I am moving on June 24 from Bybee UMC in Waco, KY to both Cedar Grove and Wisemantown UMC in Irvine, KY.
The new parsonage has three, count them 1, 2, 3, bedrooms. All right!
I'm sad to leave the little community of Waco and my church family there, but am excited about moving to a larger home with a greater salary in my old hometown. Cedar Grove is my home church where my grandparents attend.
I don't like having to drive even farther to get to class in Wilmore, but am pleased that I will live in a town (a county seat) with a grocery store, library, video store, etc.
If anybody would like to help me move, I'd appreciate it.
More later.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
license to preach school
why would they schedule it during Asbury Seminary finals week? I'd really like to close out my semester without cramming it (papers, tests, reading) all together in the last week or two.
why would they schedule it during the primary election for our state? I've been following the elections and want the opportunity to put my two cents in.
why would they schedule it during the primary election for our state? I've been following the elections and want the opportunity to put my two cents in.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Rapidly approaching
There are less than two weeks left in the semester. I will miss one of those weeks for License to Preach School. I have to get the semester work completed a week early. I finish the semester and LTPS by May 25. One of my summer classes starts May 27. The other on June 3rd.
I need a nap.
I need a nap.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Some of the times are not a changin'
It looks like the White's are not moving to Wilmore, at least not this summer. There was a possibility that I was changing appointments to a church nearer Wilmore, but that is no longer the case.
So much for looking for intentional community and feeling like part of the greater ATS community. So much for adult conversation for Laurie (with persons other than myself). So much for the hopes of a nearby groceries or a movie store.
And gas prices continue to climb. The drive to Wilmore is about 55 miles one way. I drive it at least twice a week. This past week I made the trip 5 times.
On the otherhand, I get to continue in this church where I am comfortable and loved (or at least by my perception). Also, I don't have to find a new place, pack everything up, and move. I still have a parsonage.
So, let's wait and see how all the rest turns out.
So much for looking for intentional community and feeling like part of the greater ATS community. So much for adult conversation for Laurie (with persons other than myself). So much for the hopes of a nearby groceries or a movie store.
And gas prices continue to climb. The drive to Wilmore is about 55 miles one way. I drive it at least twice a week. This past week I made the trip 5 times.
On the otherhand, I get to continue in this church where I am comfortable and loved (or at least by my perception). Also, I don't have to find a new place, pack everything up, and move. I still have a parsonage.
So, let's wait and see how all the rest turns out.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
the times they are a changin'
Laurie and I are uncertain about a few things in our upcoming future...
My unit is deactivating, and I have to find a new unit home before April 2009. I am looking to be promoted in the Army in July, which is good. But there are rumors of an upcoming deployment. Then again, you know how rumors are. I have considered switching over to the Chaplain Candidacy program because I would be non-deployable until I complete my degree. Degree completion is a big priority to me. But, if I switched, I wouldn't be able to go to drill once a month and would lose that income, which we need. Also, I have to wait until after I promoted or I lose the promotion. I could continue to go to monthly drills if I switched to the National Guard, but that's not really something I want to do. I have also considered volunteering for a deployment so that I would have control over where I am sent and what i would be doing. Besides, the money is good.
We are also considering moving to Wilmore (or at least closer), but haven't been able to find away to afford that. I don't like driving back and forth and back and forth an hour at a time, especially with gas prices seemingly without an apex. Laurie is starved for adult conversation as she is home most of the week with three young kids. (Incedently, Cooper turned 7 this past Sunday and Ainsley turned 3 today). I feel left out of the seminary community and the kids don't really have anybody with which to play. There are four girls of similar age that live near, but they are all sisters/cousins withone another and are perfectly content to play among themselves without my children. Plus, we don't appreciate the having to drive 15 minutes to buy groceries or rent movie, or .... whatever.
Mom is opposed to our moving further from Berea. When we moved here almost 2 years ago she was upset and we are only 1/2 an hour away. If we move to Jessamine County, it would be a full hour away, which is still closer than my siblings.
