The view from my corner of the world...

Hello!

2010-06-10T10:55:00.010-05:00

Well, it has certainly been a long time since I posted news of any sort. Many things and events have happened over the course of the spring semester...

-Academic-
I planned to conduct archival research over the Spring semester, but after talking with several archivists, I found that I could find most of what I needed for my thesis via the digital archives and in published volumes that were attainable through inter-library loan. So, I did not travel to Pennsylvania or North Carolina as I had previously hoped to. What I first viewed as a negative, actually turned out to be a positive--by not traveling over Spring Break, I was able to complete my thesis in one semester. On top of that, I attended the regional meeting of the American Academy of Religion conference and presented a paper. I also presented a (different) paper at the local Anthropology conference as well. Everything went very well during the Spring semester--thanks be to God--and I received all A's. I am currently working in the department and taking a summer session. The next academic year will be my last year in Missouri (hopefully). Later this summer I will be taking the GRE and in the early fall I will be applying to graduate programs.

-Religious-

Now, on to more important topics! My religious journey has been very long and very difficult. And, my Mother was recently Chrismated in the Orthodox church.

-Living-

Currently I am...

1. Addicted to listening to Sean Hayes's newest album: Run Wolves Run (especially Garden)
2. Sipping Blend X, roasted by Jim's Organic Coffee
3. Reading Dissenting Bodies, written by my undergraduate thesis advisor.
4. Loving this blog: The Crescat
5. Enjoying the Farmer's market every Saturday
6. Rewatching old films, such as Casablanca
7. Listening to Ancient Faith Radio
8. Listening to Paradosis
9. A fan of Aveeno Shampoo
10. Thrilled to spend time with Mama

I will leave you with a current, albeit goofy, photo.

Hello Old Friends...

2009-12-22T13:44:00.003-06:00

It has a been such a long time since I have been able to post on here. I had planned to continue posting throughout the fall semester, but alas I began to drown in coursework and this was one of the extra-curriculars that had to go. My semester went well, and I was blessed to receive "A"s in all of my classes. I enjoyed a readings course with my thesis advisor, Buddhism, Philosophy, German, and World Religions. Next semester is stacking up to be brilliant! I decided to take one less course, which will inable me to do some archival research in North Carolina. The research will be used in my thesis which has to be completed by next May.

So, that is how my scholarly journey looks, as of now. As far as my spiritual journey goes, it has been a rocky road. I still feel like I am in limbo. I pray that God will show me the right path, but it is still very hard for me to chose between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. I am still reading and searching. Please keep me in your prayers.

Perhaps, I will be able to post some pictures from our upcoming Christmas celebrations next week.

Let's try this again...

2009-07-16T10:17:00.002-05:00

Hello, dear ones. Perhaps the vanishing post was a blessing in disguise. I will save you all from the boring academic mumbo-jumbo, and just focus in on how life has been lately. I am really enjoying the summer. Thankfully, it is not too hot right now. We (dear Mama and I) have been going weekly to the farmer's market. We have also been redecorating and reorganizing the house. My dear friend, MaryJo, is moving to Texas, so we bought her dining room set and hutch. The table has a walnut top and the bottom is painted a lovely shade of sage green (the chairs match and have sage and gold stripe fabric on the seats).

Next week will be my last week of work until school starts back up at the end of August. I am looking forward to reading, writing, spending time with Mama, painting bookcases, having picnics, etc. It should be fun.

Well, dear ones, I want to post about my religious journey, but I just don't have it in me today. When one has been Protestant as long as I have been, the journey is a difficult one, and sometimes one that I don't even want to attempt. I have read so many books, theological manifestos, etc, that I just need to take a break and clear my head. I have never really worried about "being saved". I have a personal relationship with Jesus and I am committed to him. What I want to find is a group of Christians that share my ideals and are headed down the same path towards Christ. Sometimes, I feel like that is an impossible task. MaryJo, my good Orthodox Christian friend (who was raised Catholic) sent me an email the other day. She said, "you might just have to start your own church". Well, I don't want to go that far, I just want to find the spot that God has for me.

