Princeton Theological Seminary Trip-Blog 6 (Home sweet home)

As our trip came to a close with a 7 hour day in the car (we did stop for a long lunch with some awesome people) I decided that this may have been the longest week I've had in a long time. 125 hours away from Hanover during a school week is probably not the best idea ever, but I do not think it is a decision I regret at all. The time that was spent with a best friend was priceless (we really did get along a lot better than we both expected) and the time at PTS was something we will not forget as we continue along this journey of discernment and listening to where God is calling us next. I joked a lot about not wanting to leave Princeton, however, the closer we got to Hanover today, the more anxious I was to be around friends, the more excited I became about class in the coming week, and even more I realized that tomorrow is Sunday (a day that will be busy with church, leadership meeting, Bible study, and chapel) but none the less my favorite day of the week. The closer we got to Hanover, the more I felt that we were getting closer to home.
6 days of adventure, 6 days of stopping and listening, 6 days of intentionally reflecting on what is going on in my life at this point in time and what it means for my future, 6 days of laughing, 6 days of pure white snow all around, 6 days of meeting new people and sharing life with them, 6 days of being away from my community but being accepted and feeling at home in another, 6 days of being fed information, 6 days of asking questions, 6 days of being excited and joyful, and 6 days of just being.
I am thankful for safe travels (and one trooper of a car :-D) for friendship, for windows of opportunity, for confidence in making decisions, for support and prayers by friends, for the hard work on behalf of PTS in getting things put together during the blizzard (the show must go on sometimes), and for all of the people I met and shared the week with. I do not think this week would have been the same with them (or the blizzard), it was a blessing to meet each of them and share stories, to share meals, to share Christ, and to see how the visit informed, shaped, and guided each of us differently, yet in a way that will make the future of the Church something to look forward to.
What else is there to say....
God is good...All the time...All the time...God is good (just a reminder of the influence others have on us over time right Julie? ;D)

Valentines day is tomorrow so I guess it is appropriate to remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
⁵⁶⁷ "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

I guess this week it was patient enough for Rosa and I to have a great time together with out agitating each other, kind enough to share so openly with one another. It was not envious when things went crazy, boastful when we shared our stories with the group, arrogant on behalf of those who were all older than we were. It did not insist on its own way when it snowed 2 feet, it was not irritable when the schedule changed, or resentful when we did not get our way. It did not rejoice when Rosa got a hotel room 30 minutes out of the way but it did when we found that hotel (just kidding Rosa, that was for laughs, it wasn't as bad as I make it out to be), but love did bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things, on our almost 1400 mile journey in 6 days, across 5 states, and in the blizzard.

Happy Valentines day, may the active love of God the father sustain you, the love of Christ be your motivation each day, and the love of the Holy Spirit be within you each and every day, now and forever.

In Christ,
KP

Today's picture was taken during the sunset in Pennsylvania on I-80 on Friday February 12, 2o10

Princeton Theological Seminary Trip-Blog 5

Today we packed up and left PTS. It was funny because when we got in the car we were both really quiet as we pulled out of the parking lot and up the road, when finally we both kind of looked at each other and admitted we weren't really ready to leave but our time was up and it was time to head back. When I think back on the 5 days we have spent journeying to PTS and staying there I call it one of the many mountain top experiences. These experiences we have in life are often some of the most influential moments in our lives, however, I think it is important to note that the journey there is often like climbing a mountain. As Rosa and I drove across Pennsylvania, I noticed the rocks, jagged edges, harsh terrain, yet calm beauty in the rolling hills and mountains. Getting to the top of the mountain is often very difficult. There are hardships, struggles, pain, and even points where you get stuck and have to turn around and try another route to make it to the top.
My journey to PTS started long ago, and it was full of all of the above, yet the experience I had while there was full of beautiful moments when I finally felt like all of my backtracking, pushing through, trying new things, and hanging on when my footing slid out from underneath me along the way came together and I had conquered this mountain (well a small mountain but a mountain none the less). As the sun set over the mountains today my focus went from the journey up to the mountain to the view from above.
As we reached the top of hills/mountains the view was absolutely gorgeous. The snow covered land was reflecting the sun, the snow sparkled, and God's creation seemed so pure. The view from the top of my mountain this week was not as beautiful as the drive but it was spectacular, when everything comes together and you see the "bigger picture" life seems to be put together, the idea that your future is in God's hands and the work you are doing is the work of Christ in the world around you, means life is different. You are changed, the way you view the things you say and do changes. I have continued to be more joyful, more energetic, and more excited about the things to come in the next couple of years.
The reality of a "mountain top" experience is that eventually they seem to die out, the emotions start to fade, the real world gets in the way, and you start to stumble again. I do not look at this as a bad thing (not really a good thing but stick with me), I see it as I am coming off the mountain a new being in Christ. I am not the same person I was going off that mountain, and I am embarking on a journey over the next mountain in life, the difference lies in the fact that I do not climb the mountain alone. I climb the mountain with the Shepherd as my guide, with the knowledge, emotions, excitement I received on the last mountain, and I do so knowing that if I attempt to climb the mountain alone reaching the top means nothing.

