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Sunday, July 19, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Your 2014 Leadership Team - Pt. 4
Tricia Dunton
Husband's name: Justin
How long have you been married: 6.5 years
Do you have any children?: Graeme (3) and Will (1) with another boy on the way.
Where is home: Texas, mainly :)
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): This is our 3rd year at TEDS for Justin to do the MDiv
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc.!
In my previous life, I was a Career Counselor and worked for St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and The University of Texas in Austin, Texas. I'm horrible at crafting but I love to do it!
What is your roll on the leadership team?: current on-campus small group leader
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: excited to learn from my small group members and walk through this time with them.
What do you like about TWF?: I love the instant fellowship it provides. I love that when you choose to be a part of it, you find community that will understand you and your life situation for the rest of your life, probably better than anyone else you would find.
Advice or encouragement to new wives: be involved. Don't be shy about reaching out to other wives and creating connections, even with those of us who have been here for a while. Just breathe while you're here, take a moment, remember this season, though it may be hard, is only a season. It doesn't last forever and there is so much to gain. Support your husband and don't lose yourself :)
Rebekah Hill
Husband's name: Daniel
How long have you been married: 14 years
Do you have any children?: Silas, 8 Mamie, 6 Emmett, 2
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): the mountains of North Carolina
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): 3 years.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc! In my "former life," I was a public school teacher. I love to sing, quilt & sew, cook, and find treasures at thrift stores. I dream of living on a self-sustaining farm of sorts when I grow up.
What is your roll on the leadership team?: president
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: learning how others view and "do" service - whether it's serving God, themselves, or others - I love gaining perspective; it matures me and motivates me.
What do you like about TWF?: We all have chaos. With other people I feel like I should let them know that "school" is contributing to my chaos. With Trinity Wives, it's understood - and I can move on to more relational things.
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Seminary is a hard season - use it to draw close to the Lord and your family, and find friendship anywhere you can. Your God and your husband (and your kids if you have them) are your constants. Cherish those constant things and love them deeply, but give some time to building new friendships - they are worth the effort, even if they're not perfect. There are times when it feels like a friend might as well be a needle in a haystack, and you can't stay intimate with old friends and make new friends at the same time. It's exhausting! But search out friendship & fellowship - God has each relationship planned for a reason, even if some of them are only for this seminary season.
Renee Gowler
Husband's name: Alex
How long have you been married: 5 years
Do you have any children?: Zeke -2, Gretta - 1
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): Chebanse, Illinois
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): we are 2.5 years into the MDiv program, with a year left. After my husband and I both lost our "first real ministry jobs", we realized that we hadn't been serving with the unique gifts God gave us. We came to TEDS to pursue the specific calling God has for us, rather than continue to make do in a role or job that doesn't perfectly fit us.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc! - Currently, I am a full-time mama of 2. Professionally, I have served as a teacher, marketing director, and waitress. I am really into baking with my son, summer dresses, the Lord of the Rings, and natural childbirth. I can't whistle, I hate mustard, and I'm afraid of sharks.
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Vice President and Publicity
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: I am excited about the new look of Trinity Wives Fellowship (our logo and graphics), and I'm also looking forward to connecting more with the husbands of the wives who aren't yet part of TWF. I want men to know that we exist to bless their wives, and we want join them in pointing their wives to Jesus
during this season at seminary. From a publicity stand-point, that means we're doing some creative marketing (business cards, sidewalk chalk, etc.) to reach those men. I can't wait to see how it goes!
What do you like about TWF?: I love, love, love my small group and the amazing, godly, hilarious women I've gotten to grow with because of it!
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Participate in TWF in some way. If you don't have room in your life to join a small group, then attend the Large Group Gatherings to be encouraged and connected to other women. Attend a play group or social event! You will not regret stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new sisters in Christ.
Your 2014 Leadership Team - Pt. 3
Suzanne Kilner
Husband's name: John Kilner
How long have you been married: 39 years
Do you have any children?: Beth (married to Marvin) and Paul
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): Boston, Kenya, Lexington, KY, Wilmette IL
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): John has been teaching Bioethics since 1994
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc.!: After undergraduate and graduate studies,I have worked as an environmental planning consultant, generally for women owned businesses and part time. I have overseen elder care in their homes for my parents, my in-laws and my special needs son. He now has a unique program with six different volunteer jobs each week. My hobbies include gardening, reading, sailing and hiking.
