Syllabus Shock

That's what they call it when you read through all of your "syllabi" at the beginning of the semester and realize the amount of work that lies ahead of you. I am currently suffering from a severe case.

Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• feeling completely overwhelmed
• wondering why one has to read more books in 1 semester than during an entire undergraduate career?!
• a sick feeling in the pit of one's stomach that can only be translated as "what have I gotten myself into?"
  
• mental exhaustion from the simple IDEA of all the work that's coming
• and tears (though I've not gotten there quite yet!)

Along with the syllabus shock of this week, I'm also incredibly excited.
I already know so much more this week than I knew last week. Particularly 24 letters, how to write them, what they sound like and how to transliterate them (turn them into English letters). So, take that Greek 101! (Still the only girl... and let's be honest: is that really a bad thing?)

If you want to know how you can pray for me from the East Coast... join me in prayer that God would open my mind to comprehend everything and make it stick so I can remember it all. Not just for the sake of a good grade and for the tests... but for crying out loud, for LIFE. What else am I here for?!

As my sweet nephew Drew says: Love you! Miss you!
(guess you just have to be on the phone with him to hear how sweet that is for yourself)

First Day of School

Ok, so there were no cute backpacks, ruffled socks, Rainbow Brite lunch boxes (I was a child of the 80's), no big yellow school bus, or Mom taking pictures on the front steps... but today was probably my favorite first day of school ever. 

I think that's because I'm here with such purpose.  I'm not going to school because it's the fall and I have to.  I'm here because God called me, provided for me and I "get" to. 

My first class today was Spiritual Life.  7:45am comes bright and early after a summer of working 20 hours a week not waking up before 9!  The class was as meaningful as a church service.  It's structured to encourage solid, healthy spiritual disciplines that we will carry for the rest of our lives.  It was phenomenal.  Have an excellent teacher who absolutely loves the Lord with all his heart.  Couldn't have had a better "first class at seminary" if I tried.  It really set the tone for why we're here, what a unique opportunity this is... 

After that, I had the one, the only Dr. Howard Hendricks for Bible Study Methods.  He's a much older gentleman than most of the other teachers.  I would guess late 80's.  He oozes a love for the Word of God that is nothing short of contagious.  Even in his advanced age and frail state, his class of 200+ students were captivated.  What a privilege just to be in one of his classes!  And, it's great content, too.  We're going to learn how to read our Bibles for our own personal growth and for the purpose of being able to teach others to do the same.  Sounds simple, but very few believers really dig deeply into the miracle that is the Word of God.  His way of communicating with us. 

After that was chapel.  You know, at Liberty... even when Dr. Falwell spoke, convocation was, well a little dreaded and a little boring.  Again, different motivations, and hello different sleeping patterns!  But mostly, different priorities.  Dr. Bailey, the President of DTS spoke today and I kept thinking 2 things:  WOW, I'm so privileged to sit under the preaching of these incredible men of God and #2, oh my WORD, I'm going to be learning how to teach like that!  Scary, but sooo exciting. 

Then, after a short break was the dreaded, very scary Greek class.  Are you sitting down? I hope so, you're at your computer... I am the only girl in my class.  Don't get too carried away!  There are only about 20 people in there and this is school, not E-harmony!  My degree is ThM, not "Mrs."!  Being the only girl is a weird feeling.  But the prof (that's how everyone refers to professors around here!) made it a really good experience.  It's going to be a challenging course and it's going to be a lot of work and a lot of studying, but I'm ready to jump in!  

So, I'll have these same classes on Thursday again and then also have a once a week Thursday night class on Intro to Theology (lots of reading, lots of printed notes) and a class on Evangelism on Friday morning only. 

As for an update on my car accident...My car is at the collision repair place.  $3,000 in damage!  But, I only have to foot a $500 bill for my deductible. (Only!) And, my boss talked to his in-laws who are elderly, live in the area and they are LOANING ME THEIR CAR for a while!  That happened very much out of my hands and they don't even know me... is that awesome or what?  Complete strangers lending their car to the girl who crashed hers in a very irresponsible way.  I'll bet they don't know I caused the wreck :o)

I'm just saying... it's amazing to know the God of the universe is intimately concerned with the details of our lives.  Not just mine... yours, too!  