As I prepare for bed before the journey home tomorrow, I leave this verse, one of my favorites because it is a reminder of the task that is before us at all times.
"But Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ"-2 Peter 3:18

We are always to be growing, we are always to be seeking, we are always to be Christ to one another, and we are always to be on this journey to the top of whatever mountain may be present in our lives, but we do so knowing that we are carried in the grace of Jesus Christ who is our Shepherd. Thanks be to God.

KP

Princeton Theological Seminary Trip-Blog 4

Day 4 on our journey...Journey, that seems to be the focus of today. Where am I on this "journey"? Where am I headed? Where will I end up 20 years from now? Where will I end up a week from now?
These are all questions I seemed to continue pondering as the day went on. I pondered these as we went to lunch with faculty members and listened to some of their stories and where they have been (most over many years), while sitting in on classes and being able to understand the material (thanks to my Theology professors who have done a great job so far), as we were informed on what PTS has to offer in spiritual formation and field education, as we walked through downtown Princeton and just enjoyed being away from HC. I pondered them as I considered being away from friends, family, while instead I have been here with people who are on a similar journey.
I have been around people asking the same questions I have raised over the last year and a half (really a lot longer, but seriously pondering them more over the last year and a half). Where is God calling me in my life? Is God calling me to PTS? Is God calling me elsewhere? Is God even calling me to seminary? Is God even calling me in the ways I think God is calling?

Do I have answers to all of these questions? No, of course not...I'm only a sophomore for crying out loud ;D...but does that keep me from seeking God with all of my heart? Does that keep me from constantly seeking God in the small things in life? Does that keep me from living a life that helps me to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ? Does that mean that I should stop listening for God and start living like a "college student'?
No, what it means is that I am ever more aware of the work God is doing through me, more aware of the ways in which I can see Christ in my everyday life, and more aware of the ways the Holy Spirit can and does work through the things I say and do.
Some of the questions have been answered this week...I can definitely say my sense of "call" is affirmed more and more each day. The more I reflect on it, the more I pray about it, the more I talk about it, the more excited I get about the future God holds for my life. What is that going to look like exactly? I have no idea, but I'm okay with that, I'm excited for it to be a true journey. I'm excited to be lead by the Shepherd on this journey. I'm excited to continue my studies at Hanover, to continue being active within the church, to continue preaching the gospel, to continue to show love to those who are unloved, to do what I can to build relationships and help those in need, and I am excited to continue seeking God with all that I am. In the end it doesn't matter what PTS(or any seminary), Hanover, my parents, my Grandma's, my brother, or my friends think about what I am doing, in the end I have to ask myself am I honestly seeking the will of God, am I honestly stopping to listen?

As I challenge myself to continue to stop, listen, and reflect, I continue to see the face of Christ in the people I encounter, the people who love me, the people who support me, in the people who don't. I continue to see God in the the 2 feet of snow, in all nature, in the hymns, in the psalms, in the scriptures, in the friendships, in everything. I am always amazed at the places we see God, when we just stop and look, the places we hear God when we stop and listen, and the places we reflect Christ when we do things in love (1 Cor. 13 kind of love).

This week has been awesome for me, I am thankful that we made the trip, that we arrived safely, and that I leave here different than I came. For those of you who have been around me the last couple of weeks, if you thought I was happy then...I'm even happier now (lets hope a two day journey back to Hanover with Rosa doesn't spoil it ;D just kidding), I'm renewed and ready to continue on this road. I'm ready to continue walking through the doors that open up for me.