What is your role on the leadership team?: Faculty Wife Adviser
What do you look forward to this year while filling this role?: Watching God work through this year's team
What do you like about TWF?: Getting to know women who love Jesus and make themselves available to God for ministry.
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Bloom where you are planted. Choose to be content and focus on the things you are thankful for. Be open to what God wants to grow/change in you through your difficulties.
Alyssa VandenHeuvel
Husband's Name: John
We have been married a little over a year
Home is Seymour, WI - We both grew up there and went to high school there.
This is our 2nd year at TEDS. John has been in the military since 2009 and completed ROTC at college at UW-Stevens Point. During ROTC, he felt that God really wanted him to continue in the military but as a chaplain. God put everything in motion to bring us to Trinity, and here we are! John is getting his MDiv with an emphasis on military chaplaincy.
I grew up on a family dairy farm in Seymour, Wisconsin close to Green Bay (so I am, of course, a Packers fan). My husband and I met in high school and we got married a little over a year ago in July 2013. I graduated from UW - Stevens Point with a degree in Biology in May 2013, and now work as a Contracts Analyst at a local pharmaceutical manufacturing company named Akorn. Recently I've been trying to learn how to sew, and I love flower gardening. John and I both love to play card games and board games.
My role on the leadership team is as a Small Group Leader. I look forward to meeting new friends and encouraging them as we go through life and learn about God and his Word.
What I like most about TWF is the sense of community and meeting so many people who come from all walks of life. Everyone is so supportive, no matter what's going on in your life, and it seems that at least one person has been through what you're going through and can relate and give advice.
My advice/encouragement to new wives is to really try to enjoy this period and make the most out of your time here. This stage of life isn't just for our about only your husband - this is part of God's plan for you, too.
Ruth Voetmann
Husband's name: Cody
How long have you been married: over a year
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): Fall Creek, WI - small little town in the country near Eau Claire., before that St. Louis, MO, and before that Trinity! I was born here on campus while my dad was attending TEDS.
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): My husband is starting his 4th year here (I just joined him last year). He is pursuing a Christian Ministries (pastoral emphasis) degree and Mdiv. He also added a Graphic Design major into the mix last year. He is enrolled in the 6 yr AP Mdiv program (7yrs now with the design major) and has 3 more years to go (after this one).
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc!
Facts about me...well, I am currently working at KNUTH Machine Tools as a secretary and marketing assistant. My degrees and my passion, however, are in music (specifically voice, although I do play the piano and violin as well) and theatre. My dream job would be preforming Musical Theatre. Other interests: I LOVE to read, and like cooking, gardening, and anything that is outdoors where I can soak in God's beautiful and uniquely intricate creation. Fun facts! 1) I am the 3rd of five siblings. 2) All five us were of home schooled all the way through high school. 3) Favorite book: Lord of the Rings, Favorite TV series: Castle
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Co-leader of an on-campus small group
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: Growing as individuals and a group as we discover more of who God is and all that He has for us as His children. Continuing to encourage and to be encouraged and strengthened for the "everyday" things and struggles and joys that we each encounter as we share this unique season of life together.
What do you like about TWF?: Trinity Wives for me has truly been God reaching out and meeting my need for community and a place to grow in Him! I came to Trinity as a brand new wife having left my family, home church, and network of godly friends and mentors for the first time in my life. In the midst of all that change God brought me to TWF. I think what I appreciate most is the way we really delve into the scriptures together in our small group bible studies. There is a true hunger for God's truth and to know Him more fully. I also instantly felt accepted and loved and like I belonged, simply because we are all facing the same challenges in learning how to live out lives of Christlike love in our marriages, workplaces, and families as our husbands (and maybe even we ourselves) study here at Trinity. It is so encouraging knowing that I am not alone in walking this road. God has blessed me with rich relationships through TWF, challenged me to grow in my weaknesses, and revealed more of Himself to me through this past year. TWF has been the instrument God used to play His melodies of love, admonition, and encouragement upon my heart, I am so thankful to be a part of this group of women!
