The Countdown - G day

G = graduation


Me receiving my master's degree and concentration certificate from Dr. Patterson. I know you can't see from this photo but I have on new shoes. During the rehearsal they informed us we would be walking through the grass so heels were out. So, I went to the mall and got some cute flats.

Josh, Jessica, the graduate, Johnny, and Jacob -- I don't think anyone minded missing a day of school!
The graduation was on the great lawn in front of the Rotunda, the building you see in the background. It's the 100th year of SWBTS so we were the Centennial graduating class which is printed on my diploma. The weather in Texas is usually unpredictable but we've had pretty mild weather until, that is, yesterday and today. I got sunburned at graduation rehearsal yesterday. Today was pretty warm even though graduation started at 9 am. Johnny thought Dr. Patterson was mercifully brief during his commencement address.

It's over. I'm done. Tonight we p-a-r-t-y!

Serving the King,

the graduate (Jeanette)

The Countdown - 1 day

Done and done. I turned in my project (all 109 pages of it) and finished my last final. Today is graduation rehearsal and a dinner for the people in my area of study. Tomorrow is the big day.

So, I'm back in the mom business today. Not that I ever left that but for years, when the kids were little, that's all I did. I'm taking lunch to the youngest at school today. Not going to sit with him or even stay...at first he just wanted me to leave it in the office. He's 13, that's to be expected. I promised not to embarrass him or even say anything so now I can hand it off to him in the hall as he heads to the lunch room. Jess wants me to bring her lunch as well. For goodness sakes, I haven't done it all year and we're down to the last 3 1/2 weeks. She wants ChickfilA and Jacob wants Subway. I can do that. Then, I mentioned to Josh that I might not be here when he comes home for lunch. He gets out of school around 12:30 and usually comes by the house and inhales some food before he has to be at work at 1:00. What, he said, I thought you didn't have to leave for graduation rehearsal until 2:00. He's right. I didn't mention that the place I was going to be instead of the house to eat lunch with him was Kohl's. I guess Kohl's can wait. Yes, Josh, I will get lunch for you as well.

Speaking of 13, there's something magical about that age...The 13 year old got a new cell phone for his birthday. (just a few weeks later because he had to decide if that's what he really wanted) We decided to add unlimited text messages to his cell phone because, up until now, only the two older teenagers had it. The best way to do that for us was to add all of us -- I now have unlimited text as well. I know, I know. Some of you out there are opposed to text messaging. It's becoming an impersonal society and all that. But, how else will the teenagers get their lunch order to me so I can deliver it to their campus at the appropriate time? I mean, come on, what else do I have to do?? I can't go to Kohl's everday...

Just kidding, of course. Some day they will all leave me then I'll just be wishing for a text message asking me to bring lunch...

Serving the King and the kids,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 2 days

I am studying for my last final ever!! I do not intend to be in school again so this is it. I am so distracted today, however. I received an email from a friend in Burma through a partner in the US. The news is about the same. If you want to know more or have the desire to help you can go here.

Thanks! Jeanette

The Countdown - 3 days

I have received emails concerning some of my friends who are living in Burma. All are safe but there is a real crisis over there due to the cyclone that hit over the weekend. I just read a news article that puts the death count over 22,000. I don't even know what to write...my heart is heavy. The main city, Yangon, was hit hard. They are without electricity and running water. Gas prices have soared as well as for other commodities. There is damage all over the city. Some people live in little more than huts. I cannot even imagine that some of those structures were able to withstand the high winds of the storm. If you did not see my post from Sunday, I am just asking again that you will pray for that nation. Please pray for my friends living there that they will have wisdom in dealing with their own situation as well as how to help the nationals.

Jeanette

The Countdown - 4 days

I have to type in a big hurry -- I'm waiting for some pictures to download on my laptop to the Walgreens.com website. Jacob has a family tree (due tomorrow, of course -- nothing like procrastination!) and I'm trying to get some pictures printed today. This is something on the computer that I actually know how to do and love the convenience of it. Now all I have to do is send it to the store and then go pick them up later today!!

I got my "clearance for graduation" today and picked up my cap and gown. They also gave me a laminated, credit card size copy of my diploma. The big day is almost here. One project and one final is all I have left!

This morning I was reading from 1 Thessalonians. I would like to tell you that it was meant to be a "quiet time" between me and my God but it started out as prep for my final on Wednesday. Paul started the letter with a greeting, which is pretty typical of his letters. Verse 2 of chapter one says that he was thankful for the believers and he was praying for them. He was thankful for their faithfulness to the gospel message. Verse 4 of chapter 1 is this: "...knowing, brethren, beloved by God, His choice of you." Whether you are a Calvinist or lean toward Arminianism, you cannot get away from the fact that God chose us. It was His will and act of grace that brought those of us who are believers and followers of Christ into His family and kingdom.

So, all I really wanted to say today is I am so glad I am chosen.

Gotta run pick Jacob up from school....

Jeanette

The Countdown - 5 days

We just came in from eating lunch out beside the pool. The weather is absolutely perfect. Although the water is freezing (by my standard) the boys got in the pool and threw the football around for a little while. Our church is having a picnic and outdoor worship later this afternoon. God is so good -- He gave us the most awesome day for it.

While I am rejoicing and being thankful some of my friends living overseas are experiencing harship. There was a natural disaster in the Pacific Rim in the area I visited in January. I am sure it is a very difficult situation for my friends who are living there. I did find out that they are all safe but are without electricity and have experienced some damage and loss. There was already a serious economic situation there and this will most certainly compound the problems. Will you please pray for those affected by this disaster.

Thanking you, in advance, for your prayers,

Jeanette

The Countdown - 7 days

I'm fasting. Not from food because I seriously need it during this time of stress. (ok, I'm giggling about that) I've given up something else instead. Here's a definition of fasting: "Fasting is an intentional self-denial for the purpose of gaining spiritual insight or becoming spiritually stronger." (DiscipleShape by Dan Crawford, 139) We generally think of fasting as going without food because that is what fasting was in Scripture. According to Crawford a fast can be abstinence from just about anything. It's the purpose and the focus of the fast that's important. Who among us could not use a little more spiritual strength? I'm the one with my hand up.

I have a specific purpose for my fast. It's a matter I'm talking to God about concerning another person. I'm intensely aware that I am not in control of outcomes and situations. I wanna be. I am also aware that my petition may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things. People are starving, Christians are being persecuted, lost souls are not hearing the Good News. Yet, I stand and ask because I want what I want. I bow my knees because I want to be in a position so He knows I am serious. I put my face to the floor in total humility so my posture reflects that I am completely without hope without Him.

I love the story of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. I just read it again recently for my OT class. When they refused to bow down and worship the golden image they were arrested. The consequence for not bowing was to be thrown into the fiery furnace. When asked why they did not bow down when they knew the consequence they said,

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18, NASB)

They knew that God was able. They didn't doubt that. But even if He did not rescue them their faith would not be changed. Sometimes rescue is not in His plan.

At the end of today my fast will be over and I will know the outcome. Whether it turns out the way I want it to or not, it will not change what I know to be true about God. I hope I am stronger either way.

Serving the King,

Jeanette