sometimes it was not an easy or fun thing to do. She then reached out and hugged me and said "I love you..." I was almost in tears....
As I said, there were only 15, but, it was so moving that I came home and cried. I realized how much one can love those one has only known for such a short time...love in the way that Christ loves, and that was very powerful for me. I hope to do this again next year, and perhaps there will be more that will participate.
I offered a Maundy Thursday Service of Footwashing and Communion. Services outside of Sunday morning are not usually well attended. although I did have 55 or so on Christmas Eve. I did tell the congregation this Maundy Thursday service would not be over 30 minutes. Lengths of service outside of Sundays are something I have to contend with because of the number of young children that we have. We don't have childcare, and it makes it a little difficult. It will be something I look into this next year...offering child care for services other than Sunday morning. Anyway...
As I said, these services are not always well attended. I didn't know whether to expect only me, or anyone else. I ended up with 15, which for such a small church (125 membership), and this being the first kind of service like this, I thought it was pretty good.
I had gone in earlier in the day and set up for this service. I had the altar table covered in candles, all different kinds and sizes along with my crystal crosses. I had moved one of the large chairs down in front of the altar and had my foot washing bowl and pitcher from my commissioning set up along with two large towels. I also had the Elements for communion on the altar table, using a beautiful chalice that I had been given by Nancy when I left St. T's. I found a beautiful glass paten to match it. So I was set.
I had a short message and went through the communion liturgy, after which I instructed those that felt comfortable to come forward, allow me to wash their feet and then they could partake of communion and have a time of prayer at the altar and that after everyone had finished and was agin seated, they would be dismissed, and I asked them to leave in cotemplative silence. I also gave them the option that if they preferred, I would wash their hands.
It was a humbling experience, to say the least, as I knelt before them, offering in love the sacrifice of washing their feet as Jesus had washed the disciples. I encouraged them to go into the world and offer a sacrificial love to others.
There was only one who had a hand washing and she had on a dress and hose, so it would have been a little more difficult for me to wash her feet. Everyone else allowed me the privilege of serving them in this service.
I had one young girl (she is in 1st grade) who, after I washed her feet, asked me, "Ms Kim...who is going to wash your feet?" I explained to her that there would be no one to wash my feet, just as no one had washed Jesus' feet...that I did this becaus of my love for her and to help her learn to serve others, even when sometimes it was not an easy or fun thing to do. She then reached out and hugged me and said "I love you..." I was almost in tears....
As I said, there were only 15, but, it was so moving that I came home and cried. I realized how much one can love those one has only known for such a short time...love in the way that Christ loves, and that was very powerful for me. I hope to do this again next year, and perhaps there will be more that will participate.
Baptism by Canoe?!?
Shortly after my arrival, the congregation started talking about the "Church Camping Trip." I was told that one of the previous ministers had started this Canoeing/Camping Trip. I was also told that my predecessor had not gone, but that previous ministers in the history of this expedition had. I decided to go, thinking I might get an insight I might not otherwise have.
Here are my writings on the Church Camping/Canoe Trip.
PRE-TRIP:
Well, I am off camping this weekend with the group from the church. I asked “what kind of camping are we talking about?” I am not really into ‘roughing it’ in tents, etc. My Girl Scouting days are LONG over! They assured me it was civilized; that we have cabins and indoor bathrooms.
Then they brought up bathing suits; “You know we go canoeing!” WE WHO???? “You are supposed to bless our trip.”
I told them “I can bless the trip from shore! Canoes tip over too easily, and I don’t swim!” “Oh,” they said, “You must wear a life jacket!” Like that is going to help! When I go to my cousin’s down on the lake, I bungee cord myself to the dock and threaten anyone who comes near me or makes waves! But, we shall see. The water is not supposed to be very deep, however, I said that was all a matter of perspective. If I have Nancy Kellond’s height, yes, the water might not be deep, but remember, I am a SHORTIE!!!
I am looking forward to it. It will give me a chance to get to know some of the congregation a little better. We have a Lay Speaker coming in for Sunday worship, and I will have a little service at the lake.
I am leaving the kittens plenty of food and a couple litter boxes, and hopefully, will come home to a house that has not been totally destroyed. They couldn’t totally destroy it, because I haven’t managed to get it totally fixed yet! They are confined to den and kitchen, but that is their usual space anyway, so it shouldn’t be too bad.
POST TRIP:
I am home from a weekend of white-water canoeing on the White River in Broken Bow, OK. Okay…so I didn’t exactly “shoot the rapids” I DID make it through the shoot…it was just before we went over the rapids that we hit a rock, beached upon that rock and I decided that preaching FROM that rock might not be a bad thing! I could get my sunblock out of the canoe and just sit there!
But, obviously, I am writing this so I am OFF the rock. I was helped through the fast flowing waters to shore, where I walked, yes WALKED around the rapids and rejoined my canoeing partner for the rest of the 4 mile trip. Once the heart slowed down to a more natural rate, I was able to enjoy the scenery and trip. Later that evening I took another boat ride (a ten passenger boat!) around a beautiful lake in Hoachie Town, OK(Long story on the town’s name!) It was wonderful, the boat didn’t rock and I didn’t have to paddle! I was a little sore in the shoulders last night, but am back to 100% today.
We had a great time, and the group told me I could stay on as pastor! I didn’t take my camera so there are NO Pics! Sorry ‘bout that, but I can give you names/numbers if you want verification!
I returned home to 2 very happy kitties and we are all sitting here now, snuggled together as I type this!
I also got some good sermon stories this weekend! The group told me that is one thing they knew would happen! We have one little boy (almost three-he didn’t go canoeing!) who insists on calling me ‘newpastor’ He will say, “Mawmaw, can I go listen to newpastors radio (my Ipod!)” Or Mawmaw, is the newpastor going on the boat too?” Maybe one day, I will no longer be “newpastor” I think perhaps this weekend has begun that for me!
Here are my writings on the Church Camping/Canoe Trip.
PRE-TRIP:
Well, I am off camping this weekend with the group from the church. I asked “what kind of camping are we talking about?” I am not really into ‘roughing it’ in tents, etc. My Girl Scouting days are LONG over! They assured me it was civilized; that we have cabins and indoor bathrooms.
Then they brought up bathing suits; “You know we go canoeing!” WE WHO???? “You are supposed to bless our trip.”
I told them “I can bless the trip from shore! Canoes tip over too easily, and I don’t swim!” “Oh,” they said, “You must wear a life jacket!” Like that is going to help! When I go to my cousin’s down on the lake, I bungee cord myself to the dock and threaten anyone who comes near me or makes waves! But, we shall see. The water is not supposed to be very deep, however, I said that was all a matter of perspective. If I have Nancy Kellond’s height, yes, the water might not be deep, but remember, I am a SHORTIE!!!
I am looking forward to it. It will give me a chance to get to know some of the congregation a little better. We have a Lay Speaker coming in for Sunday worship, and I will have a little service at the lake.
I am leaving the kittens plenty of food and a couple litter boxes, and hopefully, will come home to a house that has not been totally destroyed. They couldn’t totally destroy it, because I haven’t managed to get it totally fixed yet! They are confined to den and kitchen, but that is their usual space anyway, so it shouldn’t be too bad.
POST TRIP:
I am home from a weekend of white-water canoeing on the White River in Broken Bow, OK. Okay…so I didn’t exactly “shoot the rapids” I DID make it through the shoot…it was just before we went over the rapids that we hit a rock, beached upon that rock and I decided that preaching FROM that rock might not be a bad thing! I could get my sunblock out of the canoe and just sit there!
But, obviously, I am writing this so I am OFF the rock. I was helped through the fast flowing waters to shore, where I walked, yes WALKED around the rapids and rejoined my canoeing partner for the rest of the 4 mile trip. Once the heart slowed down to a more natural rate, I was able to enjoy the scenery and trip. Later that evening I took another boat ride (a ten passenger boat!) around a beautiful lake in Hoachie Town, OK(Long story on the town’s name!) It was wonderful, the boat didn’t rock and I didn’t have to paddle! I was a little sore in the shoulders last night, but am back to 100% today.