Lots of love from (really not that hot anymore) Texas!  

Drop me a line, post a comment... let me know how you're doing!  

I love mail in the real mailbox :o) 

Katherine Eachus

3909 Swiss Ave, Box 534

Dallas, TX  75204

kept my same cell number:  703-328-2864

email:  katherine.eachus(at)gmail.com

Accidents Happen...

Sometimes your GPS unit is to blame, sometimes your stupidity for listening to the GPS unit is to blame. 

Today, it was all me.  Stupid me for listening to the GPS...  

Don't worry.  I'm ok.  Obviously.  I'm writing this crazy post.  But, my car is not.  

Ok, so I was driving down a one way road with 3 lanes.  I was in the center lane.  Please note:  I thought I was in the left hand lane in the split second that my GPS told me to "Turn Left"onto Willow.  

So, I turned.  

Luckily, and by the protection and grace of God.  Mr. Gonzalez in his big red F-150 saw me starting to act like a complete moron and started slowing down, too.  

His fender kissed my fender.  

No one is hurt.  My roommate Jennifer was with me.  She's ok.  I bumped my head on the window, but really, it was barely a bump.  It really could have been a catastrophic collision if just a few variables were different:  his speed, angle, timing of my turn, etc.  

So, the insurance said it was my fault.  What?  No way!  Yes, of course it was my fault.  

I have a $500 deductible.  So thanks ODBC for your generous July contributions to my car being repaired and now fixed again.  No rental coverage, but my roommate is here, I live on campus and already have a Monday morning appointment to get the adjuster to look at it and start the repair process.   I'm not stressing.  It is what it is.  And I can't whine about it, just moving forward.  

Let's just hope my spanking new rack & pinion wasn't damaged... that would just be very bad news.  

So, no... I assure you, I do not have a concussion, whiplash or anything of the sort.  I am fine. My car drives (no need for a tow), it just pulls to the right and the fender is smashed.  

So, is this persecution?  The Enemy trying to discourage me from seminary?  Trying to make me question my move, my calling, this journey?

No.  

It was just me being stupid trying to find my way to the Salvation Army store to shop for a couch for our apartment (which we still went and did in Jennifer's car and found an adorable one!)

And even if it was an "attack" or additional burden to carry on top of other not-for-blog news I got the other day...  Well, let's turn in our Bibles to Romans chapter 8, verse 38:

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, [nor fear, nor traffic accidents, nor possible cancer diagnoses for people we love, nor distance, nor the blazing heat of Texas] nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Contributions to the "Katherine Eachus Focus Resurrection Fund" can be sent... just kidding... forget the money... PRAY that God will show up and He'll do what only He can do in ways that can only be credited to Him.  (And praise Him that He already did... Mr. Gonzalez had every  right to cuss me out and be fuming mad.  He was kind, caring, and even used a piece of wood from his big red F-150 to un-bend my fender enough to make sure I was able to turn my wheel to drive home)

That's life.  It happens.  It stinks to high heaven, and it was totally my fault.  But all is well and soon to be fixed and God provided in advance for the needs that were to come.  

As for Seminary Life, today was another really good day. 

Started with the MMPI personality inventory test.  569 of the strangest questions of my life to make sure I don't have psychoses DTS should know about before they let me start classes.  Here's a sampling, all True/False:

If I were an artist, I'd like to paint flowers.

I love my mother/father

I am afraid of the dark

I am afraid of spiders, snakes, dirt

I prefer loud parties/social scenes

I would like the job of a forest ranger

Also, questions about suicidal tendencies, health symptoms the could indicate underlying health issues, etc... interesting.  Hope I'm not crazy!

Then, I went to the Women's Student Fellowship luncheon for us newbies.  Sat at a table with Katherine (me), Katherine (not me), and Mary Katherine.  For real.   It was nice.  Got to meet some new girls, learn about Women's activities on campus, there will be a fall retreat and in November, DTS alum Priscilla Shirer (Tony Evans' daughter) will be speaking at a women's leadership conference.  