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Seek God first in all things, and talk to Him about EVERYTHING. All the little stresses, all the fears, all your hopes, all the little irritations - share them with our Father, acknowledge His constant love and control. It's amazing how simply sharing all of it with Him, puts things into perspective for me.
Chelsey Hernandez
Husband's name: Alan
How long have you been married: 2 years
Do you have any children? Names and ages: We're expecting our first (a girl) in February!
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): I was raised in Colorado, moved to Texas when I was fourteen, and then moved to Waukegan, IL after Alan and I got married.
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): We've been at TEDS for one year. We originally came to Waukegan to work with a multi-cultural church plant, with grad school in mind, as Alan felt called to continue his education. As a couple who is working as a bridge between cultures, we feel called to channel the resources we receive to underprivileged communities.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc!
I am an English teacher! I've really found my niche this year in teaching high school ESL. God provided a job for me at Grayslake Central High, and I LOVE what I do. I also began a grad program this August at Trinity in education, and most importantly, my husband and I are expecting our FIRST BABY in February:) Fun facts: I enjoy working with teenagers, like frogs and lizards, and am fluent in Spanish!
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Welcoming Committee
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: Meeting a lot of new people!
What do you like about TWF?: The opportunity to be encouraged spiritually and connect with other women who are in the same life season as I am:)
Advice or encouragement to new wives: EnJoY this season! The things my husband is learning influence me as well-----growth and education is so God-honoring and so GOOD:)
Husband's name: John Kilner
How long have you been married: 39 years
Do you have any children?: Beth (married to Marvin) and Paul
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): Boston, Kenya, Lexington, KY, Wilmette IL
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): John has been teaching Bioethics since 1994
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc.!: After undergraduate and graduate studies,I have worked as an environmental planning consultant, generally for women owned businesses and part time. I have overseen elder care in their homes for my parents, my in-laws and my special needs son. He now has a unique program with six different volunteer jobs each week. My hobbies include gardening, reading, sailing and hiking.
What is your role on the leadership team?: Faculty Wife Adviser
What do you look forward to this year while filling this role?: Watching God work through this year's team
What do you like about TWF?: Getting to know women who love Jesus and make themselves available to God for ministry.
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Bloom where you are planted. Choose to be content and focus on the things you are thankful for. Be open to what God wants to grow/change in you through your difficulties.
Alyssa VandenHeuvelHusband's Name: John
We have been married a little over a year
Home is Seymour, WI - We both grew up there and went to high school there.
This is our 2nd year at TEDS. John has been in the military since 2009 and completed ROTC at college at UW-Stevens Point. During ROTC, he felt that God really wanted him to continue in the military but as a chaplain. God put everything in motion to bring us to Trinity, and here we are! John is getting his MDiv with an emphasis on military chaplaincy.
I grew up on a family dairy farm in Seymour, Wisconsin close to Green Bay (so I am, of course, a Packers fan). My husband and I met in high school and we got married a little over a year ago in July 2013. I graduated from UW - Stevens Point with a degree in Biology in May 2013, and now work as a Contracts Analyst at a local pharmaceutical manufacturing company named Akorn. Recently I've been trying to learn how to sew, and I love flower gardening. John and I both love to play card games and board games.
My role on the leadership team is as a Small Group Leader. I look forward to meeting new friends and encouraging them as we go through life and learn about God and his Word.
What I like most about TWF is the sense of community and meeting so many people who come from all walks of life. Everyone is so supportive, no matter what's going on in your life, and it seems that at least one person has been through what you're going through and can relate and give advice.
My advice/encouragement to new wives is to really try to enjoy this period and make the most out of your time here. This stage of life isn't just for our about only your husband - this is part of God's plan for you, too.
Ruth Voetmann
Husband's name: Cody
How long have you been married: over a year
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): Fall Creek, WI - small little town in the country near Eau Claire., before that St. Louis, MO, and before that Trinity! I was born here on campus while my dad was attending TEDS.