We had a great time, and the group told me I could stay on as pastor! I didn’t take my camera so there are NO Pics! Sorry ‘bout that, but I can give you names/numbers if you want verification!
I returned home to 2 very happy kitties and we are all sitting here now, snuggled together as I type this!
I also got some good sermon stories this weekend! The group told me that is one thing they knew would happen! We have one little boy (almost three-he didn’t go canoeing!) who insists on calling me ‘newpastor’ He will say, “Mawmaw, can I go listen to newpastors radio (my Ipod!)” Or Mawmaw, is the newpastor going on the boat too?” Maybe one day, I will no longer be “newpastor” I think perhaps this weekend has begun that for me!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Culture Shock
I arrive in Beckville around 7:30 pm, after unloading my kittens and walking around the house, I call John (a member of the church) to let him know I have arrived. He tells me he will be right over. I proceed to unload some of my stuff from the car. I have a bedroom that is furnished with furniture and I have brought sheets, towels, a clock and some personal items so that I can at least know that I will have a bed to sleep in. The moving van is scheduled to arrive around 7am the next morning.
Shortly, there is a knock at my door...it isn't John or his wife, and I don't know who it is. I open the door and she introduces herself..."Ruth." She tells me that John had called her because she was closer than he was and she could get there a little more quickly. She also tells me she has prepared some spaghetti for me, and asks would I prefer to eat it here, or go to her house. I tell her I was pretty well exhausted, and although I appreciated the invite, I thought I would prefer to eat it here.
John arrives just momentarily and the three of us make a quick walk through of the parsonage. We look at the living room and I ask if I need permission to paint. You must understand. The furniture in the living/dining room is really nice, but the walls are painted dark forest green and about every 6 inches there is a 6 inch gold stripe. Then on the green stripes at either end of the room are gold paint stamped 6 inch dragon flies!!!
"Do you not like dragonflies?" Ruth asks. Oh dear...first issue.
My response: "Well, I don't mind dragonflies, I just don't really like them on the living room wall..." (Cross my fingers, hoping I am not stepping on any toes before I have even gotten moved in!)
Ruth states, "I don't like them!" (Whew! OK! First disaster averted).
Ruth says she will run home and get the spaghetti and while she is gone John and I talk briefly about the church service coming up on Sunday. He shows me the church keys, explaining which is which. Ruth returns with the spaghetti, a lettuce and tomatoe salad and a half loaf of toasted French bread.
Both of them bid me goodnight, and I am left with the kittens. I am actually kind of hungry and suddenly realize: I HAVE NO SILVERWARE, NO DISHES, NO GLASSES to use for the spaghetti. I burst into tears and call my folks. I just can't believe this. "I don't have any dishes or silvverware and I can't even eat my spaghetti! (my favorite!) I guess I am going to run up to this little Texaco station and see if they have any plastic dishware."
My dad very gently says, "Kim, remember where you are..."
"What do you mean?" I know where I am.
"That Texaco station is probably closed."
"Oh dad, it is only 8:15..."
"Kim...remember where you are...in small towns things close early!"
Again, I respond, "But it is only 8:15, just barely dark!"
I bid them good night, jump in the car and head to the Texaco station just about 0.5 miles from the house, and to my surprise...IT IS CLOSED!!! It closes at 8PM. Talk about culture shock...! Coming from a city that is constantly buzzing, where there are 24 hour gas stations along with 7-11's, coffee shops, restaurants, and drug stores, I am floored! It is CLOSED!
I again, burst into tears and head down the road to see if by chance there is a store open in Tatum, or at the worst, if there is any fastfood place where I can get something to eat.
The small grocery store is open (til 9, and it is now 8:45)! I grab some plastic silverware, plates and cups, along with some kitten chow and soft drinks and head home. The road is very dark and there isn't any moonlight; in fact, about the only light is an occassional lightening flash.
I return to the parsonage, dip up a bit of spaghetti, which is by now cold! Put a little salad on the plate and break off a piece of the bread and sit in the middle of the den floor tears streaming down my face, and praying... "God...I am trusting you...You got me here, and I am trusting that you will show me the way."
I hold each of my kittens, telling them they are in their new home and that we will get through this together...and then after making up the bed, I set the alarm for 6:00 AM and fall into a deep sleep...
God had brought me to this point, this place in my life, in my ministry and I was trusting that I would be led to whatever it was that God had planned for me!
Shortly, there is a knock at my door...it isn't John or his wife, and I don't know who it is. I open the door and she introduces herself..."Ruth." She tells me that John had called her because she was closer than he was and she could get there a little more quickly. She also tells me she has prepared some spaghetti for me, and asks would I prefer to eat it here, or go to her house. I tell her I was pretty well exhausted, and although I appreciated the invite, I thought I would prefer to eat it here.
John arrives just momentarily and the three of us make a quick walk through of the parsonage. We look at the living room and I ask if I need permission to paint. You must understand. The furniture in the living/dining room is really nice, but the walls are painted dark forest green and about every 6 inches there is a 6 inch gold stripe. Then on the green stripes at either end of the room are gold paint stamped 6 inch dragon flies!!!
"Do you not like dragonflies?" Ruth asks. Oh dear...first issue.
My response: "Well, I don't mind dragonflies, I just don't really like them on the living room wall..." (Cross my fingers, hoping I am not stepping on any toes before I have even gotten moved in!)
Ruth states, "I don't like them!" (Whew! OK! First disaster averted).
Ruth says she will run home and get the spaghetti and while she is gone John and I talk briefly about the church service coming up on Sunday. He shows me the church keys, explaining which is which. Ruth returns with the spaghetti, a lettuce and tomatoe salad and a half loaf of toasted French bread.
Both of them bid me goodnight, and I am left with the kittens. I am actually kind of hungry and suddenly realize: I HAVE NO SILVERWARE, NO DISHES, NO GLASSES to use for the spaghetti. I burst into tears and call my folks. I just can't believe this. "I don't have any dishes or silvverware and I can't even eat my spaghetti! (my favorite!) I guess I am going to run up to this little Texaco station and see if they have any plastic dishware."
My dad very gently says, "Kim, remember where you are..."
"What do you mean?" I know where I am.
"That Texaco station is probably closed."
"Oh dad, it is only 8:15..."
"Kim...remember where you are...in small towns things close early!"
Again, I respond, "But it is only 8:15, just barely dark!"
I bid them good night, jump in the car and head to the Texaco station just about 0.5 miles from the house, and to my surprise...IT IS CLOSED!!! It closes at 8PM. Talk about culture shock...! Coming from a city that is constantly buzzing, where there are 24 hour gas stations along with 7-11's, coffee shops, restaurants, and drug stores, I am floored! It is CLOSED!
I again, burst into tears and head down the road to see if by chance there is a store open in Tatum, or at the worst, if there is any fastfood place where I can get something to eat.
The small grocery store is open (til 9, and it is now 8:45)! I grab some plastic silverware, plates and cups, along with some kitten chow and soft drinks and head home. The road is very dark and there isn't any moonlight; in fact, about the only light is an occassional lightening flash.
I return to the parsonage, dip up a bit of spaghetti, which is by now cold! Put a little salad on the plate and break off a piece of the bread and sit in the middle of the den floor tears streaming down my face, and praying... "God...I am trusting you...You got me here, and I am trusting that you will show me the way."
I hold each of my kittens, telling them they are in their new home and that we will get through this together...and then after making up the bed, I set the alarm for 6:00 AM and fall into a deep sleep...
God had brought me to this point, this place in my life, in my ministry and I was trusting that I would be led to whatever it was that God had planned for me!
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Moves, moves and MORE moves!
Back to the original story line!
Now, in September of 2002, I had moved in Houston from one apartment to another. This was in the middle of seminary and unpacking unnecessary boxes was the last thing on my mind. Then, in May of 2003, I quit my job and start my internship, which goes from June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004. I stay in the apartment during this time.