Hopefully, next month I will be able to purchase a digital camera. Then I can post a picture of my hair cut, my herb plants, etc.

Blessings,
Sarah

Summertime

2009-07-15T11:43:00.002-05:00

Well, I had a very long post written to all of you precious people, and somehow it disappeared. I will try again later.

I am enjoying the beautiful summertime, and I hope all of you are as well.

Sarah

East vs. West (Part II)

2009-06-22T10:39:00.002-05:00

So, the journey has come to quite an apex lately. Clergy, laity, and monastics from both camps (Orthodox and Catholic) have been wonderfully encouraging and helpful. I have read a great deal of literature from both viewpoints and examined both side critically. Recently I contacted my local Catholic parish and I plan to begin RCIA classes as soon as possible. Here are just a few of the issues I had with the both churches and the conclusions that I came to:

Eastern Orthodox:

1. Leavened Bread-

I firmly believe that Jesus used unleavened bread the night he instituted the Eucharist. I have read the passages in Greek and I understand both sides of the argument. However, Jesus was Jewish and the Jews would clean out any leavening that was in their homes before Passover. Therefore, why would Jesus use leavened bread? It doesn't make since in my mind.

Catholic:

1. The Papacy-

I have to agree with Saint Ambrose on this one. I firmly accept that Peter was the first Pope, therefore I must accept his successors.

2. Purgatory-

I spoke with our local Priest last week about this subject. He asked me a wonderful question. "Do you pray for the dead?" My reply was a resounding "Yes!". He didn't even have to say anything further. I knew exactly what he meant. The saints in heaven don't need our prayers and our prayers can't help those in hell. So, if I pray for the dead, I must believe in a place that is separate from heaven and hell.

Regarding baptism- My local Diocese allows converts to be submerged!

I think going through RCIA will help me to truly find out if the Catholic Church is for me. I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Blessings,
Sarah

Here I am!

2009-06-18T12:29:00.001-05:00

Hello my fellow bloggers! I have been extremely busy over the past few months, but I plan on posting in great detail this weekend. Blessings to you all!

Sarah

East vs.West

2009-04-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

I am finally backing in the blogging world! This semester has been so busy. Next week is my last week of classes. The week after that is finals. Hopefully, I will only have to take three final exams--Hebrew, Greek, and Old Testament, but that will be enough. I still have to complete a major term paper for my upper level religion class. I have 99% of the research done, all I really need to do is focus the research into a paper. I am planning on starting that tonight.

So, my last posting discussed the Catholic Church and how I feel that it is right for me. I am still struggling with issues. I waver between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. I love the liturgy of the eastern church, the beauty worship, the reverence, etc. Yet there are things that I worry about, namely, leavened bread being used for the Eucharist. After all, Jesus instituted the Eucharist during the feast of unleavened bread. I also wish (and this is just a personal preference) that they would use the name of Jesus more during the liturgy and in the prayers of the church. With the Catholic Church I worry about the following things--indulgences, the belief in a literal fire in purgatory, and Mary as the co-redemptrix. I also wish they would submerge in baptism. Frankly, this journey is very difficult. I know that I must chose between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, but it is a difficult decision.

Well, I better close for now. I have class in about 30 minutes. I will try to post more often. Perhaps after finals I will have more time. Perhaps...

Religion, Religion...and more Religion.

2009-03-23T11:13:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been quite a while since I have been able to post. I have been extremely busy with my coursework. The last fours weeks were very challenging to say the least. Test upon test came at me like a great wave. Thankful I did well on all of them, but they left me completely exhausted. My birthday was couple of weeks ago. I had a party (which was wonderful) but the prep-work party was insane! This week is Spring Break. I am so happy to have the week off! I plan to get all of the work for school done this week and so that I can rest more next week. Next Friday I will be leaving for Chicago to present an academic paper (on Shakers). I am sure it will be a thrilling experience, but it is difficult to get everyone in my group prepared and one the same page. Pray for me!