This afternoon I hit Target for notecards, paper, binders, etc and then, decided to go get in a wreck.  After that, Jennifer & I found the Salvation Army and went to a Half Price Bookstore where she may have found a Psychology textbook for $9.98.  It's the 10th edition, she needs the 11th, so hopefully she can get it and use it without a hitch.  

Then, we went to a dinner at "Texadelphia" where DTS new students and faculty had the restaurant all to ourselves.  There were cheesesteaks (but, hello, we're 2,000 miles from the real deal...), and chips & queso...you get the idea of the name... and, it was free.  And it was fun.  

I met someone who's last name was Mauger.  His dad graduated from Boyertown Area Senior High in '67.  And his aunts and some relatives still live in the B-town area.  I think his dad became a missionary and then never settled back in PA.  Hello, small world!  For those of you that don't know, that was my high school and my parents' high school... they graduated in '75, though... so maybe my Uncle Glenn knew them?  Did my Aunt Cindy go to Boyertown? hhhmm... details of the courtship I don't believe I've ever heard...how you guys met... Know any Maugers?  Open your yearbook, just for kicks :o)

Also met a couple from Alaska who we think is going to help us go pick up the couch at the Salvation Army in the morning.  Blessing!  

Then, we sat around, talked some more... and voila, here I am recounting my day to you. 

Faithful is He who calls you... HE WILL DO IT!  

Stay tuned, your first Greek lesson will hit the blog soon... as will "Blog Party Scripture Memory" and you know you don't want to miss that!  

Orientation Day!!

What a GREAT day, y'all!  

(fyi..."y'all" snuck into my vocab in Lynchburg, not Texas!)

Went to Orientation this morning where "Chaplain Bill", this 70+ year old man who's been here at DTS for decades led us in several hymns.  Then, he began to welcome us and he quoted a few Scripture passages...  and wouldn't you know, the second one he starts saying is the one that is carrying me through this journey of transition:  

1 Thessalonians 5:24 "Faithful is He who calls you, He also will do it."  

When God chooses to surprise us like that, it's like an inside joke, only it's not silly... it's such a blessing.  He's intimately aware and in control of the happenings of our lives. 

We were addressed & challenged by Dr. Mark Bailey, the President of DTS(who told us he'd been hanging with the Prez of the US in Beijing last week because DTS has a successful Chinese online program).  

After a few hours of what to wear, what not to wear, who to contact, what they offer, where to pay, church stuff, Q&A...  they brought in every faculty member present today and introduced them.  The stage was filled with mostly men, a few women, whose teaching, contagious love for the word of God  & the God of the Word, doctrine, etc has impacted thousands of students...who in turn are reaching this world.  It was incredible to me... Even more so when I realized... they're teaching me now.  And what on earth is God going to do with this life for His glory?  WOW... 

Several people shared bits of advice and wisdom.  Apparently, it's common for seminary people to get so caught up in the knowledge aspect that they neglect their own walk with God.  We were warned and admonished in love several times to make both a priority and to view assignments and classes as opportunities to deepen our faith, not only our minds.  So, that's something you could add to a prayer list for me... that I keep that balance...

That's why I'm here.  Not for the degree.   I want to know this God I'm so crazy about in ways I have never known, never seen, never looked deep enough to KNOW Him. 

A great bit of advice that I needed to hear most today was to remember not to rush this degree just because you don't want to be here forever (hello, that had my name written all over it!)... but to realize this 5 year block of time is not only the means to an end, but is life for this season and to make the most of it, enjoy it, live fully in it... 

  

Then, we had a break for lunch where they divided all us newbies (maybe 200 ish people, i'm not a good estimator) into groups of about 7 with 2 faculty members and we had our lunch in a classroom somewhere on campus.  It was great to get to know some new people and see who God put together in the room.  We weren't in there because of degree program or anything, just how it happened.  

