Brain, The (So we move up in the list of blogs...)

What means the most...

FemLem2 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:31:46 -0700

This weekend I had the amazing chance to attend Phoebe Academy at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) in Fort Wayne. There are really no words to describe the things that went on over the 3 days we were there. Phoebe Academy is a retreat for prospective deaconess students at the seminary, where you can meet others in the faith and learn about the world of diakonia. While I had attended symposia in January, I thought that I had already learned enough and met enough people to want to go there, but I decided that Phoebe would be a great chance for me to meet other people, including deaconesses and girls considering the program. Plus I would have the chance to sit in on classes, talk to professors and actually talk with the people that I had met before more. Man... did I get more than I bargained for.

Starting on Friday, we sat in on an 8 a.m church history class. Maybe I'm just a nerd but i LOVE church history So even though it was 8 in the morning, it was still pretty cool to listen to. We also got to sit in on the Pastoral and Deaconess Counseling class. Oh my goodness! Completely amazing. I love the counseling aspect of mercy and care... It's something that I've had to go through, and something that I like to help people out with. I love knowing how to help people through the hard times in their lives, because as some people seem to miss... life is not always easy. There are trials and troubles, and sometimes you can't always get through it on your own. And seeing that I'll actually be able to get those classes when I get there is such an encouragement. The final class that we sat in on was Catechetics, which was actually taught by one of the deaconess students who is on her internship right now She was so much fun! and she knew her stuff. It gave the thought that "this is what I get to look forward to! This is what I can learn one day!" Let me tell you... it's a great realization to have. There was also the contraceptive debate put on by some of the sem students... I'll just say that it was fun to listen to Some of those guys are pretty funny, but clearly know their stuff.

Besides the classes, there were the amazing people Wow... the people alone are enough to make you want to go there, ESPECIALLY the ones in the deaconess department. Friday night we had a fireside chat (with a real fire in the fireplace!! yeah... we don't use fireplaces down here, so it was cool ) with Dr. Just and Dcs. Rosie Adle. Being able to just sit there, and listen to Dr. Just talk about the Gospel, and know what he makes sure that the girls of the program are getting that same Gospel is such a comfort. He seems to have such a passion for what he does. It made me smile to sit there and listen to him talk about Christ and His service, and what a deaconess is doing when she is serving the church in mercy. I know that for Lindsay, Ali and I, listening to Rose talk about her experience in South America on her internship was a huge blessing. We've never had the chance to talk to someone who has done what we want to do (except in Africa), especially someone that is Lutheran. Being able to sit there with her afterwards and talk about what it's like being away from your family, and adjusting to the culture and knowing what is right for you was extremely helpful. It was so powerful to hear about the things that the Lutheran Church is doing overseas. Training the women there to be deaconesses so that they can continue serving when others are not there was something that really stuck out to me. And hearing about the joy that they have over there, even when they have nothing and are often persecuted and in fear of the world around them, they are still happy.

I'm not entirely sure that Melissa knows how well of a job she did by putting this all together. It was unbelievably wonderful. The whole experience is something I can definitely say made a lasting impression on me. There was so much going on all the time, so much Jesus Being surrounded by the constant reminder of what Christ did for us, how we are living in our baptisms every day... well, it's not something that I get often. And to have that for those few days, being surrounded by the people that I was with... words can't describe. I was so glad that Lindsay and Ali were there too. To see two important people in my life receive the Gospel and the joy they had afterwards... kinda brings tears to my eyes lol I feel like this weekend gave me some hope for making it through Concordia, and makes me feel a sense of purpose. There is something more out there. I got to see what theology is all about; what service in the church is all about.

I learned what it truly means to be a deaconess. I heard stories of what some of them have done, and saw them in action. Even Dr. Just, who has soooo much care for the women that come through there, how he can make their dreams come true. There is so much care put into everything that they all did for us this weekend. What better place for the struggling to be than with there with those people? And I know that when many of the girls ended up sick... there was no other place to be than surrounded by them They were well cared for lol.

And when I was stuck in Atlanta all Sunday night, feeling completely alone and scared, I remembered where I had just come from, and the things that I had just been given. I wasn't alone and I was well taken care of. It just took me a little while to understand that It dawned on me that I should accept my "terrible" night as gift (which I should have done straight from the beginning). I was away from anything and anyone familiar... but isn't that what I'll be getting myself into when I go overseas? Isn't that what is going to happen, only much much farther from home? Sure this was just 12 hours or so stuck in the airport, but I think that it was a good test for me. As we talked about Friday night, I have always worried about being away from the things that I know. Well... I was got thrown into the unknown, expectantly and unprepared. And I survived.

And when I came home to an angry prof (whose class I now stand a chance of failing....) and who told me that I shouldn't have gone... I don't care. I think that this was the chance of a lifetime. I found my place, a second home up at Fort Wayne. I decided to take the chance of missing school (even though I was supposed to be back by Monday) to go to Phoebe. Those 3-4 days, even the "disastrous" trip home, will always have more meaning and more value than an upset prof. I have this renewed sense of hope. I know that if I can just make it day to day, in a couple of years (hopefully) I will be somewhere incredible with some of the most incredible people that I have ever met I now have no doubt where I feel I am given to be.