In a way I'm sad to leave, this week has been amazing, but at the same time I miss Hanover. I miss my sisters, I miss my classmates, I miss being in classes, I miss the chapel community, I miss my job (yep Doug that was your shout out), and if we were here long enough I would miss my church. Just a small reminder from Brandon Heath that "God's not finished with me yet" God is still working through all of those things, and one day I will be somewhere like this place. And that my friends...is exciting.

Well, tomorrow is another day...and tomorrow will be the day I head back, renewed and ready to continue serving the Lord I love, ready to live in response to the call I preached about a month ago...ready to continue denying myself, taking up my cross, and following Christ. Thanks be to God for the ability and willingness to do so. Thanks be to God for being the endless well of living water that fills us, renews us, and gives us fresh new life each and everyday.

May the Peace of Christ Be With You All,
KP

Princeton Theological Seminary Trip-Blog 3 (part 1)

Day 3...better known as day of the Blizzard!
We both got up before our alarms (the one day we had to sleep in...dang it!)...had a cup of tea and went around taking pictures of the snow covered campus that was beautiful!
This afternoon we went to chapel, which was very laid back due to the fact campus is closed for the day. They took hymn requests had a Psalm reading and prayer time. Then we went to lunch, had the opportunity to sit with our host student and a first-year student as well. The conversations were very helpful, we learned a lot about the M. Div. program and how it is structured. The first year was referred to as Presbyterian Boot Camp which made me laugh, and then our host made some really awesome comments about Calvin which made me laugh but I cannot seem to recall what he said :(...but it lead into a pretty interesting discussion on Systematic Theology and Calvin.
Our host and the other student that sat to eat with us were great at answering questions and even just telling why they chose PTS, or what they liked/don't like about it.
Now we are sitting in Rosa's room, watching the snow come down out of the window (we are in a blizzard warning until midnight). I sit here thinking about worship this morning and a favorite hymn (for many people) that we sang, and the person who requested it was asked why he chose it...his response was simple...because it is my prayer this day and everyday.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

To think of this old hymn, the words, so soft when they are sung, but so powerful when we use them as a prayer. These three verses are three separate prayers (Be my vision, be my wisdom, may it be you alone that I seek) joined in one (Lord guide my every move so that I may not look for anything but you in all that I do). When we allow God to be our vision our eyes open (just like the story of the walk to Emmaus), when we seek the wisdom of God our minds are renewed, and when we seek after God with all of our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13) we find God. We find that God does have plans for us to prosper, plans for a future with hope. When we seek God, we do not seek man's praise but we remember the God who created and sustains us in all that we do. Thanks be to that God for an awesome week so far (and we've just begun).

After our session tonight there will be another post.
Until then,
May you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! (2 Peter 3:18)

KP & RN

Princeton Theological Seminary Trip-Blog 2

It is only day two and I feel like I've been on this trip a week!! Today was pretty awesome, we woke up at 7:00am in Somerset, Pennsylvania to see the sunrise around 7:14...just in case you were wondering...it was gorgeous...Then we drove through the mountains and stopped in Carlisle PA for lunch (where we found out that the McDonald's there did not have sweet tea or biscuits and gravy on the breakfast menu).
After that we drove straight to Princeton, Rosa did miss a turn and send us through the heart of Trenton...After all the crap she gave me about following then not following the GPS she misses our exit!! But it turned out okay, we made it, and it did not take that long either! Right at 5 hours with stopping for lunch.

We walked around campus a lot today, took some pictures, registered, and checked in. Then we went and found Wal-Mart to get those things we forgot, ate dinner, and are relaxing before the snow arrives (any minute now).
As I sit and relax, I think about all of the panic and worry that started this trip off, should we go? Should we not? When should we leave? Which way should we go? How often should we stop? Are we going to get along all the way there and back?
My initial response is yes we are crazy, we probably should have stayed at Hanover, and no we haven't killed each other...but at the same time, it all worked out. We have been so excited for this coming trip, this get away to stop and reflect on where God is calling us in our lives, to just "be" for a couple of days, and to even live on the edge a little as we take a few little risks along the way. (We are also going to drive back w/o using the GPS and using only the Road Atlas!)
It is funny that a few people have asked, "Don't you think God sent you all of the signs that you shouldn't make the trip up?" and of course I respond "well, you could see it that way, but I saw a window God opened up for us to climb through and when that window opened we responded."

(I should note, it just started snowing)

Before I am done for the night, I reflect on the following passage,
"He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." -Isaiah 40:29-31

I really like verse 11 in Isaiah 40 as well, "He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep."