I'm also not sure, yet, whether I have to move. Appointments are being determined very soon, if not already. If I am re-appointed somewhere else. I will have to move from the parsonage. If not, I can stay, but ... see paragraph 1. Either way, how can I afford it.
Laurie and I are interested in finding an intentional community. I know of two in Madison County, but that does not releave my driving much (in fact in one case, it would increase it considerably). I have not found any such community in Jessamine County, although I do applaud the efforts of Tom & Cassie and Eric & Erin. However, they are just one home and we are a big family.
I'm tired of rambling. In short, it would be nice to have a little more certainty in our lives just now. But, we'll keep on keeping on and pray for the best.
My unit is deactivating, and I have to find a new unit home before April 2009. I am looking to be promoted in the Army in July, which is good. But there are rumors of an upcoming deployment. Then again, you know how rumors are. I have considered switching over to the Chaplain Candidacy program because I would be non-deployable until I complete my degree. Degree completion is a big priority to me. But, if I switched, I wouldn't be able to go to drill once a month and would lose that income, which we need. Also, I have to wait until after I promoted or I lose the promotion. I could continue to go to monthly drills if I switched to the National Guard, but that's not really something I want to do. I have also considered volunteering for a deployment so that I would have control over where I am sent and what i would be doing. Besides, the money is good.
We are also considering moving to Wilmore (or at least closer), but haven't been able to find away to afford that. I don't like driving back and forth and back and forth an hour at a time, especially with gas prices seemingly without an apex. Laurie is starved for adult conversation as she is home most of the week with three young kids. (Incedently, Cooper turned 7 this past Sunday and Ainsley turned 3 today). I feel left out of the seminary community and the kids don't really have anybody with which to play. There are four girls of similar age that live near, but they are all sisters/cousins withone another and are perfectly content to play among themselves without my children. Plus, we don't appreciate the having to drive 15 minutes to buy groceries or rent movie, or .... whatever.
Mom is opposed to our moving further from Berea. When we moved here almost 2 years ago she was upset and we are only 1/2 an hour away. If we move to Jessamine County, it would be a full hour away, which is still closer than my siblings.
I'm also not sure, yet, whether I have to move. Appointments are being determined very soon, if not already. If I am re-appointed somewhere else. I will have to move from the parsonage. If not, I can stay, but ... see paragraph 1. Either way, how can I afford it.
Laurie and I are interested in finding an intentional community. I know of two in Madison County, but that does not releave my driving much (in fact in one case, it would increase it considerably). I have not found any such community in Jessamine County, although I do applaud the efforts of Tom & Cassie and Eric & Erin. However, they are just one home and we are a big family.
I'm tired of rambling. In short, it would be nice to have a little more certainty in our lives just now. But, we'll keep on keeping on and pray for the best.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
And now for something completely different.
So, a semester and a J-term of seminary have past since my last writing. It was July when Last I wrote. So what, nobody has read the other posts and likely will not read this one. I'm not a dedicated blogger.
We have decided to home school Cooper this year. He has completed his first semester and the new one is taking off. I think he's doing pretty well, but it's hard to compare homeschool progress with public school progress, especially since I haven't bee in 1st grade in like 26/27 years. Cooper is also involved with a learning cooperative two days a week. It seems to be a good source of socialization for him.
Today, he stole a piece of fruit (from his co-op). I talked to him about stealing. He seemed genuinely remorseful. I hope I wash harsh enough that he won't attempt to steal again yet compassionate enough that he knows he's loved and that he is forgiven. I fear I was too nice.
I am about ready for my Spring semester to start. I'm becoming to lazy sitting at home.
We have decided to home school Cooper this year. He has completed his first semester and the new one is taking off. I think he's doing pretty well, but it's hard to compare homeschool progress with public school progress, especially since I haven't bee in 1st grade in like 26/27 years. Cooper is also involved with a learning cooperative two days a week. It seems to be a good source of socialization for him.