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): My husband is starting his 4th year here (I just joined him last year). He is pursuing a Christian Ministries (pastoral emphasis) degree and Mdiv. He also added a Graphic Design major into the mix last year. He is enrolled in the 6 yr AP Mdiv program (7yrs now with the design major) and has 3 more years to go (after this one).
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc!
Facts about me...well, I am currently working at KNUTH Machine Tools as a secretary and marketing assistant. My degrees and my passion, however, are in music (specifically voice, although I do play the piano and violin as well) and theatre. My dream job would be preforming Musical Theatre. Other interests: I LOVE to read, and like cooking, gardening, and anything that is outdoors where I can soak in God's beautiful and uniquely intricate creation. Fun facts! 1) I am the 3rd of five siblings. 2) All five us were of home schooled all the way through high school. 3) Favorite book: Lord of the Rings, Favorite TV series: Castle
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Co-leader of an on-campus small group
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: Growing as individuals and a group as we discover more of who God is and all that He has for us as His children. Continuing to encourage and to be encouraged and strengthened for the "everyday" things and struggles and joys that we each encounter as we share this unique season of life together.
What do you like about TWF?: Trinity Wives for me has truly been God reaching out and meeting my need for community and a place to grow in Him! I came to Trinity as a brand new wife having left my family, home church, and network of godly friends and mentors for the first time in my life. In the midst of all that change God brought me to TWF. I think what I appreciate most is the way we really delve into the scriptures together in our small group bible studies. There is a true hunger for God's truth and to know Him more fully. I also instantly felt accepted and loved and like I belonged, simply because we are all facing the same challenges in learning how to live out lives of Christlike love in our marriages, workplaces, and families as our husbands (and maybe even we ourselves) study here at Trinity. It is so encouraging knowing that I am not alone in walking this road. God has blessed me with rich relationships through TWF, challenged me to grow in my weaknesses, and revealed more of Himself to me through this past year. TWF has been the instrument God used to play His melodies of love, admonition, and encouragement upon my heart, I am so thankful to be a part of this group of women!
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Seek God first in all things, and talk to Him about EVERYTHING. All the little stresses, all the fears, all your hopes, all the little irritations - share them with our Father, acknowledge His constant love and control. It's amazing how simply sharing all of it with Him, puts things into perspective for me.
Chelsey Hernandez
Husband's name: Alan
How long have you been married: 2 years
Do you have any children? Names and ages: We're expecting our first (a girl) in February!
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): I was raised in Colorado, moved to Texas when I was fourteen, and then moved to Waukegan, IL after Alan and I got married.
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): We've been at TEDS for one year. We originally came to Waukegan to work with a multi-cultural church plant, with grad school in mind, as Alan felt called to continue his education. As a couple who is working as a bridge between cultures, we feel called to channel the resources we receive to underprivileged communities.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc!
I am an English teacher! I've really found my niche this year in teaching high school ESL. God provided a job for me at Grayslake Central High, and I LOVE what I do. I also began a grad program this August at Trinity in education, and most importantly, my husband and I are expecting our FIRST BABY in February:) Fun facts: I enjoy working with teenagers, like frogs and lizards, and am fluent in Spanish!
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Welcoming Committee
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: Meeting a lot of new people!
What do you like about TWF?: The opportunity to be encouraged spiritually and connect with other women who are in the same life season as I am:)
Advice or encouragement to new wives: EnJoY this season! The things my husband is learning influence me as well-----growth and education is so God-honoring and so GOOD:)
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Memory Verse Routine that Works!
Memory Verse Routine that Works!
(or Raisins and Verses Time)
by Abby Fleming
My Inspiration
My kids are smarter than I am. Well, they have a better memory at least. It's always amazing to me what they can remember. Can you relate to any of these?
“Mommy, yesterday at lunch you said that I could have a special treat today!”
When reading a favorite book, “Wait, you didn't read that right. You skipped some words.”
After her second ever Veggie Tales, “and now it's time for silly songs with Larry...”
Any kind of slightly annoying kids' songs are engrained in their little minds after only one or two times of listening to them!
