9.07.2008

BIBL350

This semester I'm enrolled in a class called Inductive Bible Study (or BIBL350). It is by far the most challenging class any religion major has to take. It's the dreaded one. You know that "duh duh duh" sound that is usually coupled with something ominous? That very sound goes through the minds of every religion student who hears (or thinks) of BIBL350. To make things more complicated, I'm taking it in a sub-term, which means I only have 8 weeks to do all of the work, as opposed to the normal 16. 

In the class, you learn the inductive method of Bible interpretation, and at the end of the semester, you have to write a 40 page paper on 12 verses (give or take a few). There is a TON of work in the class. You would not believe how great the process is for accurate Bible study. Each chapter of the textbook adds another step to the process. My assignments for this week were only chapters 8, which was on proper word studies, and 9, differences in translations. I spent almost 4 hours on them...on two chapters. 

I've loved it!

I know, call me crazy, but it's true. I have absolutely dreaded this class...but I think it will end up being the class that I loved the most. I'm sure I'll use it the most throughout the rest of my life. 

Anyway...that's all. 

Words and Bonds

Politics hold absolutely no appeal to me.

What happened to the days when a person's word was his or her bond? The phrase "actions speak louder than words" is nothing new, and it's certainly true. Maybe that phrase cheapened the worth of a persons words, because apparently they can just be thrown around now. Promises and claims can be made without one ounce of authenticity or truth behind them.

I hold Obama in no high esteem. I think his running for president is ridiculous. 

I do have some respect for McCain, however. He seems to be a genuine man, but because of the way politics are, I have no idea what to believe. I just read an email that shared the story of McCain's first wife. While he was in Vietnam, she suffered terrible injuries from a car crash. When he returned to America, he left her for a more beautiful, more wealthy woman. Is this true? I have no idea. But that's exactly what I mean...I have no idea what to believe.

The way the media handles politics, and the way politicians present themselves, makes me want to run away from the voting booths. I regret this, because as an American woman, I know the great sacrifices that were made for our suffrage. 

Should I have to choose between the so-called "lesser of two evils?" Because I won't. Call me un-American. My country is not as important to me as my faith, as my God. I am more than grateful that I was born in this land of freedom and opportunity, please don't doubt that. But I will trust that God's sovereignty will place the next president into that position regardless of the little bubble I darken on a ballot. My conscience isn't clear if I vote for someone I can't trust. 

So to you, McCain...please, please, let your words be your bond. Don't claim something just to win my vote. You have chosen to be in the limelight, so bare the good with the bad. Don't just parade the information that makes you look courageous and honest and full of integrity. Don't put yourself on a pedestal that you know you're destined to fall from. Be real. That's what will get you my vote.

9.06.2008

The Latest

I'm not a fan of the template that I've chosen for my blog. That's one of the reasons I've been avoiding posting something new.

Really, I've been so swamped with work and school and life that I haven't had much time to post. I doubt anyone would enjoy reading about my drama filled existence anyhow, and that's the only thing I would have posted about, because for a while the drama all but consumed my every thought.

Now that I've released that whole messy burden to the Lord, I'm finally free to write about the good things! Three weeks ago I read a very simple saying in one of Elisabeth Elliot's devotionals: "Anything worth having is worth waiting for." Oh, how relevant and profound. God has certainly been using that little phrase to teach me many things. I'm a slow, stubborn learner, but it has been quite a journey. 

He has also been teaching me through the lives of two incredible young women; Mary and Meggan. (How funny it would be if Meggan's name was Martha!) It's amazing to discover new things about their lives every day, and feel God using their experiences to teach me more than I could read in a book. On the outside, they're polar opposites. Strangely enough, though, I can identify with them both in such a strongly connected way. 

You know what? It wasn't until this very moment that I remembered several tearful nights spent praying for God to bring me help. They are that answer. 

Thank you so much, Lord.