Today, he stole a piece of fruit (from his co-op). I talked to him about stealing. He seemed genuinely remorseful. I hope I wash harsh enough that he won't attempt to steal again yet compassionate enough that he knows he's loved and that he is forgiven. I fear I was too nice.
I am about ready for my Spring semester to start. I'm becoming to lazy sitting at home.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Fort Benning
I'm visiting Fort Benning now. I arrived on July 13 and will be here through August 11. As you probably know, I am in the Army Reserves. My career goal is to become a Chaplain for the Army. Presently however, I am serving my Reserve unit as a Company Commander and am here at Benning as an XO for a Basic Training company.
It has gone well so far. The days are kind of long, 10-14 hours, but not nearly as long as my days of pushing troops, when I was enlisted.
My family is at home. They are actually at a family reunion today. They will go to West Virginia to visit Laurie's family sometime this week.
This is my first day off since my arrival. I'm hanging out at Cup-O-Joes, a coffee shop attached to Ranger Joe's, a military clothing and gear store. I'm here for the free refills and free wi-fi.
Since I've been here, I have done little other than work, watch dvds on the computer, and read. I'm homesick.
Yesterday, I did a road march. It was short,maybe 4 miles, but I enjoyed it. I like this AT better than last year in that I feel like I'm a contributing worker. Last year, I felt unneeded and unused. It's frustrating to know that you have a certain set of skills, time and desire to use them, yet they are not wanted or utilized by others. I wonder how often people in various workplaces feel that way? As I said, this year has already been a better experience, for me.
I mentioned that I've been reading. The book that has occupied much of my attention is Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne. It is a book about a better way to be a Christian. At this point, I have read less than 1/2 of the book but I've read most of that half twice. The content is excellent. I recommend it, highly. Laurie has already read it and asked me to read it next (as opposed to several others that I have on my list of next reads). Laurie got it from Mike Ross.
Mike has turned me on to this book and to Rob Bell's books. Evan actally first introduced me to Rob Bell in video. For that, I thank them. It's amazing how a family that I see only a few times a year have so dramitically impacted my thinking.
I think if you are looking at Christianity in the world and are disappointed with what you see. You should read Rob Bell, Shaine Claiborne, and Brian McLaren.
I really believe that most Christians in America today have no clue what it means to follow Christ. Scarey words coming from a preacher.
Love to each of you; strangers and friends. -Joe
It has gone well so far. The days are kind of long, 10-14 hours, but not nearly as long as my days of pushing troops, when I was enlisted.
My family is at home. They are actually at a family reunion today. They will go to West Virginia to visit Laurie's family sometime this week.
This is my first day off since my arrival. I'm hanging out at Cup-O-Joes, a coffee shop attached to Ranger Joe's, a military clothing and gear store. I'm here for the free refills and free wi-fi.
Since I've been here, I have done little other than work, watch dvds on the computer, and read. I'm homesick.
Yesterday, I did a road march. It was short,maybe 4 miles, but I enjoyed it. I like this AT better than last year in that I feel like I'm a contributing worker. Last year, I felt unneeded and unused. It's frustrating to know that you have a certain set of skills, time and desire to use them, yet they are not wanted or utilized by others. I wonder how often people in various workplaces feel that way? As I said, this year has already been a better experience, for me.
I mentioned that I've been reading. The book that has occupied much of my attention is Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne. It is a book about a better way to be a Christian. At this point, I have read less than 1/2 of the book but I've read most of that half twice. The content is excellent. I recommend it, highly. Laurie has already read it and asked me to read it next (as opposed to several others that I have on my list of next reads). Laurie got it from Mike Ross.
Mike has turned me on to this book and to Rob Bell's books. Evan actally first introduced me to Rob Bell in video. For that, I thank them. It's amazing how a family that I see only a few times a year have so dramitically impacted my thinking.
I think if you are looking at Christianity in the world and are disappointed with what you see. You should read Rob Bell, Shaine Claiborne, and Brian McLaren.
I really believe that most Christians in America today have no clue what it means to follow Christ. Scarey words coming from a preacher.
Love to each of you; strangers and friends. -Joe
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