All Moved In

 

I'm in Texas!  Above is the new chapel on the DTS campus.  It's a beautiful building and this picture doesn't do it justice... but it will do for now.  

Spring semester started last week and I am taking four classes: (1) Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics, (2) Designing and Leading Effective Ministries, (3) Elements of Greek, and (4) Trinitarianism.  It's been a joy to be in person!  Last semester I was "zooming" in to class and I'm thankful for that technology, but there is nothing quite like actually being in a classroom where I can meet my classmates.

I've started working part-time for the DTS media department.  I'm doing a lot of what I used to do while I was at TV8; operating cameras and directing during chapel (which you can watch live on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:40am CST on either YouTube or Facebook), as well as filming and editing videos for DTS.  I have an office on campus and my schedule works around my classes.  It's a great fit!  I've made friends with several in that department already including one gal who is going to walk the 9.5 mile trail around White Rock Lake with me tomorrow!  

Behind the scenes during chapel

Sunset while on a walk.  You can see part of the Dallas skyline from the top of this hill.

The apartment I've moved into is in a cute part of town.  I've really enjoyed going for walks around the neighborhood and admiring the brick homes, giant magnolia trees, and colorful sunsets.  Many times there are people out walking their dog or doing yard work and almost everyone makes a point to say hello.  My roommate and I are getting along great!  She is also a student at DTS and just moved to Dallas from Georgia.  We have a lot of similarities both in interests and in life.  In her words, "Elise, I feel like you're just a slightly older version of me."  And I think that is accurate.

I have a lot of thoughts regarding seminary, moving, and new friends/co-workers.  Yet I feel like the only thing I want to share is a few tid-bits that I have been holding on to these past two weeks: 

 Pray.  Ask questions.  Admit to yourself and others when you don't know something.  Listen to others (like, really listen).  Recognize that some things really aren't worth holding on to or fighting over.  Be expectant that God is working.  Stop once in awhile to reflect on all that is good and beautiful.  Scripture (aka. The Bible) is worth being excited about! 

I'd like to end each post with something about why I'm learning what I'm learning.  So if you have any questions you'd like me to answer about my classes, or anything I've mentioned feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a text.  

One of my oldest friends (we played t-ball together!) asked me why Greek is part of the curriculum, so I figured some of you may be wondering as well.  As part of the ThM program at DTS we are required to learn Greek and Hebrew in order to graduate.  The reason being that the Bible was originally written in those two languages.  There are 66 books written by over 40 authors over the span of 1500 years that make up the Bible.  The Old Testament (written before Jesus came on the scene) was written primarily in Hebrew.  The New Testament (the accounts of what Jesus did while on earth and the early church) was written primarily in Greek.  Being able to understand and translate the original languages will further help me to understand and communicate the Word of God.  We are blessed with many high quality English translations so don't feel like I'm saying your English Bible is somehow lacking.  However, to quote William D. Mounce the author of my Greek textbook Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, 

"Allow me a little parable and the point will become clear.  You need to overhaul your car engine.  What tools will you select?  I would surmise that with a screw driver, hammer, a pair of pliers, and perhaps a crow bar, you could make some progress.  But look at the chances you are taking.  Without a socket wrench you could ruin many of the bolts.  Without a torque wrench you cannot get the head seated properly.  The point is, without the proper tools you run the risk of doing a minimal job, and perhaps actually hurting the engine.  The same is true with preaching, teaching, and preparing Bible studies.  Without the proper tools you are limited in your ability to deal with the text."

Arguably my most time consuming class is Greek.  However, the tools I'm gaining and the time I put into this class will directly effect the ministry I will do once I leave DTS.  

Thank you for your prayers and support!  Continue to pray for deep friendships, a church community, discipline in reading and classwork, and above all that I put God first in all I do.  

Peace, 

-Elise