Receiving Good Gifts from God

I know that my time will be much more limited once classes start, but there is SO MUCH wonderful information available online! I’m going to miss randomly finding information like the following:

• BatchGeo — Ever so often, I have needed to create maps with several clusters of information. Here is one of the easiest methods online.
• FSI Language Courses — the home for language courses developed by the Foreign Service Institute. They have been having technical issues for the last couple of days, but I suspect that the problems will be ironed out in the not-too-distant future. (One of my favorite blogs, LifeHacker, recommended the site…)
• Think – a Free Mind Mapping Web App. Yes, I like mind mapping. I don’t know why, I just do.
• Kenston Rare Books has books about Texas
• WiseBread pointed me to an article on doughroller.net about 7 Ways to Help a Family Member Financially Without Damaging Your Relationship
• Memorial Moment — One of my favorite site for daily devotions. Today’s devotion talks about what pastors suffer

Much for Today’s Internet meanderings. Maybe tomorrow I will be breathing better.

Happy Tuesday!

I’ve known for a little while, but I’m finally ready to talk about it… I AM EXCITED AND DELIGHTED ABOUT A NEW PHASE IN MY LIFE! I have been accepted to study for my M.A. in Deaconess Studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

A little bit of explanation is probably in order. The role of Deaconess within the LCMS is a little bit like a social worker or teacher with a heavy dose of theology. (In other words, RIGHT up my alley of interests!) Originally, Deaconesses were registered nurses… and a lot still are, I think.

While the degree program requires on-campus “Intensive Classes,” they are accommodating my disabilities by letting me go via online classes using “Moodle“.

My very first class will be July 10-23 “Gospels I”. I just learned what the required texts will be:

• Gibbs, Jeffrey A. Matthew 1:1-11:1. Concordia Commentary. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2006.
• Scaer, David P. Discourses in Matthew: Jesus Teaches the Church. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2004

This could not be more of a “Christmas Gift” if it had been intended to be so! The Concordia Commentary: Matthew 1:1–11:1 is already “wheelchair accessible” — even to someone like me who cannot hold books any more. I will just get this version.

I have been wanting to read “Discourses in Matthew” ever since a friend of mine read part of it out loud to me. This is so delightfully EXCITING!

Anyhow, I’ll try to keep you updated on my studies and progress right here. See you later…

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