Potty songs, anyone??
Even before I had kids, I knew that I wanted to take this uncanny ability of theirs to remember EVERYTHING and use it for something beneficial to them... memory verses. This decision was inspired by two families.
I worked in an Awana Club with the first family when I was back in high school. For those of you who don't know, Awana is a children's club with a huge emphasis on Bible memorization. It's a great program, but at the time I didn't fully understand how important it was that the children were memorizing Bible verses. At a leadership meeting one night, we were discussing whether we ought to include more “fun” things in lieu of some of the memory verse time. I was all for it, but the Mom of this family disagreed with me. She talked about how her children were like sponges, soaking up everything and how she wanted to use this time in their lives to help them soak up as many Bible verses as they could hold. The value she placed on this was contagious.
Later, when I was working my first teaching job, a fellow teacher invited my husband and I to his home for a family dinner. At the time, he had two very young children. After dinner, they told us that they needed to practice their family memory verses together. I was sitting there expecting something to the extent of “God is love” when they started reciting the entire chapter of Genesis One (motions included)!! I was blown away at what they could do at such young ages. I was also inspired to higher my expectations for my kids one day.
How we made it work
Today, I am “Mommy” to a 3 year old daughter and a 1 ½ year old son. After several hiccups and failed attempts, we have come to a memory verse routine that works well for us. I hope it can help you find a system that works for you!
The first thing we did was buy a highly recommended CD, “Hide 'em in Your Heart” by Steve Green. It is a CD composed entirely of verses set to music, but in a kid friendly (and amazingly not annoying to parents) way. There's just something about music that can help our minds remember things.
I decided to use this to help my daughter memorize the verses on the CD. After owning and listening to it for a while, we started practicing. Our practicing revolves around three words: consistent, rewarded and relaxed.
Consistent. I established a certain time every day when we practice our memory verses. For us, it's in the morning right after breakfast, while we are still at the table. We break her verse down into very small phrases (2-4 words) and repeat them to her with the same exact intonation every time. Then, she repeats the phrase back to us until she can do it on her own. The next day, we review what she already knows and pick up practicing where we left off. Now that she's used to it, she can usually add a new phrase on every day or two.
Rewarded. We all need some sort of motivation, and our kids are no different. We've somehow convinced our daughter that raisins are a special treat, so that is our token bribery... I mean reward. We actually call it “Raisins and Verses Time” now. When she first started, we would line up the raisins, one for each word, and she could eat them as she said the words.
Consistent. I established a certain time every day when we practice our memory verses. For us, it's in the morning right after breakfast, while we are still at the table. We break her verse down into very small phrases (2-4 words) and repeat them to her with the same exact intonation every time. Then, she repeats the phrase back to us until she can do it on her own. The next day, we review what she already knows and pick up practicing where we left off. Now that she's used to it, she can usually add a new phrase on every day or two.
Rewarded. We all need some sort of motivation, and our kids are no different. We've somehow convinced our daughter that raisins are a special treat, so that is our token bribery... I mean reward. We actually call it “Raisins and Verses Time” now. When she first started, we would line up the raisins, one for each word, and she could eat them as she said the words.
Now, we break it up into two piles of raisins. First, she says all her previously learned verses, we give her lots and lots of praise, and she eats her first pile of raisins. Then, we work on her new verse, sometimes reinforcing the phrase she learned yesterday, sometimes adding a new phrase, always with lots of praise.
Relaxed. We've learned that our daughter learns her verses much quicker and happier if we keep it a fun and relaxed time. There is no pressure. Sometimes, she gets on a roll and can do a new phrase every day. Sometimes, we take a week on a two word phrase. There is no rush. No one is keeping score. We're thrilled for every verse she can hide in that little heart of hers.
With this routine, our daughter has learned 6 good sized verses and is now working on the Lord's Prayer. It's not quite Genesis 1, but we're pretty proud of her!
Relaxed. We've learned that our daughter learns her verses much quicker and happier if we keep it a fun and relaxed time. There is no pressure. Sometimes, she gets on a roll and can do a new phrase every day. Sometimes, we take a week on a two word phrase. There is no rush. No one is keeping score. We're thrilled for every verse she can hide in that little heart of hers.