So, as of late I have been wrestling with spiritual decisions regarding what church I feel that God wants me to be a part of. As I worked through the doctrines the many Christian sects, I came down to two Churches that I felt I could be a part of--Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. Last year I became involved with the Eastern Orthodox church (interviewing one of the monastics, visiting for Pascha, etc.), but as I read more about the church I felt that it was not right for me. There were so many questions that I had and they were never answered...fully. I love the EOC, but I believe that God has called me elsewhere. Over the past two weeks (this process has taken years) I have come into a new aspect in my spiritual development. I feel at peace when I attend mass, watch EWTN, or pray the rosary. So, I am seriously considering attending RCIA classes fairly soon. The journey will be long, but I think it will be my journey home.

I will post more later this week. I hope to start posting more regularly, but one never knows!

Blessings,
Sarah

Give me Jesus...

2009-02-16T18:11:00.000-06:00

I was talking to a friend the other day and she said, "So are you still leaning Catholic?" I replied that I was in "no-man's land", limbo so to speak. That is not completely correct. In this world of uncertainty and trouble, I struggle to find who I am in the kingdom of God, but one thing I know for certain is that I hold Jesus' hand every step of the way. When I watched the Passion of the Christ last month it had a profound impact on me. As I laid in bed the other night I thought about that movie and I thought about my life as a Christian. In my current state I feel as if I am cling to Jesus as he hangs upon the cross. His precious blood saves me, wretched sinner tho' I be. His many stripes heal me, though I am not worthy. His eyes are full of compassion and mercy, though I am not always compassionate or merciful. Modern Christianity can be a confusing and, in some cases troubling, but all I can do is cling to Him. I stumbled across Give me Jesus by Fernando Ortega. I remember listening to this song as a child. It is such a moving song. Jesus, sweet Jesus! He is everything that we could ever need. This is one of the many version of this song on Youtube.

Noah, Elvis, and India Arie

2009-02-08T00:21:00.000-06:00

I have been extremely busy getting ready for a test on Genesis (with an emphasis on the flood material and how it compares to the flood in the Gilgamesh material from Mesopotamia). Friday afternoon I was making some copies in our department (some for me, some for a prof.) and I came across a thesis from a fomer grad student. She was comparing and contrasting the doctrine of theosis in the LDS and OCA. Very interesting. I told my friend the other day, "Orthodoxy is probably the most exact representation of true Christianity that we have, but it is so difficult". Then to top that off, my prof. played old hymns (sung by Elvis) in our seminar class. Now, I grew up Protestant, and the old hymns still touch me, move me, like nothing else. This month I have struggled with understanding who I am outside of Protestantism. It's tough! Anyway, I was surfing youtube yesterday and I came across Hair by India Arie. It was particularly touching to me. We should never be defined by this world or even a denomination or sect, but by HIS world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZd1KeZhjfU

2009-01-26T18:03:00.000-06:00

I am back!

2009-01-24T11:10:00.000-06:00

For the past few weeks I have been meaning to post, but alas everyday something came up and then it would slip my mind. I am two weeks into the semester and I feel that I am off to a good start. My language classes are fairly easy, thank God! My 500-level religion class is absolutely delightful. Chemistry is going well, and so far I have A's on all of the assignments I have turned in. The only class that requires a fair amount of studying is my Old Testament class...just basic memorization of dates, names, etc.

I finally turned everything in for my summer research program. I am just waiting on my professors to turn in letters of recommendation. As I was going through the process I began think about what I truly want out of life. For a frame reference this process was taking place during the weekend I was required to watch The Passion of the Christ for my 500-level class. A movie that makes you think about what is important in life. So, I really thought about why I was applying for the summer program. Naturally, I want to be part of academic programs that I can put down on grad school applications, etc. Then I started thinking about my career. Why do I want to be a professor? Well, I love to teach, research, and be a part of the study of religion, but that is not the main reason. I really want summers off! Okay, by now I am sure that you probably think I am a little kooky, but hear (or read) me out. My major goal is to have my own homestead. Shocker, huh? By having summer off, I can devote a great deal of time to homesteading and then during the fall months, I can hire some agronomy student to finish out the year for me. I know, it is probably hard to imagine ME as a farmer, but I feel connected to the soil, plant life, etc. Many of my friends, classmates, and family members have asked me why I didn't go into a science field, rather than religious studies. Well, if I have work I might as well enjoy it! I love religious studies. Just think of me as a scholarly farmer. Perhaps quoting Homer to my tomatoes by day and writing textbooks at night.