Come that January of 2004, I begin to think about what will be next. I mean, I will have no job, no source of income, no way to pay for rent, car note, school... panic begins to play with my mind. In all this process, I decide to throw my name in for a student appointment; that would at least help with the expenses, and perhaps give me a parsonage or housing allowance.
My mom then has a set back in her health and I begin to realize there is no way I can deal with school plus a student appointment and with my mom's health. I withdraw my name from the appointive process after much prayer and discernment. OK, so I am back to square one.
Do I cash in my savings, my teacher retirement (I worked as a nurse for the Univ. of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center and therefore had teacher retirement!), or do I take out a student loan. St. Timothy's very graciously allowed me to live in their parsonage as the minister serving there had her own home. I would be allowed full use of the kitchen two bedrooms, the master Bathroom, the laundry room. That left the living room, the dining room and two other bedrooms for the church. They used this parsonage as an extension of the church, often holding meetings there, the UMW holding some lunches/meetings there as well. I would be able to continue to assist in worship, make hospital calls when I was in town and generally just be available if needed.
It sounded like a pretty good deal. They did not require me to pay rent, phone, electric...since all this was already being covered by the church. As it turned out, I would be in Dallas from Monday afternoon through late Thursday night...the times the church most often needed the parsonage for meetings anyway.
So just a little over 18 months after moving into my new apartment, I moved to the parsonage. Again, because I was in school, I left most everything except the essentials in boxes, and we stored them in the smaller of the two un-used bedrooms.
After recieving my appointment, Moving Day comes again...about 15 months after moving into the parsoange. Thank goodness, most of the stuff was still packed. The conference pays for the move, but you are responsible for making all the phone calls, arrangements and other details.
The movers arrived around 10 AM on moving day to pack my stuff. They were going to head to Beckville, but not unpack me until the next morning, bright and early. After they left, I packed my car with a few essentials that would be needed that night, packed up my new 'babies'...PJ and Timmie...two kittens about 3 months old. I went to my parents, showered, washed my clothes, said my good byes and left. I would arrive in Beckville late that afternoon and be there for the movers in the morning.
It was a LONG, tearful, drive to Beckville. It seemed like "FOREVER!" It is about 3 1/2 hours from Houston, but you could not have made me believe it that day! I stopped and got something to drink about half-way; called my contact in Beckville and let him know where I was. He told me the house would be open and to call him when I arrived.
I got to the house, took the kittens, went in and sat in the floor for about 30 minutes praying...
"Oh God...where are you??? I don't think I can do this!!! I need your help..." To say that I was petrified would have been an understatement. Outside of living in Denton while in college, I have never been away from home...from family. Yes, I had lived independently, but never without having family close by. This was a big change, and to top it off, a BIG change to a very small town.
Now, in September of 2002, I had moved in Houston from one apartment to another. This was in the middle of seminary and unpacking unnecessary boxes was the last thing on my mind. Then, in May of 2003, I quit my job and start my internship, which goes from June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004. I stay in the apartment during this time.
Come that January of 2004, I begin to think about what will be next. I mean, I will have no job, no source of income, no way to pay for rent, car note, school... panic begins to play with my mind. In all this process, I decide to throw my name in for a student appointment; that would at least help with the expenses, and perhaps give me a parsonage or housing allowance.
My mom then has a set back in her health and I begin to realize there is no way I can deal with school plus a student appointment and with my mom's health. I withdraw my name from the appointive process after much prayer and discernment. OK, so I am back to square one.
Do I cash in my savings, my teacher retirement (I worked as a nurse for the Univ. of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center and therefore had teacher retirement!), or do I take out a student loan. St. Timothy's very graciously allowed me to live in their parsonage as the minister serving there had her own home. I would be allowed full use of the kitchen two bedrooms, the master Bathroom, the laundry room. That left the living room, the dining room and two other bedrooms for the church. They used this parsonage as an extension of the church, often holding meetings there, the UMW holding some lunches/meetings there as well. I would be able to continue to assist in worship, make hospital calls when I was in town and generally just be available if needed.
It sounded like a pretty good deal. They did not require me to pay rent, phone, electric...since all this was already being covered by the church. As it turned out, I would be in Dallas from Monday afternoon through late Thursday night...the times the church most often needed the parsonage for meetings anyway.
So just a little over 18 months after moving into my new apartment, I moved to the parsonage. Again, because I was in school, I left most everything except the essentials in boxes, and we stored them in the smaller of the two un-used bedrooms.
After recieving my appointment, Moving Day comes again...about 15 months after moving into the parsoange. Thank goodness, most of the stuff was still packed. The conference pays for the move, but you are responsible for making all the phone calls, arrangements and other details.
The movers arrived around 10 AM on moving day to pack my stuff. They were going to head to Beckville, but not unpack me until the next morning, bright and early. After they left, I packed my car with a few essentials that would be needed that night, packed up my new 'babies'...PJ and Timmie...two kittens about 3 months old. I went to my parents, showered, washed my clothes, said my good byes and left. I would arrive in Beckville late that afternoon and be there for the movers in the morning.
It was a LONG, tearful, drive to Beckville. It seemed like "FOREVER!" It is about 3 1/2 hours from Houston, but you could not have made me believe it that day! I stopped and got something to drink about half-way; called my contact in Beckville and let him know where I was. He told me the house would be open and to call him when I arrived.
I got to the house, took the kittens, went in and sat in the floor for about 30 minutes praying...
"Oh God...where are you??? I don't think I can do this!!! I need your help..." To say that I was petrified would have been an understatement. Outside of living in Denton while in college, I have never been away from home...from family. Yes, I had lived independently, but never without having family close by. This was a big change, and to top it off, a BIG change to a very small town.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wow...Easter has come and gone!
It was a busy time, and it finally hit me I think yesterday. I would try and do something, get ready to go on a visitation and have to sit back down. I contemplated taking a shower, but felt like I would just slip down the drain if I did. I was really wiped out.
Today I am back to normal, but now have to really work to catch up. Sunday is coming and my sermon for this week is NO WHERE near completion. I had to attend a meeting today that pretty much took up the day, this was after going to the hospital early this morning to see my neighbor who was having a cardiac cath, and then returning to Longview to pick her up when she was discharged. She has no family here that can pick her up, so I told her to call me.
Once I got home and settled in, I began to look at the scripture lessons for this week. I decided on the Gospel, and have picked out my sermon title, which is unusual. I do not normally get the title until the sermon is done. However, this time it jumped out at me. "Not Until..." The scripture is from John and is Thomas' encounter with Christ after the resurrection. So now I am working on the sermon. Hopefully I will have it finished tomorrow.
I do have to go into town in the morning...to the court. A young woman is up for revocation of her probation. I feel like I need to be in the courtroom for her. This has been a difficult situation for me. There is a lot of dysfunctionality in the family and I am really having to work at setting boundaries with this woman; and that is hard. My nature is a "fixer". I know I can't do that in this situation. It is beyond anything that I can fix. I am also having to deal with my feelings about her lying. I haven't yet confronted her on it because I am afraid of loosing control and really getting angry with her, which wouldn't be good.
I am afraid she may end up going to prison (again) and then I will have to figure out how to deal with her there. She is a very angry young woman, blaming everyone else for her misfortunes, not taking responsibility for her actions and I just really get frustrated with that.
Well, I think I am going to call it a night. Hopefully now that I am feeling better and not so pushed, I will be able to add more frequent posts.
It was a busy time, and it finally hit me I think yesterday. I would try and do something, get ready to go on a visitation and have to sit back down. I contemplated taking a shower, but felt like I would just slip down the drain if I did. I was really wiped out.
Today I am back to normal, but now have to really work to catch up. Sunday is coming and my sermon for this week is NO WHERE near completion. I had to attend a meeting today that pretty much took up the day, this was after going to the hospital early this morning to see my neighbor who was having a cardiac cath, and then returning to Longview to pick her up when she was discharged. She has no family here that can pick her up, so I told her to call me.