With this routine, our daughter has learned 6 good sized verses and is now working on the Lord's Prayer. It's not quite Genesis 1, but we're pretty proud of her!
I mentioned I have a 1 ½ year old son too. He can't talk much yet, but he was feeling a little left out during “Raisins and Verses Time” and very jealous that she was getting extra raisins. So, he now has his own verse that he tries to say every day, too. One day, it will sound like “God is love”, but for now it sounds more like, “Dg!! La!”. He gets a couple raisins and lots of praise, and he gives us a big grin. It's a pretty good trade off.
I hope you can use this to find a system that works for you!!
--- --- ---
Abby graduated from Emmaus Bible College with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies. Also at Emmaus, she met and married her husband, Dan, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Theological Studies - Historical Theology. As you read, they have a daughter and a son with another son expected in either January or February, 2015. Abby is always thinking of creative ideas to keep her kids learning and exploring, and she always makes time for having people over to chat!
This blog post was first published on Abby's family's blog, Around the Table.
Our Perspective in Suffering
by Renee Gowler
Part 3 of a 3-part series on the hope of Christ. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
It’s the week before final exams and 15 days until Christmas.
Feeling stressed? Me, too.
Can I share something encouraging with you? Read 2 Corinthians 4:18 -
There’s a lot going on in this familiar passage. We see the contrast between the seen and unseen, and between the eternal and temporary. There’s irony, too, as we’re told to fix our eyes on what we can’t see (thanks for that, Paul).
Many things could be said about this single verse, but as we come to the end of this 3-part series on suffering, and as we are all probably feeling a little frazzled, there’s one thing I want you to notice: You can choose your perspective.
Read that Corinthians verse again, my friend. See the choice implied there?
We can actively decide where we will hold our gaze, and we can pick our focus. Our two choices are the visible, temporary things or eternal and unseen things.
Now, I think it’s clear what the temporary, “see-able” things are in life. For Paul, it was the floggings, the slander from false accusers, and the shipwrecks (plural!). For us, maybe it’s the stress of seminary, the cancer diagnosis, the gossiping friend, or in my case, the potty-training toddler.
Paul tells us NOT to fix our gaze on these things, so what are we looking at instead? What are the
eternal, unseen things?
Ready for the “Sunday school answer”?
Jesus.
He is the eternal and unseen One, and we can choose to fix our eyes on Him. Christ. The image of the invisible God, the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His being.
He is our sovereign creator, our great high priest, our spotless lamb who knew no sin, the One who was wounded so we could be healed. He is everything that was promised. Eve’s offspring who
crushed the snake, Abraham’s seed with blessing for the nations, David’s son with an eternal throne, the Suffering Servant, who knows what pain feels like.
And by God’s grace, we can look upwards at Him and the incredible promises in His Word. His resurrection power inside of us enables us to see Him, and He will open the eyes of our hearts to behold Himself.
But first…we must choose our perspective.
So, make your choice.
Because you can.
You HAVE an option here, my friend. You may not have control over anything else that happens to you today.
But you CAN choose your perspective.
Pick Jesus.
Part 3 of a 3-part series on the hope of Christ. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
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It’s the week before final exams and 15 days until Christmas.
Feeling stressed? Me, too.
Can I share something encouraging with you? Read 2 Corinthians 4:18 -
“So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
There’s a lot going on in this familiar passage. We see the contrast between the seen and unseen, and between the eternal and temporary. There’s irony, too, as we’re told to fix our eyes on what we can’t see (thanks for that, Paul).
Many things could be said about this single verse, but as we come to the end of this 3-part series on suffering, and as we are all probably feeling a little frazzled, there’s one thing I want you to notice: You can choose your perspective.
Read that Corinthians verse again, my friend. See the choice implied there?
We can actively decide where we will hold our gaze, and we can pick our focus. Our two choices are the visible, temporary things or eternal and unseen things.