One of the faculty members in my group was Dr. Joye Baker who is involved in Women's Ministry classes  & advising(coincidence?  i think not).  One of the students in there has been interning at McLean Bible (huge church in northern VA) for the past year!  Small world.  

So after the group met, we were heading back to the chapel for the afternoon portion of orientation where we were welcomed into chapel by Chaplain Bill, who was no kidding, leading us in 2 non-"worship" songs.  The whole group of us sang "The Stars at Night are Big & Bright (clap-clap-clap-clap) Deep in the Heart of Texas" and "Home, Home on the Range"!   It was ridiculously funny!   I think I should add that to my "Only in Texas" post! 

The orientation stuff ended with an information fair where we got to take care of a lot of loose ends... get our ID pictures taken, register with the fitness center as a student, ask questions... there were raffles, etc.  It was really helpful.  

Then, I went to a Christian Ed department meeting for new students, designed for us to learn a little more about the department, etc and got to chat again with Dr. Baker.  There's a connection there.  God's doing something.  You know how you can just tell something wasn't by chance?  Yeah, this was kind of like that.  

So, tomorrow is another big day:  Assessment testing in the morning, Women's Student Luncheon, and then a dinner with students and faculty at a local restaurant, compliments of the school!  Fun, huh?!  

I am so excited for school to start!  YAY!  Who says that? 

Do me a favor and remind me of my zeal in about a month, ok?  :o)  

Pastor Steve is on Facebook!

And to mark this monumental occasion, I had to make it a post!  This is BLOG-worthy (i LOVE that word!)

Of course, I saw in my inbox "Steve Benedict added you as a friend on Facebook" and quickly felt nostalgia whooshing in... and a couple tears escaping... 

for those of you who don't know... 

Pastor Steve ("Pastor" is his first name on his birth certificate, it must be) was my youth pastor from the time I was in @7th grade until...well, now.  

He's an amazing man of God who poured his life into a girl who had no idea how much she needed it at the time, but has been forever changed by his unconditional love and constant example... for the past 15 years.

After high school, I went to Liberty and while I was there, he had the nerve to leave our church and move to some little church in Manassas, Va.  What kind of name is Manassas, anyway?  :o)

After I graduated college, I stayed at Liberty and worked as an admissions counselor for almost a year.  That March (2003) I got an email from him telling me his church was looking for a summer intern and was I interested?  [in my mind, no I was not]  But God would not let the matter rest.  VERY long story short, I got the internship in March and was planning to begin the first of June.  In May, the church's Ministry Assistant notified the church she would be retiring, effective June 1... Coincidence?  I think not.  

So, you guessed it.  The internship turned into the last 5 years of my life... and through it all, the church changed, friends came and moved, i lived a hundred different places (ok, 4), staff changed, lots of changes... but what always remained the same...  every day I got to go to work for Pastor Steve.

As time went on, I got to branch out and be involved in many other areas of ministry at Old Dominion, but I was always his assistant.   And every week, we'd meet and talk about tasks, blah blah blah... but the first thing he'd always ask, always... in sincerity--because he'd wait to hear the answer... "So, how are you?"  

He's such a good guy.  God's hand-picked mentor.  Treasured friend.  "My hero."  

  

Texas Bar-B-Q

Ok, Dad... are you reading this?  The answer to your question you've asked so many times... YES, i've finally had some BBQ.   Here's how it happened:

My roommate arrived on Monday night (finally!  YAY!) and her parents stayed in town to help her get settled.  Well, they're from Georgia, and everyone knows when you're in Texas you have to try Tex-Mex food and authentic BBQ, right?  So, the other night we went to a great Mexican restaurant (yes, they were nice enough to ask me to go!) called Chuy's (Chewie's).  Huge, colorful restaurant that you can tell has been there for years and years.  No parking.  Great food.  Great company.  Lucky me! 

Then, tonight, they invited me to dinner again (because they're wonderful like that) and we planned to go get BBQ.  So, we left the apartment around 6:45, relying on Dora-the-Explorer (my GPS) we punched in the address, followed the directions and ended up at Sonny's BBQ... The original building that I guess launched several others.  Only, what we saw was a parking lot, with a "vintage" (aka dive) shack building that had signs in the window that NO KIDDING read:  Closed.  Gave the operating hours and then the sign said:  We Close When the Food Runs Out!  