Well, I need to run downstairs and puts the towels in the dryer. I will try to faithfully post, but it might be weekly rather than daily.

Blessings to you all.

Sarah

The Start of a New Semester

2009-01-07T00:19:00.000-06:00

Monday will be the start of the spring semester. I am taking my second semester of Greek and my final semester of Hebrew. I am finally getting around to taking Old Testament. I wanted to have a good working knowledge of Hebrew before I took the class. This semester I am taking my first 500-level (senior level) class in Religion. The class deals with the media, culture and how religion plays a role in our society. I am also taking a Honors chemistry class which I am a bit dubious about. I am actually eager to start school. I have friends in several of my classes which is always a bonus.

I better run...I will try to post something tomorrow.

Blessings,
Sarah

Books, Money, and a touch of Latin...

2009-01-05T11:19:00.000-06:00

Today I have to go to campus to get a few things straightened out with the Financial Aid Office. Let me just say that I do not like to deal with money. I would rather we return to the barter system as a nation (just kidding), but I really would prefer not to discuss money or even touch the bills and coins themselves. Alas, my aid packet is short a thousand dollars, so I am going to have to deal with money today. I work as a student assistant for my department (it is a type of work study) so I also need to have some papers signed to renew the position. The highlight of my trip to campus will be my visit to the library. I will be printing out old articles from the New York Times for the paper I am writing. I also need to pick a few books for my bibliography.

Mom asked me last night if I missed school. I told her that I miss learning, but I would rather just be at home with her cleaning, cooking, praying, etc. I told her that I would like to take Latin next fall. She is only worried I can't handle taking an upper-level Greek course combined with lower-level German and Latin. Last semester was the first semester that I took two languages simultaneously (Greek and Upper-level Hebrew). I did fine last semester, but she worried that three languages will be too much. I not sure, but I would really love to take Latin. We will see.

Well, I better run. I will try to post again this evening (about something other than school!), but I can't make any promises! :-)

Blessings,
Sarah

My Day

2009-01-03T17:44:00.000-06:00

Today was extremely uneventful. I woke up with asthma problems and basically spent the whole day resting on the couch. This afternoon I received an email from a graduate student I know. He wanted me to review a paper and send him my corrections. I did so promptly, and then went right back to the couch. I would love to make cupcakes, do some research, and start a load of laundry, but alas I feel dreadful. At this point I am just trying to get through the evening without getting worse, so that I can attend Mass in the morning.

On New Year's Day we decided to open our Christmas presents. We couldn't wait any longer. I am so grateful for my rosary. Here is a picture of my rosary...

It is beautiful. I also received a crucifix. I really love my rosary.

I bought my Mother a Sacred Heart rosary; her rosary is beautiful and it fits her personality. Here is a picture of her rosary...

Well, I am going back to the couch. Perhaps some of my vigor will return this evening.

Blessings,

Sarah

Hell is breaking loose again...

2008-12-30T11:56:00.000-06:00

*Let me first add a disclaimer to this post: I am in my third semester of Biblical Hebrew and I have always had a great love for Israel. So what I am about to say is in noway meant against the Israeli people*

Palestine broke the cease fire with Israel. Now, I am all for defense of Israel, but the UN has now stepped in due to the extreme nature of Israeli retaliation. According to the BBC 360 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bombings thus far; four Israelis have died from Palestinian rocket fire http://www.bbc.co.uk/ . If Israel is going to strike back against Hamas, I wish they would try to limit civilian casualities.

I hate war. The war between Palestine and Israel is wiping out their own people; it is self destructive. Not to mention the many Christians that live in Israel, Gaza Strip, etc. I have a good Orthodox friend who was telling me how the Orthodox Christians suffer in the Middle East. I pray for the many innocents that have been killed in this war.

