Some of You Have Been Asking....

So I know I've taken quite a hiatus from blogging. I don't like doing that, but I just haven't made the time lately. However, I've had many adventures going on. Some of you Marble Falls people and Facebook friends have been wondering where I've been.... Actually, this is the beginning of my second week in Lynchburg, Virginia. I am completing my master's in professional counseling at Liberty University. (Please note: this degree is not to be confused with school counseling.) I have done the majority of the classwork online and have put off the required courses on campus until this point, and now that Weiss is a bit older--although it is still hard to leave him--I found it time to get my coursework on campus started. I am nearing the end of my degree--I see the "light" at the end of the proverbial "tunnel"--however, I do still have some more on-campus work, a practicum, internship, competency exams, and courses from home before I am complete. However, I should be finished in the next 8 to 9 months...

I chose to go back to school after I had Weiss because I LOVE people. I love to help people; I love to interact with people. I chose Liberty because I knew they were online, would work with my schedule as a mom, they were reputable, could give me the degree I was seeking, and--most importantly--would teach me in a manner that corresponds to my Biblical worldview as a born again Christian. Liberty is the world's largest evangelical Christian university, is the world's fastest growing university, and has only been around since 1971. (When I got on campus, it was totally evident that this is God's economy here at the university; they are being blessed tremendously...)

Anyway, I've heard some great preaching while I've been here--Thomas Road Baptist Church, Wednesday night campus church (Aperture) with Dr. Ergun Caner, who is incredible.... Check out his stuff.... I'm going to be following him from home... I feel so comfortable here because you can speak the name of Jesus and not feel "weird" or uncomfortable because most likely, the individual you are talking to knows Him personally, as well. Our professors are also spiritual leaders; I appreciate this greatly. They lead us in worship, prayer time, prayer requests, and daily reflection and devotionals. They bring up questions from a biblical standpoint, which I LOVE. My classmates are pastors, youth ministers, church administrators, teachers, and people who just feel God's calling to help others. These weeks have been tough (leaving family, et cetera), but it has honestly felt like a spiritual retreat for me and my classmates. Each of us (in our 15 person class) has expressed this; we are learning how to counsel with others, but have each been receiving counseling, as well, and it has been a time of renewal and joy, albeit draining.

The emotional aspect of it all is pouring out yourself, being transparent and honest, but also listening deeply to others with empathy. Having a relationship with Christ helps provide the foundation a counselor needs to work with all of His children, no matter how hurt or broken. Although this doesn't sound draining, it truly is; I am mentally exhausted today, yet physically energized (probably from all of the coffee they've given us!!!). I'm sure many of you in the ministry and other helping fields can relate.... I have been a sounding board for the deep emotions of others, but I am honored that Christ can work through me. I have also used others as my own personal sounding board. God has also revealed to me additional ways I may choose to help others in our community, so I'm going to look into these avenues very soon, as well....

Enough with the deep stuff.....

Anyway, I've had a great and awesome experience with last week's intensive with Dr. Patti Hinckley and my counselor and small group facilitator, Francis Raj, a Christian pastor from Malaysia who is on fire for the Lord (and has a great sense of humor to boot). Just when I thought the classes couldn't get any better than last week's, this week is Dr. David Appleby, a former pastor turned professor with two doctorates and a seminary degree.... He is coming out with a book next week, and he is an authority on deliverance...... Tomorrow afternoon, he is going to explain more in a Q & A session with our class of 15.... Can't wait!!! (More on that later!!!!)

Before each class session with Dr. Appleby (the class deals with group counseling), he plays this clip, which has really touched me (and everyone else in our class) this week. It's the Gaithers, for those of you who shy away from their music, but the message is sooooo incredibly powerful for anyone in the helping profession, or anyone who is a Christian, for that matter. Take a look and be moved......