I guess we should have gone for lunch! 

So, we ask Dora-the-Explorer to find us another BBQ place.  She gives us a big list.  But, we tried another Sonny's.  Got there... and oops!  It's just like a catering center... no restaurant.   So, we ask Dora again... she gives us a big list... and we tried the final Sonny's BBQ option.  It was only a couple of miles away and we'd come this far... 

Third time's a charm!  

What a treat!  Walked in, were served like cafeteria style had great food and it was totally worth it and so fun!  

So, yay for great Mexican food and BBQ... gotta love Texas!  

A Purple Envelope that Made My Day!

Went to the campus post office this afternoon, and to my delight, saw a little purple envelope waiting for me.  I could hardly wait to see what was written inside!  

It was a sweet note of encouragement and to let me know she's been following my blog. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness...and surprised that she knew I am blogging!  

So, my dear Aunt, thanks for your note and for thinking of me! 

Always a treasured reminder that God has a plan for me... even though I know it to the depths of my soul because He's proven it time and again and because His word tells me He does (Jeremiah 29:11), it's good to be reminded again and to hear it as a fresh blessing today.  

Despite the incredible amount of work that lies ahead...  God did this for me.  He mapped my journey, showed me when it was time to move, blessed the move and now, is totally and completely in control of this new season of life... He alone knows the end from the beginning. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,  plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Fall Reading List...Wish me Luck!

So, classes start in just over a week (Aug. 25) and I thought you might like to know what I'm taking and what books I'll be reading this semester.  Seriously.  24 books (plus the B-i-b-l-e) 

I can hardly believe it myself!  

Oh, and stay turned for Blog Party Scripture Memory... I'll let you know as I'm working on passages I have to memorize...you might even learn some Greek along the way... and you KNOW I'll be the first to inform you of Theological words I have never heard of and share the sheer delight when I find out what they mean... remember "prolegomena", anyone?  

It's WAY scarier to see it all on a big list!
Lots of books, found most on Amazon and at a local store called Half Price Books for really good deals. And a few that I have to get at the campus bookstore.  

Bible Study Methods (Howard Hendricks is my professor!):
--How to Read the Bible as Literature (Ryken)
--Methodical Bible Study (Traina)
--Joy of Discovery in Bible Study (Ward)
--Basic Bible Interpretation (Zuck)
--NASB Bible

Intro to Greek:
--Greek New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul)
--Elements of New Testament Greek (Duff--not Hillary)
--Fundamental Greek Grammar (Voelz)

Spiritual Life:
--He That is Spiritual (Chafer)
--Grace Awakening (Swindoll)
--The Pursuit of God (Tozer)
--Spirit of the Disciplines (Willard)

Evangelism:
--7 Principles of an Evangelistic (Cecil)
--True Evangelism (Chafer)

Spritual Formation:
(a weekly small group required, not for credit)
--Foundations of Spiritual Formation (Pettitt)

Introduction to Theology:
--Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Elwell)
--From the Ground Up (Horrell)
--Dispensationalism (Ryrie)
--The Universe Next Door (Sire)
--Reinventing Jesus (Wallace, Komoszewski)
--Last Word (Wright)
--The Missing Gospels (Bock)
--Progressive Dispensationalism (Bock/Blaising)
--Baker Pocket Guide to World Religions (McDermott)
--Christian Theology (McGrath)

Blog-happy...

You like how I post nothing for a week and then have like 10 different topics I can't help but post all at once?  I have issues.  Sorry... 

I just thought of another topic to tell you to show you how God has again revealed Himself to me in this crazy move...

I was the Missionary of the Month project for July at ODBC.  Despite a low-offering trend lately, I was generously blessed and so I wanted to thank you all so much for giving and supporting me this semester.  I joyfully received the check on Thursday of this week...