Once I got home and settled in, I began to look at the scripture lessons for this week. I decided on the Gospel, and have picked out my sermon title, which is unusual. I do not normally get the title until the sermon is done. However, this time it jumped out at me. "Not Until..." The scripture is from John and is Thomas' encounter with Christ after the resurrection. So now I am working on the sermon. Hopefully I will have it finished tomorrow.
I do have to go into town in the morning...to the court. A young woman is up for revocation of her probation. I feel like I need to be in the courtroom for her. This has been a difficult situation for me. There is a lot of dysfunctionality in the family and I am really having to work at setting boundaries with this woman; and that is hard. My nature is a "fixer". I know I can't do that in this situation. It is beyond anything that I can fix. I am also having to deal with my feelings about her lying. I haven't yet confronted her on it because I am afraid of loosing control and really getting angry with her, which wouldn't be good.
I am afraid she may end up going to prison (again) and then I will have to figure out how to deal with her there. She is a very angry young woman, blaming everyone else for her misfortunes, not taking responsibility for her actions and I just really get frustrated with that.
Well, I think I am going to call it a night. Hopefully now that I am feeling better and not so pushed, I will be able to add more frequent posts.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Time Flies
It has been a bit since I have posted. An explanation...
Illness, funeral, and Easter!
I caught a cold and the cough has held on for quite a while. I finally gave in and went to the doctor who felt like because the cough has been so persistant I should see a pulmonologist, and maybe have a bronchoscopy. Well, don't that just sound fun!
She said she would give me the names of a couple of docs, but she didn't; and to be truthful, I didn't remind her. Then...I get in the mail, a letter telling me I have an appointment set up to see on!
So, OK, I decided to go. I was really tired of coughing anyway. It turns out that I do not need a bronchoscopy (woohoo!!! rejoicing here!) He basically said what I had been told before, I have a reactive process that happens when I get a cold. It is now called a Chronic Cough Syndrome. For me, it is like an asthmatic...my bronchi just become irritated and continue to cause me to cough. He gave me a couple of inhalers, a dose of Prednisone and some GOOD cough meds. The cough is almost gone. Thank you Dr. G!
Then, also earlier this month, a sweet member of my church who has been in a nursing home for the past 10 months after having a stroke last spring, died. I was asked to do her funeral. Now, I have read scripture and offered a prayer at a funeral. I also did deliver a message just recently, but I have never had the responsibility of performing the funeral as the lead pastor!
I wanted to do a good job...Mrs. B was a long-standing member of the church, kind of a matriarchal figure and I wanted to honor her and also bring God glory through the life she had led. I was nervous, to say the least. However, it turned out to be a wonderful service. Everyone (and not that I am expecting praise, or desiring it) but everyone said I had managed to capture Mrs. B and her life. So, I was relieved.
Then...on top of this is Easter. This is my first church, and as such, I have had lots of "firsts"...First Advent, First Christmas, First Lent, First Easter, First baptism, First funeral. Since it is a small church in a small community (752!) I wasn't sure what we would have. The Maundy Thursday Service of communion and footwashing was attended by 15, and I was pleased. The Good Friday service had to compete with girls softball and a funeral in Baytown. It was only attended by 4, but those four and myself were blessed.
Hopefully after Easter, I can get back to posting on a more regular basis...
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter. Celebrate the Risen Lord! Amen and amen!
Illness, funeral, and Easter!
I caught a cold and the cough has held on for quite a while. I finally gave in and went to the doctor who felt like because the cough has been so persistant I should see a pulmonologist, and maybe have a bronchoscopy. Well, don't that just sound fun!
She said she would give me the names of a couple of docs, but she didn't; and to be truthful, I didn't remind her. Then...I get in the mail, a letter telling me I have an appointment set up to see on!
So, OK, I decided to go. I was really tired of coughing anyway. It turns out that I do not need a bronchoscopy (woohoo!!! rejoicing here!) He basically said what I had been told before, I have a reactive process that happens when I get a cold. It is now called a Chronic Cough Syndrome. For me, it is like an asthmatic...my bronchi just become irritated and continue to cause me to cough. He gave me a couple of inhalers, a dose of Prednisone and some GOOD cough meds. The cough is almost gone. Thank you Dr. G!
Then, also earlier this month, a sweet member of my church who has been in a nursing home for the past 10 months after having a stroke last spring, died. I was asked to do her funeral. Now, I have read scripture and offered a prayer at a funeral. I also did deliver a message just recently, but I have never had the responsibility of performing the funeral as the lead pastor!
I wanted to do a good job...Mrs. B was a long-standing member of the church, kind of a matriarchal figure and I wanted to honor her and also bring God glory through the life she had led. I was nervous, to say the least. However, it turned out to be a wonderful service. Everyone (and not that I am expecting praise, or desiring it) but everyone said I had managed to capture Mrs. B and her life. So, I was relieved.
Then...on top of this is Easter. This is my first church, and as such, I have had lots of "firsts"...First Advent, First Christmas, First Lent, First Easter, First baptism, First funeral. Since it is a small church in a small community (752!) I wasn't sure what we would have. The Maundy Thursday Service of communion and footwashing was attended by 15, and I was pleased. The Good Friday service had to compete with girls softball and a funeral in Baytown. It was only attended by 4, but those four and myself were blessed.
Hopefully after Easter, I can get back to posting on a more regular basis...
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter. Celebrate the Risen Lord! Amen and amen!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
"THE Board", Where is "Beckville? and Graduation!
This past spring, it was time to go before the main Board of Ordained Ministry. This is the BIG board that has the decision-making power to allow me to proceed to Ordination...the first step being "Commissioning" as a Probationary Elder.
Again, there were questions to be answered along with, this time, a Bible Study to be written and a sermon to be preached and video-taped. These were then forwarded to a Triad (group of three persons -laity and clergy) to review.
I then met with them, was grilled, er...uh...questioned (smiling) and approved to go before the BOM. This committee is like 60 persons, again both clergy and laity. It is split into three groups: Theology, Church and Personal. You spend about 20-25 minutes with each group, again being questioned, questioned, and questioned. Each group has the authority to approve or disapprove one. If all three approve, you then go before the WHOLE board for the final "OK".
It was a harrowing experience. The groups could ask you almost anything. The questions could require specific answers, or could be situational, where they want to know what you would do in a situation. After each individual group, you are excused while they discuss you...much like the dBOM. Then you are brought back and and congratulated, if you are passed.
I had Church then Personal and finished with Theology. I think perhaps I really had the best order. Church was a little difficult, but it gave me a confidence boost when I 'passed.' I then went to Personal, where I didn't have any doubts about doing well; so then I went into Theology with two of the three completed and was much more relaxed.
I was passed on in all three groups and also before the whole board. To say that I was floating on the clouds would be an understatement. I was ecstatic.
Then came the APPOINTMENT PROCESS. SInce I had been passed on as a Probationary Elder, I was finally up for an appointment. I was hoping to stay in the Houston area due to my parents health situation, but I had been preparing them for the possibility of being appointed as far away as Texarkana.
I was having dinner in Dallas after class one night with my traveling buddy when my phone rang showing I had a message. I had been in class, so the phone was on vibrate and I hadn't realized it had rang earlier. I called and listened to my voice mail and it was my District Superintendent. "Kim, call me. We need to talk about being a little farther out from Houston."
My heart began to race. I felt like from his voice that being "farther out from Houston" was not a good thing! I called and he said that the Cabinet was wanting to appoint me to Beckville UMC. My first question in my head was "where on earth is BECKVILLE?" I had never even heard of it. I asked, very controlled.. "Where is that?" He proceded to tell me it was in the Longview District, just a little south of Longview. Since I agree to the itinerancy of the United Methodist Church, I said..."Well, Okay." He chatted for another couple of minutes, telling me that the DS from that District would be getting in touch with me shortly and that he felt this would be a good appointment for me." I hung up, swallowed deeply and then let the tears flow.