Now, I think it’s clear what the temporary, “see-able” things are in life. For Paul, it was the floggings, the slander from false accusers, and the shipwrecks (plural!). For us, maybe it’s the stress of seminary, the cancer diagnosis, the gossiping friend, or in my case, the potty-training toddler.
Paul tells us NOT to fix our gaze on these things, so what are we looking at instead? What are the
eternal, unseen things?
Ready for the “Sunday school answer”?
Jesus.
He is the eternal and unseen One, and we can choose to fix our eyes on Him. Christ. The image of the invisible God, the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His being.
He is our sovereign creator, our great high priest, our spotless lamb who knew no sin, the One who was wounded so we could be healed. He is everything that was promised. Eve’s offspring who
crushed the snake, Abraham’s seed with blessing for the nations, David’s son with an eternal throne, the Suffering Servant, who knows what pain feels like.
And by God’s grace, we can look upwards at Him and the incredible promises in His Word. His resurrection power inside of us enables us to see Him, and He will open the eyes of our hearts to behold Himself.
But first…we must choose our perspective.
So, make your choice.
Because you can.
You HAVE an option here, my friend. You may not have control over anything else that happens to you today.
But you CAN choose your perspective.
Pick Jesus.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Love Forgives
by Laura Bazal
This chapter...talk about uncomfortable conviction.
Should we ever expect conviction to be comfortable? Of course not, as anything convicting points out a flaw that we need to deal with, and usually that flaw, or sin, makes us feel comfortable in the first place.
What place does resentment hold in your heart, mind, and spirit? Do you go about quickly pursuing the wise way to forgive and forget, or do you hold on to the flaws of the past, present, or projected future and make yourself an idol of superiority over someone else's error? If you lean more toward the second, then you're not living out Christ's love.
It's very easy for me to find comfort in resentment. This is because I really do not like confrontation; if I've been wronged, it often(regrettably) takes me too long to forgive the person, people, group, or organization - whatever it may be. In all that waiting, I end up doing them wrong, too, and sinning in my own heart by holding onto all that unforgiveness.
Ryken illustrates for us how love is not resentful. He points out that Jesus, when wronged in a multitude of ways by Peter during the most sensitive of hours, not only confronted and forgave Peter for his betrayal, but He made a point to show his love to him and give him renewed purpose by participating in Christ's life and mission. Jesus freed Peter from his guilt and restored the relationship Peter had tarnished, and we are called to do the same.
Forgiveness is freeing - that's was a resounding theme espoused in our small group on Monday. It's freeing for the person who did wrong, and it's freeing for the person who was wronged. How are we to live if our life is fueled yet also enslaved by anger and resentment? No, life comes from those things - only sin and death do.
Christians are to live in the freedom of Christ, and that's the freedom that gives a person the ability to be fueled by God's love and extend that freeing forgiveness to others.
Our group also touched on the theme of restoration. What relationships in your life need to be restored? I will tell you that this chapter made me think good and hard about who I needed to work with in my life. It also made me think of the people I need to receive forgiveness from, too.
Forgiving is hard, but it's mainly hard because hurt can give us an excuse to hold onto pain like a lifeline. Our life comes from Christ, and we live - and love - because of his forgiveness.
Finally, Ryken used an example of what it looks like to forgive from the testimony of Kim Phuc, which can be read here. It's poignant, to say the least, and really shows how we should live out forgiveness the way 1st Corinthians calls us to do.
May we all forgive because of the love, the forgiveness, of Christ.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Meet Your Leadership Team - Part 2
Ruth Scharf
Husband: Greg Scharf. We have been married 38 years.
Children; Graham, Rebecca, Elisabeth, Katherine; live in Charlottesville, VA
Roger, Haley, Anna, Peter, Henry; live in St. Paul, MN
Gordon, Virginia; live in Beijing, China
Home before Trinity: Fargo, ND; Toronto, Canada; London England; Nairobi, Kenya.
How long have you been married: We have been at TEDS for 15 years, since Greg was asked to join the Pastoral Theology dept.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc!
Greg and I met and married in London, England where he was an associate pastor at All Souls Church, Langham Place. Prior to this associate's position he was one of the first interns for John Stott. I was working in London as a physical therapist and a part time intern at All Souls working with international students. We served in London, Toronto and for 19 years in Fargo North Dakota with the EFCA in a church plant, Salem Evangelical free Church.
