(Did any of you listen to Bullfrogs and Butterflies when you were little? And The Music Machine? Loved those! In fact, I have them on CD for my girls and they like them too. My mom used to wake us up with the good morning song and I must admit, I wake my girls up with it too. That and the good morning song from Singing in the Rain. I think I've told you that before, so if this seems familiar, just skip this paragraph. Oops, too late!)
For those of you not on Facebook (or on Facebook but we're not "friends" there yet--send a request with a note!), you may have noticed my status update yesterday. It went like this: I LOVE SEMINARY!!!!!! (And, yes, I used about that many exclamations points, something I rarely do.)
Anyway, I really do love it!
I was talking to a friend the other day (one of the TWO conversations I've had on the phone in the past two weeks other than my parents) and she was asking how I'm doing with this intensive class and completely new schedule. I told her that I'm thriving.
I am so energized by the whole experience of being back in the classroom and I just love it, love it, love it! In fact, I walked into the classroom yesterday morning and said good morning to one of the other students. He looked at me funny and said, "You seem happy." He sounded confused. (We had a test yesterday and there's a monster midterm this morning.)
The thing is, I am happy. I love getting up and going to school every morning. I feel so blessed and honored to have this opportunity to learn more about the Old Testament. The class is not at all what I was expecting (I thought it would be more of a survey of the wisdom books, noting things like authorship, themes, and so on). We've learned all about history and archaeology and where the canon on the Old Testament comes from. About Masoretic and Septuagint text traditions, about documentary hypothesis, form criticism, and more.
There are lots of dates and names and references and details to know by heart for the midterm today, but it's so fascinating that I don't mind at all.
Toben's done such an amazing job cooking and cleaning and such, that I've had time to study and help the girls with their homework and read to them and play games even, and the latest I've been up at night since I started school is 8:30. I'm rested and feeling great.
If all this enthusiasm is making you tired, well, I just wanted to give you an update and thank you for your prayers for rest and energy and intelligence and all that, because God is answering. Being in school fits. And I feel like this is where God wants me to be.
And for those of you who aren't in this kind of place, who are wondering about God's purpose and direction and plans for you, who are exhausted and discouraged and tired and lonely, please know that you are in my prayers. I've been there and I know how hard it is.
God is at work. He never wastes anything. And for those who love him and are called according to his purpose, he promises to work it all for good. What others intend for harm, God uses for good. He is Immanuel, God with you--whether it feels like it or not.
For those of you whose needs I know, I pray for you specifically--by name and by need--each week. And if you'd like some prayer, leave a comment below, or send me an email (thesimplewife [at] aol.com) if you'd rather be more anonymous to the rest of the world.
I have about 30 minutes before the girls get up, so I'm off to review my study notes again. My test isn't until 10 o'clock this morning, so I'll be studying after they leave for school today too. Then I'm coming home and putting on my jammies to celebrate!
So, so, so thrilled for you! And for anyone tempted to think you're just some "lucky dog," I know you've been through so much to get to this point. Your life hasn't been all roses, but God is so faithful. And you are a beautiful gal living a beautiful dream.
Three Cheers for Ms. Joanne!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | January 15, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Bullfrogs and Butterflies! They've both been born again!!!
Posted by: Cherry Tree Lane | January 15, 2009 at 07:56 AM
Good luck today!
Posted by: Nikki | January 15, 2009 at 07:56 AM
What a great post. Just reading it made me feel happy inside! I am thrilled for you! I'll add you to my friend list on Facebook to stay updated!
My prayer request - my battle with depression - finding the next steps in ministry - a need for the domestic diva in me to arise!
Posted by: Shane | January 15, 2009 at 08:12 AM
I am so excited that you are loving seminary...but 8:30? You've got to be kidding! I am so jealous (a godly jealousy...um...ok, with a twinge of coveteousness) of people who can accomplish so much in so little time. I'm single and my earliest night was probably 11pm.
I really am quite excited for you!
ps...thanks for the encouragement.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Kate | January 15, 2009 at 08:24 AM
I'm happy you are enjoying Seminary!
I loved the Music Machine and my mom still has the record we used to listen to over and over. My favorite was "Have Patience, Have Patience, don't be in such a hurry...
Posted by: Kelly | January 15, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Joanne,
I'm so glad you're enjoying seminary! I have often toyed with the idea of taking some classes. Perhaps one day that will come to fruition, in the the Lord's way & in His time.
I'm glad He's giving you the desire of your heart, sweet friend.
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | January 15, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Joanne,
I am so happy for you and your school experience. Your post was uplifting and encouraging. I feel motivated to begin my morning. On another note.....I picked up the book Happily Ever After and it has inspired me. I have been married 11 years but there are thoughts and ideas that apply to us. Your honesty and wisdom are greatly appreciated. I will praying for you and the midterm that you will be taking.
Posted by: Jennifer Medeiros | January 15, 2009 at 09:23 AM
I love th song "Have Patience" from The Music Maker. Do you remember it?
Thank you for praying friend. The stream is flowing both ways. You know that, I know!
Posted by: Holly @ Crownlaiddown | January 15, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Your cheerfulness has rubbed off on me... thank you. Your words were just what I needed to hear this morning. Enjoy your pjs this afternoon!
Posted by: angela | January 15, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Hi Joanne...I did an American Frugal Housewife post for you!!! I've been praying for you too. I'm glad that you are blessed, like me, with an awesome husband! Happy Thursday!
Posted by: Bobbi | January 15, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Oh my goodness - I listened to those...and "Down by the Creek Bank" too. Do you remember that one!
And that's so great about school - and you've found time to post wonderful things too :-)
Posted by: Amber | January 15, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Exactly why your blog needed the award....what a refreshing and uplifting post! I know that Toben and the girls must be extremely proud of you. And what an example that you are setting for the girls in your study habits, bedtime habits, cheerful outlook on school....you are a living testimony to them in your actions!
Posted by: Wife of Rob | January 15, 2009 at 03:34 PM
I'm so happy to hear this! I feel like I'm in a similar place. I'm finishing up my degree in women's studies this semester, and interning at a community breast health clinic that is doing some really amazing things for our community. The word "abundance" seems to fit right now, things are clicking into place, and I'm thankful to be so blessed.
Congratulations and all the best,
Violet
Posted by: Violet | January 15, 2009 at 06:52 PM
So glad you are so happy with what you are doing right now! Hope the test went well...enjoy relaxing in those jammies:)
Posted by: Tammy S. | January 15, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Overjoyed for you, Joanne! I too love Bullfrogs and Butterflies!
Posted by: Holly B. | January 16, 2009 at 12:20 AM
oh my word! were we raised by the same mom???? i now sing both those songs to my kids as well! do you remember music machine? it was another program like bullfrogs and butterflies. have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry, when you get impatient, you only start to worry, remember, remember, that God is patient too, so, think of all the times when others have to wait for YOU! ;) so many great memories!!!
Posted by: gigi | September 22, 2009 at 06:30 AM
I, too, love those "kid" musicals. I was fortunate as a kid to sit on stage with Dottie Rambo singing some of the songs once. It was amazing then and I still enjoy listening now. I want to echo my fav is also "Have Patience...", what a tremendous message to instill in our little ones. Thank you for your post and I pray that today is as great as the day you wrote this blog. :)
Posted by: smash | July 28, 2010 at 08:08 AM
my mom also used to wake me up with that song from bullfrogs and butterflies. i still have the cassette tape from when i was in preschool because my mom was my preschool teacher. i'm 28 now.
Posted by: Justin Jorgensen | August 08, 2010 at 05:16 PM