My friend kept asking "Where are you going, where are you going?" I finally said "BECKVILLE." Her first remark was "WHERE IS THAT?" I had to laugh at that point! I called another friend and had her look up some information on the church. I was oh so scared to call my parents and let them know...but felt that perhaps since it was close to Longview, where I have an aunt and some cousins...it might soften the news.
I called and was pleasantly surprised at their reaction. Yes, they were disappointed, but did surprisingly well! I then called my aunt in Longview and she was thrilled! So...WHERE IS BECKVILLE?
It is between Carthage and Longview on Hwy 149. It is about 8 miles northwest of Carthage and 25 miles south of Longview. It has a population of 752 and there are 12 churches in the area. I am serving as "Senior Pastor of the Largest Methodist Church in Beckville!"
Graduation was spectacular. It was held at the Methodist church that is on campus of SMU. I wasn't sure if dad was going to be able to make it as he had back surgery about 1 month before graduation. But his doctor told him if he didn't drive, push, pull, or lift...he could go. I made sure he didn't! I drove, pushed mom's wheelchair, lifted the luggage and got them around. I was so thrilled that they were there. They were so important in my getting through seminary, supporting me (not financially...I did it on my own!), but they were the emotional support so many times. It was a wonderful and blessed weekend that I will never forget! Seeing that diploma with Cum Laude (could it have been any smaller?) was a dream fulfilled. Being with friends who had travlled the road (often literally!) with me made it even more special. It was truly one of the highlights of my life!
Again, there were questions to be answered along with, this time, a Bible Study to be written and a sermon to be preached and video-taped. These were then forwarded to a Triad (group of three persons -laity and clergy) to review.
I then met with them, was grilled, er...uh...questioned (smiling) and approved to go before the BOM. This committee is like 60 persons, again both clergy and laity. It is split into three groups: Theology, Church and Personal. You spend about 20-25 minutes with each group, again being questioned, questioned, and questioned. Each group has the authority to approve or disapprove one. If all three approve, you then go before the WHOLE board for the final "OK".
It was a harrowing experience. The groups could ask you almost anything. The questions could require specific answers, or could be situational, where they want to know what you would do in a situation. After each individual group, you are excused while they discuss you...much like the dBOM. Then you are brought back and and congratulated, if you are passed.
I had Church then Personal and finished with Theology. I think perhaps I really had the best order. Church was a little difficult, but it gave me a confidence boost when I 'passed.' I then went to Personal, where I didn't have any doubts about doing well; so then I went into Theology with two of the three completed and was much more relaxed.
I was passed on in all three groups and also before the whole board. To say that I was floating on the clouds would be an understatement. I was ecstatic.
Then came the APPOINTMENT PROCESS. SInce I had been passed on as a Probationary Elder, I was finally up for an appointment. I was hoping to stay in the Houston area due to my parents health situation, but I had been preparing them for the possibility of being appointed as far away as Texarkana.
I was having dinner in Dallas after class one night with my traveling buddy when my phone rang showing I had a message. I had been in class, so the phone was on vibrate and I hadn't realized it had rang earlier. I called and listened to my voice mail and it was my District Superintendent. "Kim, call me. We need to talk about being a little farther out from Houston."
My heart began to race. I felt like from his voice that being "farther out from Houston" was not a good thing! I called and he said that the Cabinet was wanting to appoint me to Beckville UMC. My first question in my head was "where on earth is BECKVILLE?" I had never even heard of it. I asked, very controlled.. "Where is that?" He proceded to tell me it was in the Longview District, just a little south of Longview. Since I agree to the itinerancy of the United Methodist Church, I said..."Well, Okay." He chatted for another couple of minutes, telling me that the DS from that District would be getting in touch with me shortly and that he felt this would be a good appointment for me." I hung up, swallowed deeply and then let the tears flow.
My friend kept asking "Where are you going, where are you going?" I finally said "BECKVILLE." Her first remark was "WHERE IS THAT?" I had to laugh at that point! I called another friend and had her look up some information on the church. I was oh so scared to call my parents and let them know...but felt that perhaps since it was close to Longview, where I have an aunt and some cousins...it might soften the news.
I called and was pleasantly surprised at their reaction. Yes, they were disappointed, but did surprisingly well! I then called my aunt in Longview and she was thrilled! So...WHERE IS BECKVILLE?
It is between Carthage and Longview on Hwy 149. It is about 8 miles northwest of Carthage and 25 miles south of Longview. It has a population of 752 and there are 12 churches in the area. I am serving as "Senior Pastor of the Largest Methodist Church in Beckville!"
Graduation was spectacular. It was held at the Methodist church that is on campus of SMU. I wasn't sure if dad was going to be able to make it as he had back surgery about 1 month before graduation. But his doctor told him if he didn't drive, push, pull, or lift...he could go. I made sure he didn't! I drove, pushed mom's wheelchair, lifted the luggage and got them around. I was so thrilled that they were there. They were so important in my getting through seminary, supporting me (not financially...I did it on my own!), but they were the emotional support so many times. It was a wonderful and blessed weekend that I will never forget! Seeing that diploma with Cum Laude (could it have been any smaller?) was a dream fulfilled. Being with friends who had travlled the road (often literally!) with me made it even more special. It was truly one of the highlights of my life!
Monday, March 13, 2006
District Board of Ordained Ministry and Spaghetti!
Once I had decided to pursue ordained ministry, I began the process of becoming a "certified candidate." This process involved answering questions about my calling, my understanding of ministry and questions on my theology. It also required meeting with the Board of Ordained Ministry on a yearly basis to allow them to check my progress and to continue to approve me to proceed.
The first time I met with them, I had been in seminary just a little over a semester. (I know, it seems odd that I did it this way; one would think I would go before the board, get their approval and then start seminary. I just did it a little backwards, but then quite a few do it this way!) Anyway, I was, to say the least nervous about meeting with the Board. This is the District Board, which is just ministers and lay persons from my home district; but still for me it was very intimidating. I had no idea what they would ask and that "test anxiety" kicked into high gear.
I get to the place where the dBOM is meeting and there are a couple of other people sitting there besides me. I quickly learn when my District Superintendent comes out and takes one of these persons in that he had just finished his time before the board. I could hear clapping and congratulatory comments. Then the DS comes out, greets me and tells me they are running a little bit behind and asks if I am pressed on time. Like I am going to tell him "YES!" I reassure him I am fine and he takes the other person in for their interview.
I sit there alone, praying silently for the butterflies to be squelched, and about 20 minutes later, the candidate comes out and looks amazingly calm, cool and collected. He reassures me, "It isn't bad at all!" Within a couple of minutes, again the DS comes out, takes this person back in and th clapping and congratulatory comments are repeated. The candidate comes back out grinning, shakes my hand, and wishes me luck.
During his interview, a delivery boy begins to bring in what appears to be food. Several large tin pans, some bread, iced tea, and bags of salad. The DS comes out and again apologizes for the delay and asks, "Would you please have lunch with us and then we will do your interview?" Now, in all honesty, at that moment in time, the last thing I wanted to do was eat, much less eat with the dBOM who holds in their hands my future! "Sure" I reply (wondering where my voice had come from!)
The DS takes me in where the lunch is being set up and introduces me saying that I will be joining them for lunch. He takes me to the food and I look down and see....SPAGHETTI! Now, Italian food happens to be my favorite, but I am wearing black slacks and a WHITE blouse! I can just see me with spaghetti all down the front of me as I go in before the dBOM for my interview.
The DS hands me a plate and proceeds to serve me. "Just a little," I manage to eek out. I then get a little salad and a glass of tea and go to sit down. The District office is in one of the area churches and this particular meal is taking place in a Sunday school room...a YOUTH Sunday school room...with smaller YOUTH chairs! Not the most comfortable seating arrangement, but the one nice thing is it does make it a little easier to keep from spilling food all down the front of me.
I sit down to eat, trying to look relaxed while the whole time I am thinking..."don't spill...don't spill..." I get through m spaghetti, when suddenly here is the DS holding the pan about ready to dip me up some more. I manage to get out an "OH! No thank you" before he dips me some more.