These 4 verses I have often seen used in times of struggle, pain, and grief, however, I think there is much more to them than the old motto "If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it." I see in these passages a hope of being sustained each and everyday, but I also see a lesson that is tough to learn...Wait for the LORD, let the LORD lead, let the LORD carry if needed...
A thought for us to ponder this week as week stop, wait, and listen in the coming days.

Be safe, enjoy the snow, enjoy God's creation, and we will see everyone soon.
KP&RN

Princeton Theological Seminary Trip-Blog 1

So, in order to keep my mind going and remembering things, I'm going to be blogging each night about this adventurous trip to Princeton. Outrunning the snow, getting to Princeton, enduring the snow(weather.com says Princeton could get 10-18 inches), and spending around 24 total hours in the car with a best friend.

Today was day 1 of the adventure. We decided a little after 10:30am to hit the road today and get ahead of this crazy storm. We are two very hard headed people and when we get our minds set to do something, we do it. Before we could leave our lovely sisters had equipped us with a first aid kit, roadside emergency kit, a box cutter, and a bottle of mace, so needless to say we are ready for anything.
The 7 hour drive from Hanover, Indiana to Somerset, Pennsylvania was long but a beautiful drive. Everything is covered in snow (including the entrance to the hotel!) but the roads were perfect. We did have a GPS malfunction when it decided to take us some back roads for a while, but we corrected it and in the end we still made it safely.
More than anything our prayer is that this is a time of discernment and a little get away from the craziness that Hanover has become. And so far is has been nothing short of a get away enjoying the beauty of the earth that God has blessed us with, enjoying the friendship we have, listening to one heck of a playlist of music, and loving every minute of it so far.
We were worried that all of this time in the car would turn us against each other, however, I report that there was only 1 argument in the first 7 hours...Rosa likes the air and I like the heat...in the end we settled in the middle (then I threatened to spray her with the mace).
Now the goal is to get a good nights rest and hit the road around 9am to make it to Princeton by 3, again beating the snow ;D...then we will have a day to enjoy the snow and Princeton Theological Seminary before our 3 days of events gets under way...

Thanks for all of the prayers, well wishes, kits, love, and support. We look forward to what God has in store for us in the coming week!
Peace,
KP & RN

Why? Because I'm Happy!

I have not written a blog in a fairly long time, life got crazy and writing/thinking even got put on hold.
After the Festival of Young Preachers, I returned to Hanover with that intense desire to continue preaching the gospel and serving Christ. And then my Great Grandmother passed away and I returned to Louisville, planned her service, prepared and delivered the homily, and then came back to campus to get the semester going.

I share the synopsis of returning to Hanover because after Nanny passed away I was sad and grieving, then last Thursday life came together and I have been overwhelmed with joy and happiness on where I am in life and how I can continue to serve God in my life as I am listening ever so closely to that still small voice.

Monday-Wednesday I had started putting ideas on paper for my sermon on Sunday, and Thursday I went to BASIC (Bible Study) where a friend led a discussion on the storms of life and where we see God in these storms. It was a great discussion and we pulled out a lot of good scriptures. Then I went to Spirit Place (prayer/communion time in the chapel) and I was praying and thinking about life, thinking about preaching that weekend, and then I thought about how crucial it is to wake up each morning and make a choice to serve the God I love, to live my life to the best of my ability imitating my Savior, and to just be happy with where I am and what I am doing.
My sermon was on "God's love in Today's World" and thinking about God's love as being active as opposed to passive (1 Corinthians 13) helped me realize that each day I GET to wake up, I GET to make that decision to take up my cross, I GET to be captured again and again by God's love, I GET to share God's love with the world around me, and I GET to read God's word to me.
My roommate can second that the last 6 days I have been happier than I have been in a long time, I am up before it's time to RUN to class, I am excited about what is going on in my life and ready to complete the tasks ahead because I know Who has prepared them for me.

As I continue to grow in my faith, as my roots sink deeper in the love of the Father, as my love for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit grows, and as I am captured again and again by the self-less life giving love of Christ, my heart swells, my smile grows, and my desire to continue to listen for that still small voice becomes bigger and bigger.
Life is good, and hopefully I will be posting soon!
Until then,
May you be filled with the grace and mercy of Christ, and sustained by the love of God in all that you do!!

Peace,
KP