Apparently I'm Not The Only One Who Thinks This...

FemLem1 — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:30:22 -0700

My dad sent me this - it's from "60 Minutes"... about halfway through, Joel gets called out for not having God. Watch and see.

Valete~FL1

Even the government has trouble paying the bills on time...

FemLem1 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:59:05 -0700

This is too funny...

FBI wiretaps dropped due to unpaid bills

I'm glad my late fee is only $5... and I didn't lose any leads.

Valete~FL1

Project new and improved Confirmation!

FemLem2 — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:35:18 -0700

It's finals week at Concordia in Austin... well the end of finals week that is. I spent the morning before my 12:30 final today with a friend studying for our tests. I was “studying” for Lifespan Development and she was studying for Confirmation. I think I ended up helping her more . As if I hadn't learned enough about what our DCE program teaches....

Apparently, in order to teach children how to confess the faith they were baptized into, you have to learn to modernize that teaching. In other words, you have to find ways of teaching them that they will be interested in. Skits, movies, power points, songs... you know, things that will attract children to the faith. She also established that they are teaching them that in order for one to commune, there is not a need to be confirmed in the faith! Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the point of being confirmed before communing to learn what it is that you're receiving. Maybe it's just me... And when you put two and two together (and get 3, because this is Concordia after all) this means that women (and lay people) are teaching confirmation. So what does that mean the pastor is doing? Is it not the pastor's place to be teaching the children? Or at least seem most appropriate?

Now, I can understand using modern examples to demonstrate faith or whatever. But in order to actually teach them? To make it interesting? I could be the only one that thinks that there is no need to baby them, and make everything easier to understand. By the point they are entering confirmation, they should be old enough to catch on. That's what the catechism is for. Teaching. Learning. So why not just use it? When I asked if they had even opened their catechisms this semester... I was pained by the answer. She used it once or twice on her own... but never in class. * sigh *

I've been lucky enough to talk to a couple of the profs/pastors at school. They know my reasoning of not liking the DCE program and the pietistic nature of the people that attend. But in my own way, I am learning a lot. A lot about people and a lot about faith and the tests that you can be put through...

Welcome to ConU. And people wonder why I refused to do the DCE program...

DON'T WATCH PRIVATE PRACTICE!

FemLem1 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:42:25 -0600

I love Kate Walsh, I really do.

But I implore you -

DON'T WATCH PRIVATE PRACTICE!!! WATCH CRIMINAL MINDS!!!

I don't care if you record it, TVio it, or whatever (I'm going to). ButI hate when networks try to rain on another's parade. ABC - you have so much going for you, let CBS have CM. it is an AMAZING show, with a great cast (minus Mandy, but that's another story...). They're really making their own spot on the nightime lineup and you're trying to kick them. It's bad enough you put Grey's against CSI last year, but I've learned to deal.

Sorry Kate, I'm just ranting... I really hope your premature spinoff doesn't flop. And if it does, please go back to Seattle Grace where we all know you really belong.

Maybe I should do my homework now...

Valete~FL1

Criminal Minds Tonight at 9:00/8:00c on CBS!

Femlem 2's recap

FemLem2 — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:31:58 -0600

Two solid weeks of more Jesus than you could possibly imagine! Could you ask for anything more? After two weeks of lackey-ing for Padre and Sandra, the only thing more I could possibly want, is a break. But I slept for thirteen hours on Saturday/Sunday, so I'm good!

The last two weeks, for this Femlem personally, is more than I could have ever asked for. I met some of the most amazing people, and got to spend time with old friends that I do not get to see that often. Being a lackey consisted of fetching Diet Cokes quite literally, at the snap of their fingers, but also so much more. It was crazy! Not only were we lackeys, but we were also college student volunteers (CCVs), whether that be officially or unofficially. We were running around putting up signs, telling people where to go, filling two weeks worth of group's bags with shirts and conference books and room keys. We were taking food to speakers, and making sure that people had water. The Femlems also got to help set up what, at one point, was a drum set-infested, colorfully bannered auditorium (with all inclusive laser light show) into a place of worship. We brought Jesus in there, no figurative language intended! An altar with a 6 foot by 3 foot crucifix behind it, a processional cross and pulpit with paraments. We barely got to sit down in Minneapolis! But it was all totally worth it.

Over the course of two weeks, I had the honor to see over 2,000 kids attend church at least ten times a week, including the Divine Service twice each conference. I saw them receive Christ's body and blood and hear Jesus proclaimed to them from pastors all over the country. We even had the privilege hiking with Pastor Mallie up a mountain (or really big hill... not sure which) for Compline one night. Imagine being up, high above everything else. Starlight and moonlight along with limited flashlights, when a random Pastor breaks out into “A Mighty Fortress”. Can you pass the Kleenex? I unfortunately did not get to go to as many breakaways as I would have liked, but after talking to my youth group who was in Asheville, they were awesome too and had just as much Gospel. The topics were great and gave perfect opportunity for attendees to learn even more Gospel than you could imagine. So much Jesus! Everywhere!