After the lunch, I run to the ladies room to check for those infamous "food particles in the teeth" while they are re-convening. The DS comes and gets me, takes me in and I begin the interview process. In all honesty...it WASN'T that bad. I am there, oh about 20 minutes and then dismissed so they can make their decision.
Now, remember, I had seen two previous candidates go through this and neither had taken very long in the decision process. I went into the ante room to wait. I waited, waited, waited...and waited. It was probably close to 10 minutes and I was beginning to panic, and was almost close to tears. The DS come rushing out, grabbed my hand and began to apologize. "Oh Kim, I am so sorry..." I almost didn't hear anything else, but I hung in there. "We shouldn't have left you out here like this. We were trying to make some decisions about how to handle the rest of the afternoon. Come on in, come on in..."
Well, by this time my knees were like rubber and my heart was beating like a drum. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. I walked in and was almost afraid to look around; but when I did, the clapping started and the congratulatory remarks were made. "We are pleased to tell you...you are now a certified candidate. And again, accept our apologies for our rudeness."
So, there it is...I am certified. I had to repeat the process each year until I graduated, but none of the remaining times were near as stressful or eventful. I can say now, I don't think I could have handled it if they had been!
The first time I met with them, I had been in seminary just a little over a semester. (I know, it seems odd that I did it this way; one would think I would go before the board, get their approval and then start seminary. I just did it a little backwards, but then quite a few do it this way!) Anyway, I was, to say the least nervous about meeting with the Board. This is the District Board, which is just ministers and lay persons from my home district; but still for me it was very intimidating. I had no idea what they would ask and that "test anxiety" kicked into high gear.
I get to the place where the dBOM is meeting and there are a couple of other people sitting there besides me. I quickly learn when my District Superintendent comes out and takes one of these persons in that he had just finished his time before the board. I could hear clapping and congratulatory comments. Then the DS comes out, greets me and tells me they are running a little bit behind and asks if I am pressed on time. Like I am going to tell him "YES!" I reassure him I am fine and he takes the other person in for their interview.
I sit there alone, praying silently for the butterflies to be squelched, and about 20 minutes later, the candidate comes out and looks amazingly calm, cool and collected. He reassures me, "It isn't bad at all!" Within a couple of minutes, again the DS comes out, takes this person back in and th clapping and congratulatory comments are repeated. The candidate comes back out grinning, shakes my hand, and wishes me luck.
During his interview, a delivery boy begins to bring in what appears to be food. Several large tin pans, some bread, iced tea, and bags of salad. The DS comes out and again apologizes for the delay and asks, "Would you please have lunch with us and then we will do your interview?" Now, in all honesty, at that moment in time, the last thing I wanted to do was eat, much less eat with the dBOM who holds in their hands my future! "Sure" I reply (wondering where my voice had come from!)
The DS takes me in where the lunch is being set up and introduces me saying that I will be joining them for lunch. He takes me to the food and I look down and see....SPAGHETTI! Now, Italian food happens to be my favorite, but I am wearing black slacks and a WHITE blouse! I can just see me with spaghetti all down the front of me as I go in before the dBOM for my interview.
The DS hands me a plate and proceeds to serve me. "Just a little," I manage to eek out. I then get a little salad and a glass of tea and go to sit down. The District office is in one of the area churches and this particular meal is taking place in a Sunday school room...a YOUTH Sunday school room...with smaller YOUTH chairs! Not the most comfortable seating arrangement, but the one nice thing is it does make it a little easier to keep from spilling food all down the front of me.
I sit down to eat, trying to look relaxed while the whole time I am thinking..."don't spill...don't spill..." I get through m spaghetti, when suddenly here is the DS holding the pan about ready to dip me up some more. I manage to get out an "OH! No thank you" before he dips me some more.
After the lunch, I run to the ladies room to check for those infamous "food particles in the teeth" while they are re-convening. The DS comes and gets me, takes me in and I begin the interview process. In all honesty...it WASN'T that bad. I am there, oh about 20 minutes and then dismissed so they can make their decision.
Now, remember, I had seen two previous candidates go through this and neither had taken very long in the decision process. I went into the ante room to wait. I waited, waited, waited...and waited. It was probably close to 10 minutes and I was beginning to panic, and was almost close to tears. The DS come rushing out, grabbed my hand and began to apologize. "Oh Kim, I am so sorry..." I almost didn't hear anything else, but I hung in there. "We shouldn't have left you out here like this. We were trying to make some decisions about how to handle the rest of the afternoon. Come on in, come on in..."
Well, by this time my knees were like rubber and my heart was beating like a drum. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. I walked in and was almost afraid to look around; but when I did, the clapping started and the congratulatory remarks were made. "We are pleased to tell you...you are now a certified candidate. And again, accept our apologies for our rudeness."
So, there it is...I am certified. I had to repeat the process each year until I graduated, but none of the remaining times were near as stressful or eventful. I can say now, I don't think I could have handled it if they had been!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
It's a "Good Thing" I love to read!
I had a friend who had been in seminary and I was quizing her before I actually began classes about the amount of work ahead of me. She too, was working a full-time job, and in addition had family responsibilities, and although I don't have children, I too, had family responsibilities! I needed to see what this was going to do to my "social life" (which consisted of church activities and more church activities, along with visiting on a frequent basis with my folks).
This friend told me she averaged about 100 pages a night reading. "Well," I thought, "it could be worse!" (ah...blind faith!)
I will admit, there were days I would get home from work, fix a quick bite to eat and begin reading and think I was never going to get to bed. I would read an average of about 6 hours a night and feel like I had just made a dent in what needed to be done.
Gone were the carefree weekends! I was either reading or writing...or both!
Sometimes, I would read the same paragraph (oh well, let's get honest...sometimes it was the same sentence!) four or five times, to try and grasp what I was reading! I would sit with a dictionary beside me so that I could look up new words and then I would write the definitions in the margins and put a stickynote flag there with the word written on it so I could reference back if need be. I would also stickynote flag things I didn't understand, things I wanted to rememer, things I had questions on. Believe you me...sometimes there were tons of stickynote flags!
One of my big fears is TESTS! I panic when I renew my driver's license. I HATE tests! I fear failure and tests seem to be the way that determine if one is a failure. It all stems back to sixth grade...long story! Anyway, I think the idea of tests frightened me more than anything else. SO..the first test comes along. Now remember, I am taking Old Testament...
We are given a study guide to assist us in preparing for this test. I also find out the test is essay! Well, I am a little relieved, because I can usually write fairly well! Then I look at this study guide. Can you say 'coronary'?
There are like 12 questions on this study guide, and they are not "What was the name of the man who built the BIG boat and took all the animals for a ride while it rained 40 days/nights!"
Fortunately, I get in a good study partnership and study group. We meet and study together for a week or so before the exam.
The big night comes...my heart is racing...adrenaline is pumping...I am reviewing facts in my head. The infamous 'blue books' are passed out... "you have 1.5 hours to complete the exam." I think..."is that all? Surely not! I will need more time than that!" But...surprisingly, I finish within the time limit. I turn the test in, not really sure at all if God knows what God is doing in calling me to go to seminary. My thought process: "I don't think I did well...I didn't answer the questions right...I didn't go deep enough with my answers...I probably royally failed this test!"
Because of the schedule of classes, it is two weeks before I get the test back. The professor passes them out at the end of class, so I have to sit for three hours before seeing how "poorly" I had done. I spent those two weeks wondering if it was too late to get any kind of reimbursement. When I open the blue book and flip to the end of my writing...I see the grade...
A-! A MINUS! I had made an A-! I think you could have either scraped me off the floor, or had to pull me off the clouds! I was ecstatic!
I couldn't wait to call someone and tell them...mainly I just wanted to hear myself say, "I made an A-!"
SO the saga continued throughout school. I never got over test anxiety. And there were only maybe three times that I truly worried about not doing well on a test. In those cases, I was not the only one who worried. Most of the time, I did well; a couple of times, it was only fine.