Currently I work as a teacher assistant in the Special Education District of Lake County school for the deaf and hard of hearing.
I love learning from other women concerning their walk with the Lord, their countries of origin and service.
I love to try new recipes and trying new foods! I enjoy cooking and baking.
I enjoy crafts and gardening... for the flowers!
Hospitality gives me the opportunity to get to know people. I enjoy having people in our home for meals or to stay.
We host a small group for our church.
I enjoy travel and
having a mother of 95 and a mother-in-law of 97, children and
grandchildren all living in different states and the world causes
destination specific travel.
What is your roll on the leadership team?: I am a faculty wife adviser.
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: I look
forward to learning and growing in Christ and seeing those on the
Ministry Team learn and grow this year. Seeing this always gives me
great encouragement and also stretches me as we face different
challenges during the year. Serving with Suzanne is a great
encouragement to me. This summer we have studied and prepared for the
upcoming study of 1 Corinthians 13. This has challenged me and caused me
to grow. I look forward to continued learning and growing in my
understanding how to Love as Christ loves and also how to encourage
others to put into practice all that we learn.
What do you like about TWF?: TWF is a place to get to know other student wives
and some faculty wives. This is a unique period in the life of every
student family and there is the opportunity to learn and grow together.
Every year is different and each year a blessing in my own life. It is
so encouraging to see gifts in others strengthened and emerge to bless
the wider community. TWF is a safe place to try out different ministry
positions ,use ones gifts, and a wonderful place of friendship and
support.
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Don't think we are perfect or have it all together. We are all learning and growing. "one beggar to another pointing each other to Christ". Come and find a place where you can continue to grow in your faith, have opportunities to serve and try new things, meet new people from all over the world, and taste the joy of supporting others and being supported in prayer and friendship.
Michelle Lipscomb
Husband's name: Anthony
How long have you been married: 11 years
Do you have any children?: Abby 5, Toby 10 months
Where is home (before Trinity - as far back as you want to go): Fredericksburg, VA
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): been here 2 years. My husband wants to be a professor, so he is finishing up a ThM and applying to doctoral programs in OT languages and linguistics.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc! I have a B.A. in English/education from Nyack College. I spent 9 years as a technical writer for the navy before becoming a stay at home mom. I currently work as a part-time line editor for the TIU USSC. When I get free time from my kids, I like to read and knit/crochet/cross stitch.
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Treasurer/on-campus small group co-leader
What do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: I particularly look forward to being challenged as a small group leader. It'll be a stretch for me since I tend toward being an introvert.
What do you like about TWF?: community and like-minded friendships
Advice or encouragement to new wives: go to the botanic gardens! They are awesome!
Stacey CaseyHusband's name: Josh
How long have you been married: 3
Do you have any children?: Emmaline, almost 2 yrs
Where is home (before Trinity): Nebraska
How long have you been at TEDS & what brought you here (degree, calling, etc.): My husband had been a distance student at Trinity for about 5 years while serving as a youth pastor. We moved last August to complete the rest of the MDiv.
Information about you - your current/past job(s), education, topics important to you, interests and hobbies, fun facts, etc! I am currently working for Chicago Public Schools as a high school special education teacher. I love my job but hate my commute. :) Family, social justice, volleyball, parenting, freezer meals, community and reading fill most of my thoughts and time...and I am grateful that I enjoy them all!
What is your roll on the leadership team?: Mom's Ministry Co-coordinator
What
do you look forward to this year while filling this roll?: I'm eager to
get to know people better and help connect moms to great resources, including each other.
What do you like about TWF?: I appreciate TWF's mission and am so thankful for how TWF helped get me connected when we moved here. My friends, support system and my personal growth is, in large part, due to TWF.
What do you like about TWF?: I appreciate TWF's mission and am so thankful for how TWF helped get me connected when we moved here. My friends, support system and my personal growth is, in large part, due to TWF.
Advice or encouragement to new wives: Be patient and keep on keeping on!
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