The same day the service center at the local Ford dealership called to tell me that the rack & pinion had to be replaced on my handy-dandy 2005 Ford Focus...  now, let me tell you... i had other plans for the funds I'd been given (books, tuition, rent, etc), but God "Who called me is FAITHFUL...He will do it"  1 Thessalonians 5:24

So, I'll pick up my car maybe tomorrow afternoon, maybe Monday afternoon and it will have a beautiful, brand new rack & pinion that I will never see with my own eyes and I surely don't want to throw $1200 into something I'll never lay eyes on... but, even in this, my God is faithful.

A month ago, this would have been a nightmare.  Today, it's a blessing.    

My First Care Package

Just so you know, I almost forgot what it feels like to get an unexpected package in the mail!  But today, I got a bubble envelope filled with post-its, hi-liters, pens, a planner, antibacterial wipes, and a sweet card from my precious friend of almost 8 years to the day (and i can still remember that she was wearing khaki capri overalls and a burgundy and white striped top the day that i met her in dorm 20-3)...  

Erin Chucoski--you are amazing!   LOVE YOU!  

If anyone wants to jump on Erin's bandwagon at any time during the school year...you'd be amazing (& blog-worthy) too!  

My mailing address is:

Katherine Eachus

3909 Swiss Ave, #534

Dallas, TX  75204

 

The Patti's are in Texas!!!

Did you hear?  

The Patti's are in Texas! 

Pastor Paul and Karen flew into DALLAS yesterday afternoon to meet up with their oldest son, Tim, who is graduating this weekend from his year long internship at The Honor Academy with Teen Mania Ministries.  

So, lucky me... I met them at the airport and got them all to myself for like 4 1/2 hours...we went to the Blue Goose Cantina, a local authentic Mexican restaurant (was a ton of fun!) then, they came back to see the seminary and my apartment for just a few minutes and then we drove half way to Garden Valley, TX --where Teen Mania is--to meet up with Tim (who had been at graduation rehearsal).  

AND, Pastor Paul is leaving tomorrow to start driving Timmy's car back to VA, so I won't see him again, but I'll get to hang with Karen & Tim...at the Cornell's tomorrow night.  Aaahh, a sweet ODBC reunion of sorts!  

(Like Dorothy)  There's no place like home, there's no place like home... 

Beijing Olympics

So... I'm watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics... remembering back like...goodness, 16 years ago when my brother won 2 goldfish at the Boyertown sidewalk sale and named them Dan and Dave because I guess they were some track star people.  I was 12, I don't know for sure.  

So I'm watching all forms of fireworks, pyrotechnics (good word, eh?), hundreds of dancer people and a ginormous globe thing with people harnessed to it running and dancing around the world.

And all I can think about is persecution.  

Last fall, ODBC highlighted the Persecuted Church during our annual missions week and I was assigned the task of researching examples of persecuted Christians around the world.  Most of the articles were about Chinese Christians...beaten, imprisoned, locked inside their own homes, abducted, violently abused during police questioning...many tortured and even secretly murdered for their faith in the SAME Savior who died for me.  

Do we even have a clue how privileged we are to own 7 Bibles in 4 versions by every publisher available, endorsed by Christian inspirational authors and yet despite our privilege it is a chore and too rare an occurance for us to be found treasuring the wonder we hold in our hands, gathering dust on our bookshelves, packed away in boxes...  when millions of people in a land where Jesus is forbidden would (and do) give any earthly good to own a copy of the inspired word of God?  

I also recall very clearly during my research coming across articles Americans weren't supposed to end up reading that stated the Chinese government had a plan in place to aggressively investigate and punish leaders of the underground Church before the 2008 Olympic Games.  

So, for me, while I am interested to watch the gymnastics, diving, swimming and a few other life long highlights of the summer Olympics... it's all just a little overcast with sorrow for me.  

For more information on the Persecuted Church, visit The Voice of the Martyrs website at:  www.persecution.com 

But be warned...  the truth about what is going on around the world to our Christian brothers and sisters is shocking...  

We think we have it so rough when we can't drag ourselves out of bed on a Sunday morning to attend church.