Again, please don't take this posting as biased one-way or another. I simply needed to write about this today. I worry every time I hear about a bombing. The Palestinian-Israeli war effects all of us...even in the United States.

God Bless,

Sarah

Ave Maria Gratia Plena...: A disturbing realization

2008-12-29T18:14:00.001-06:00

Ave Maria Gratia Plena...: A disturbing realization

The above link is a post from http://coffeecatholic.blogspot.com. I find the post to be so true in our modern society. Bravo, Coffee Catholic!

2008-12-29T12:09:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY: December 29th, 2008...

Outside My Window... a beautiful clear sky.

I am thinking...about the many things I need to get done today.

I am thankful for...Mother, becoming Catholic, all my relatives in Texas (they are such a blessing), the ability to go to school.

From the kitchen...I smell nothing! I really need to run to the grocery store.

I am wearing...a grey long-sleeve tee-shirt, black pants, and slippers.

I am creating...I am not creating anything at this moment, but I hope to "create" a paper in the next few days.

I am going...to the store and possibly the library.

I am reading..."Community of the Cross: Moravian Piety in Colonial Bethlehem" by Craig D. Atwood

I am hoping...I can finish reorganizing the pantry and kitchen today.

I am hearing...Father Corapi on EWTN.

Around the house...the Christmas tree and piano is to my left; the dining room to my right.

One of my favorite things...watching films from the 30s, 40s, and 50s with Mom.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Write my paper

Finish my organizing

Bake cookies

2008-12-28T11:32:00.000-06:00

Currently, I am on "Winter Break".The break didn't start with much of a bang. I was sick for the entire week leading up to Christmas. Thus, we have decided to celebrate Christmas on January 7th (Orthodox Christmas) since I am still a little under the weather and we really want to enjoy the whole Christmas experience. So I am taking this time to reorganize my house and life. There are many things that I need to accomplish before I return to school in mid-January. I have begun working on a paper to submit to an academic conference in late spring. It requires a great deal of concentration and hours upon hours of research. I am eager to write the paper, but I just wish I could actually "rest" during the break. I also have to complete a very complicated application to a summer research program. It is stressful process, but if I am accepted it will be a life-altering experience. I will be able to work one-on-one with an Ivy League Professor in my field of research. The last student from my University that was accepted into the program was also accepted into a PhD program (Ivy League) with full funding.

Because I have been so sick my "journey" has been whittled down to watching http://ewtn.com/ and praying. I love watching Mass on EWTN, but it is not the same as going "to" Mass and being a part of the experience. My Mother bought me a rosary for Christmas, which is still wrapped and nestled under the tree. I am eager to began using my rosary. I was watching Father Corapi http://www.fathercorapi.com/ last night on EWTN and he was explaining how powerful the prayers of the rosary are.

On a side note, let me say that I have yet to purchase a digital camera. So, please forgive the lack of pictorial representations. I will try to post some of my older pictures later on.

Blessings,

Sarah

2008-12-26T14:02:00.000-06:00

I am a
Daisy

What Flower
Are You?

Welcome!

2008-12-26T10:42:00.000-06:00

Hello fellow bloggers! This blog may at first seem very academic, but please don't let that scare you away. I am a student of Religious Studies, but I find personal religious experiences far more interesting. Currently, I am on a religious journey. I am in the process of converting from Protestantism to Catholicism. On the way I have been sidetracked for several months (happily) by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Alas, every season changes, and so my spiritual life changes as well. I am continuing my journey into the Roman Catholic Church. Naturally, my journey is frought with many religious conflicts...but I am working them out.

So, please come and read my blog, and feel free to comment. I am huge fan of many blogs right now including http://biblegirl1999.blogspot.com/. Dawn, please don't be mad about the link, I am a huge fan of your blog! I also enjoy reading http://coffeecatholic.blogspot.com/, a great Catholic blog with a witty sense of humor.

Well, I must leave this post for now. I will probably post again later. God bless you all!