But as one friend told me..."what do they call the doctor who graduates last in the class?" That person is still called "doctor"...the same goes for "reverend." Well, that is true, but I didn't want to be last...remember, my goal was "With Honors."
Reading, writing, studying, writing, more studying and more reading...all got me through seminary with that 'Cum Laude' on the diploma...
Now we will see where God plans on using me...
This friend told me she averaged about 100 pages a night reading. "Well," I thought, "it could be worse!" (ah...blind faith!)
I will admit, there were days I would get home from work, fix a quick bite to eat and begin reading and think I was never going to get to bed. I would read an average of about 6 hours a night and feel like I had just made a dent in what needed to be done.
Gone were the carefree weekends! I was either reading or writing...or both!
Sometimes, I would read the same paragraph (oh well, let's get honest...sometimes it was the same sentence!) four or five times, to try and grasp what I was reading! I would sit with a dictionary beside me so that I could look up new words and then I would write the definitions in the margins and put a stickynote flag there with the word written on it so I could reference back if need be. I would also stickynote flag things I didn't understand, things I wanted to rememer, things I had questions on. Believe you me...sometimes there were tons of stickynote flags!
One of my big fears is TESTS! I panic when I renew my driver's license. I HATE tests! I fear failure and tests seem to be the way that determine if one is a failure. It all stems back to sixth grade...long story! Anyway, I think the idea of tests frightened me more than anything else. SO..the first test comes along. Now remember, I am taking Old Testament...
We are given a study guide to assist us in preparing for this test. I also find out the test is essay! Well, I am a little relieved, because I can usually write fairly well! Then I look at this study guide. Can you say 'coronary'?
There are like 12 questions on this study guide, and they are not "What was the name of the man who built the BIG boat and took all the animals for a ride while it rained 40 days/nights!"
Fortunately, I get in a good study partnership and study group. We meet and study together for a week or so before the exam.
The big night comes...my heart is racing...adrenaline is pumping...I am reviewing facts in my head. The infamous 'blue books' are passed out... "you have 1.5 hours to complete the exam." I think..."is that all? Surely not! I will need more time than that!" But...surprisingly, I finish within the time limit. I turn the test in, not really sure at all if God knows what God is doing in calling me to go to seminary. My thought process: "I don't think I did well...I didn't answer the questions right...I didn't go deep enough with my answers...I probably royally failed this test!"
Because of the schedule of classes, it is two weeks before I get the test back. The professor passes them out at the end of class, so I have to sit for three hours before seeing how "poorly" I had done. I spent those two weeks wondering if it was too late to get any kind of reimbursement. When I open the blue book and flip to the end of my writing...I see the grade...
A-! A MINUS! I had made an A-! I think you could have either scraped me off the floor, or had to pull me off the clouds! I was ecstatic!
I couldn't wait to call someone and tell them...mainly I just wanted to hear myself say, "I made an A-!"
SO the saga continued throughout school. I never got over test anxiety. And there were only maybe three times that I truly worried about not doing well on a test. In those cases, I was not the only one who worried. Most of the time, I did well; a couple of times, it was only fine.
But as one friend told me..."what do they call the doctor who graduates last in the class?" That person is still called "doctor"...the same goes for "reverend." Well, that is true, but I didn't want to be last...remember, my goal was "With Honors."
Reading, writing, studying, writing, more studying and more reading...all got me through seminary with that 'Cum Laude' on the diploma...
Now we will see where God plans on using me...
Friday, March 10, 2006
Trust Becomes Real
So, I resume working as a nurse in late 1999 and begin to seriously look at seminary. I promise God to submit my paper work so that I can start in the fall of 2000. I manage, however, to drag my feet so that I just barely make the deadline, but I do!
Now, it has been some 20 years since I have been in school... I have purused the catalogue and I tell God, "I am doing this, but to start off, I need your help. Please give me something easy for the first semester...like New Testament!" So, I go to the orientation and find out the only classes I can take are Old Testament I and Christian History II! OLD TESTAMENT... I know very little about the Old Testament, only the stories one learns in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Also, I didn't want to take the second half of Christian History before I took the first half!
I had decided I would only take one class to ease me back into school. So, although I did it begrudingly, ("God, Old Testament wasn't what I wanted!!!"), I signed up for Old Testament. Someone then remarked to me, "Well, what better place to begin your seminary experience than at the beginning!"
I had debated telling a lot of people that I had actually started, especially those I was working with. That way, if I failed out...no one would know! However, that didn't last. I decided I needed the prayers more than anything else, and that failure was not an option. Afterall, God had gotten me this far... and I was trusting that God would continue to lead me!
Now, it has been some 20 years since I have been in school... I have purused the catalogue and I tell God, "I am doing this, but to start off, I need your help. Please give me something easy for the first semester...like New Testament!" So, I go to the orientation and find out the only classes I can take are Old Testament I and Christian History II! OLD TESTAMENT... I know very little about the Old Testament, only the stories one learns in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Also, I didn't want to take the second half of Christian History before I took the first half!
I had decided I would only take one class to ease me back into school. So, although I did it begrudingly, ("God, Old Testament wasn't what I wanted!!!"), I signed up for Old Testament. Someone then remarked to me, "Well, what better place to begin your seminary experience than at the beginning!"
I had debated telling a lot of people that I had actually started, especially those I was working with. That way, if I failed out...no one would know! However, that didn't last. I decided I needed the prayers more than anything else, and that failure was not an option. Afterall, God had gotten me this far... and I was trusting that God would continue to lead me!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Giving In...
After about two and one-half to three months, and talking to as many people as possible, I decided the call to ministry was not just my imagination and I gave in!
Iwas looking at beginning to look for a job. Nursing jobs at this point were not hard to come by, but I wanted something that would allow me to go to seminary. I found out Perkins School of Theology had an off campus program here in Houston! Was I surprised? No. I figured God was working all this out long before I came to my senses!
I had decided that perhaps I should investigate school nursing. That would allow me to work during the year and take classes in the summer. I did not realize at this point that it woudl take me a really long time to finish seminary this was, as I would only be able to take two classes a summer. I also didn't know for sure if I could the classes here in Houston. I really knew nothing about the Houston Program.
About the time I decided to look into school nursing, a friend called me and asked was I still "unemployed." I told her yes, and asked why. "Oh...I was wondering if you would be interested in being a school nurse." I had told no one about my looking into this possibility. A position at the Senior High had opened up. She was the nurse at the Junior High!
OK, God...I get the message! I began the interview process for that position. It was in Richmond/Rosenberg, which would have been about an 80 mile round trip for me from where I was currently living. I got to to the second and final round of interviews. It was between me and one other for the final selection. I was beginning to think "I have this figured out, God!" Then...the bottom fell out. One morning I recieved a call saying they had selected the other nurse, she had school nurse experience.
I was devastated, to say the least. Had I gotten it all wrong? Had I made a mistake? Was I supposed to be going into ministry? I mean, how could I do floor nursing, or OR nursing and go to school. My schedule in such areas would require rotating shifts, on-calls, etc. That wouldn't work with going to school.
I prayed and cried. "God...if this is what you want me to do, you are going to have to give me some kind of sign; you are going to have to work this out!"
That very afternoon I recieved a call from a physician I had known at MDACC..." Are you still without a job?" she asked. I told her, well, as a matter of fact, I was; that I had just found out I didn't get the job I had applied for.
"Don't take any job...I want you to come to work for me. Can you come and talk with me this afternoon?" My reply was, "Uh, well, yes...sure...where?"
We made arrangements, I went to talk with her; finding out exactly what she was wanting. I then asked her how she knew I was not working. Turns out, when I was laid off, another nurse I knew was in a clinic when I went to tell everyone goodbye. She remembered I had been laid off and told Dr. F. Dr. F knew me and asked the nurse to get my phone number so she could call me.
I told Dr. F of my plans, and asked her if that would present any problems. She was thrilled and told me emphatically it wouldn't. She encouraged any of her staff to further their education.