Despite all the running around craziness, it was great to see what could be done away from home. The whole experience let me know that this is what the kids want! So many of them don't want the praise bands, bright colors and fog machines. All they want is Christ proclaimed to them. They want to see the liturgy in full, and know what Christ did for them on the cross. After Evening Prayer on Wednesday night, we saw the news of the Minneapolis bridge collapse. Many of us that had been to both conferences had the rather sick realization that we had been on that bridge just a week before. What a comfort it was to have so many pastors there to tell us, from the pulpit and in person, things such as when bridges in your life collapse, that is when Jesus is the most for you. Even when things were looking dim, Jesus was still being brought to us!

What a sad day it was, come this last Friday when I had to get on a bus to leave Asheville. If there was anything that could possibly pull me through two more years of Concordia and their... “Choice” teachings, it was knowing that there are groups out there like Higher Things. I saw what youth ministry is all about. I saw from behind the scenes, what Higher Things is all about and what they want to get out to youth, whether junior hight, high school or college, all over the country. The Gospel of Christ crucified, living every day in your baptism. What a beautiful sight! Young people from all over, worshiping and learning about Christ Crucified. This really is what it's all about!

For You 2007 Pictures!

FemLem1 — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 20:06:17 -0600

Yay! I started to get up some of my pictures!

For You 2007!

More to come - I'm wiped...

FL1

Warm and Fuzzies from the Feast

FemLem1 — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 14:37:23 -0600

I'm finally home from the Femlem excursion known as Lackeying for 2 conferences, and I had a quick thought to put up before I crash. Many people like to talk about feeling “closer to God” after they've been to something like this. Maybe it's up in the mountains when you're looking at the beauty of creation. Maybe it's in church at the close of the week when you have been so focused one God in everything you've heard and learned and everyone is singing a well known favorite hymn. And usually those warm and fuzzies are kinda dismissed. Feeling lie, they trick us into thinking that we've brought ourselves to that place where God is, when it is His Spirit that leads our path.

But I know what the feeling is like, to feel “close to God.” I've gotten that feeling, but it's more a reminder that he is ever present in out lives. For me, when I felt close to God was about 1-2 am this morning. I was lying on a floor of a charter bus, probably somewhere around Alabama. We had been on the bus since about 4pm after leaving Asheville, NC. I was listening to a CD of celtic instrumental hymns I have, including “As with Gladness Men of Old,” “A Mighty Fortress” and “Beautiful Savior” to name a few. As I'm trying in vain to fall asleep, I was reflecting back on the last two weeks. In the last two weeks the Lord gathered 2200 people, mostly teens, to hear His word and receive His sacraments. And He brought me there to be a part of it, used me to help make it possible for those kids to receive His gifts. If there was ever a “feeling” of God's omnipresence in my life, that was it.

I wrote this out in my head some point in the middle of the night, so it may or may not make that much sense, or might be why I've succumb to the warm and fuzzies. I probably could do for a little more sleep. When I wake up I might try to get some pics up from the past two weeks.

Valete~FL1

From "For You"

FemLem1 — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 14:36:10 -0600

[This was written Tuesday]

Hello – FL1 here, speaking to you from “For You” in NC. The Femlems have spent the last week and this week as Lackeys for the Conference Chairs.

Wow. I am... absolutely wiped. Minneapolis was a wild time for a Lackey. Running around, helping CCV's, helping Conference Chairs, helping Registration, helping whoever else could grab a hold of us long enough to ask for it. I wouldn't trade it, though. It was a great learning experience, and I have so much more appreciation for Higher Things and all their staff after seeing what all goes into these conferences we all enjoy so much.

And that was last week. Now is Lackey round two in NC. I think I might be getting sick, but I don't want to slow down. I thrive on crazy, and behind the scenes is definitely that. The Femlems spent the morning working with Landon Reed and some other CCV's to get the sanctuary ready for this week's conference. Ridgecrest, despite it's beautiful scenery, is a Baptist conference center. When the Femlems arrived on Sunday afternoon, we walked in to hear a rock band and find flashy, bright bubbly banners on the stage for whatever groups was finishing up there. We had to get the room up to par. Our primary task: putting some Jesus in the room. Here you can see Landon and a few volunteers getting our Crucifix ready to be hung on the stage:

That things was a beast to hang, let me tell you. Not only did we have to make sure it hung level, but we had to super-reinforce it to insure it doesn't fall. Everything got hung up, put out, or otherwise prepared and by the end of the morning we managed to transform the rock stage into a sanctuary for the first Divine Service of the wee k. Isn't it pretty? I wish I had a before to go with it.

Alright peeps – enough from me. I think I might try to steal a nap before someone catches me... just kidding – got a call from Sandra to come over to the ARC where the cloggers were dancing – check out Pastor Borghardt and Pastor Schaff go!... Video is gonna have to wait on stan... File is to big... but i'll get him on that ;)

Valete~FL1

Most Boring Name

FemLem1 — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:55:07 -0600

Bored, haven't posted in a while, saw this, couldn't resist.

Behind the Name: Most "Boring" Name

Sorry Lemon.

~FL1