So...it turned out that I went back to work at MDACC 4 months after being laid off. I resumed working at my previous salary, with my vacation, sickleave and seniority all still intact; and with the blessings of being able to go to school.
When God wants you to do something, it is best to just given it. Life is much easier when you do!
Iwas looking at beginning to look for a job. Nursing jobs at this point were not hard to come by, but I wanted something that would allow me to go to seminary. I found out Perkins School of Theology had an off campus program here in Houston! Was I surprised? No. I figured God was working all this out long before I came to my senses!
I had decided that perhaps I should investigate school nursing. That would allow me to work during the year and take classes in the summer. I did not realize at this point that it woudl take me a really long time to finish seminary this was, as I would only be able to take two classes a summer. I also didn't know for sure if I could the classes here in Houston. I really knew nothing about the Houston Program.
About the time I decided to look into school nursing, a friend called me and asked was I still "unemployed." I told her yes, and asked why. "Oh...I was wondering if you would be interested in being a school nurse." I had told no one about my looking into this possibility. A position at the Senior High had opened up. She was the nurse at the Junior High!
OK, God...I get the message! I began the interview process for that position. It was in Richmond/Rosenberg, which would have been about an 80 mile round trip for me from where I was currently living. I got to to the second and final round of interviews. It was between me and one other for the final selection. I was beginning to think "I have this figured out, God!" Then...the bottom fell out. One morning I recieved a call saying they had selected the other nurse, she had school nurse experience.
I was devastated, to say the least. Had I gotten it all wrong? Had I made a mistake? Was I supposed to be going into ministry? I mean, how could I do floor nursing, or OR nursing and go to school. My schedule in such areas would require rotating shifts, on-calls, etc. That wouldn't work with going to school.
I prayed and cried. "God...if this is what you want me to do, you are going to have to give me some kind of sign; you are going to have to work this out!"
That very afternoon I recieved a call from a physician I had known at MDACC..." Are you still without a job?" she asked. I told her, well, as a matter of fact, I was; that I had just found out I didn't get the job I had applied for.
"Don't take any job...I want you to come to work for me. Can you come and talk with me this afternoon?" My reply was, "Uh, well, yes...sure...where?"
We made arrangements, I went to talk with her; finding out exactly what she was wanting. I then asked her how she knew I was not working. Turns out, when I was laid off, another nurse I knew was in a clinic when I went to tell everyone goodbye. She remembered I had been laid off and told Dr. F. Dr. F knew me and asked the nurse to get my phone number so she could call me.
I told Dr. F of my plans, and asked her if that would present any problems. She was thrilled and told me emphatically it wouldn't. She encouraged any of her staff to further their education.
So...it turned out that I went back to work at MDACC 4 months after being laid off. I resumed working at my previous salary, with my vacation, sickleave and seniority all still intact; and with the blessings of being able to go to school.
When God wants you to do something, it is best to just given it. Life is much easier when you do!
The First Steps
As I began to realize my calling to ministry beyond nursing, I also began to search out...to discern...what it was that God was calling me to. I discussed different options with a pastor, looking at different avenues of ministry where I felt I 'fit.' I (critical fact here...relying on self!) did not believe I was being called to preach, or to I loved children, so perhaps educational ministries; I love music, so perhaps music ministries; but neither of these really struck my heart. One day chaplaincy was mentioned and it was like the proverbial light bulb lighting up. Of course - what better way to blend my nursing career with the calling I was feeling! Then I discovered to be a Methodist chaplain, I would still need to become an ordained minister.
"Wait a minute, God... that isn't in my plan! Besides, that requires a whole lot of schooling! I am working full-time... I can't work and go to school..."
Well, one needs to be extremely cautious when trying to get God to fit YOUR plans! God has a strange way of getting YOUR plans to fit those of God!
One week before I was to celebrate my 2oth anniversary as a nurse at MDACC as well as it being the day before I was to start a two-week vacation, I was laid off! The division in which I was working was being dissolved!
I was devestated to say the least. I was given a 6 month severance package which allowed me to continue being paid, covered my insurance and accrue both vacation and sick time. I suddenly realized God was telling me, "OK, you said you couldn't work and go to school. What is your excuse now?"
I had none. Except that I needed money to pay my bills, even to pay for school. However, sinceI was still getting a "salary", so to speak, for the next six months, I decided to use this unexpected time of freedom to do some serious soul searching. I decided to not look for a job for three months and to just relax and spend some time deciding exactly what God was calling me to.
"Wait a minute, God... that isn't in my plan! Besides, that requires a whole lot of schooling! I am working full-time... I can't work and go to school..."
Well, one needs to be extremely cautious when trying to get God to fit YOUR plans! God has a strange way of getting YOUR plans to fit those of God!
One week before I was to celebrate my 2oth anniversary as a nurse at MDACC as well as it being the day before I was to start a two-week vacation, I was laid off! The division in which I was working was being dissolved!
I was devestated to say the least. I was given a 6 month severance package which allowed me to continue being paid, covered my insurance and accrue both vacation and sick time. I suddenly realized God was telling me, "OK, you said you couldn't work and go to school. What is your excuse now?"
I had none. Except that I needed money to pay my bills, even to pay for school. However, sinceI was still getting a "salary", so to speak, for the next six months, I decided to use this unexpected time of freedom to do some serious soul searching. I decided to not look for a job for three months and to just relax and spend some time deciding exactly what God was calling me to.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
The History of the Beginning
I began my journey in ministry long before entering the process to ordination. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. As a child, I got a Nurse's Kit for a Birthday or Christmas present; you know the kind: the little plastic nurse's bag with the plastic stethescope, thermometer, medicine bottle, and clip board! Even before I could read, I would look through my mom's nursing books and dream of the day when I would be a nurse.
That goal was accomplished in 1979 when I graduated from TWU and the subsequently passed my State Boards. I was an "RN"...Real Nurse! I had started, just shortly before my graduation, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. I then spent the next 24 years there as a nurse.
Throughout my career as a nurse, I began to see nursing as ministry! Of course, I would often pray for my patients, and occassionally would pray with my patients. But as time went on and my position changed, I found it more and more difficult to pray with my patients. I just could not take that luxury of time. I was required to be present with physicians for exams, I needed to do my charting, I was needed to be an assistant for procedures. These and many other duties kept me from spending any length of extra time with my patients. Many knew I was a Christian and would ask me to pray for them, I just could not stop and pray with them. Fortunately, they understood!
I had always thought I would go back to school and get my Masters in nursing, becoming a Nurse Practioner or a Clinical Nurse Specialist. There were many who encouraged me to pursue furthering my education and I wanted to. Yet, it seemed each time I seriously considered it something just did not seem right. It didn't fit... little did I realize that God had other plans!
After a change of positions I found myself realizing that I was being led in a different direction; a direction I could have never imagined. The journey was just beginning!
That goal was accomplished in 1979 when I graduated from TWU and the subsequently passed my State Boards. I was an "RN"...Real Nurse! I had started, just shortly before my graduation, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. I then spent the next 24 years there as a nurse.
Throughout my career as a nurse, I began to see nursing as ministry! Of course, I would often pray for my patients, and occassionally would pray with my patients. But as time went on and my position changed, I found it more and more difficult to pray with my patients. I just could not take that luxury of time. I was required to be present with physicians for exams, I needed to do my charting, I was needed to be an assistant for procedures. These and many other duties kept me from spending any length of extra time with my patients. Many knew I was a Christian and would ask me to pray for them, I just could not stop and pray with them. Fortunately, they understood!
I had always thought I would go back to school and get my Masters in nursing, becoming a Nurse Practioner or a Clinical Nurse Specialist. There were many who encouraged me to pursue furthering my education and I wanted to. Yet, it seemed each time I seriously considered it something just did not seem right. It didn't fit... little did I realize that God had other plans!
After a change of positions I found myself realizing that I was being led in a different direction; a direction I could have never imagined. The journey was just beginning!
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