Monday, January 5, 2009

Back to Work

Today I went back to work. The winter quarter started today and we had 40 students in two classes. Interacting with seminary students is one of my favorite parts of my job. Some of the symptoms that brought me to the doctor have lingered and I found it difficult today to concentrate. It was really frustrating because I am usually so organized and efficient.

11 comments:

  1. This will definitely be a journey of grace...giving yourself a lot and drawing deeply from God's. God will do through you what you cannot do yourself.I look forward to seeing his faithfulness continue in your life. We love you and miss you. I wish that I could be with you during this process.

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  2. Denise,
    You don't know me, but I serve on staff with your sister Sharon in Cincinnati. I prayed for you and your family this morning, that God would grant you courage and hope as you go through this time. "And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words...He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God..." (Romans 8:26-27)
    Pastor Dick Lehman

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  3. Hey, don't be too hard on yourself. Love you bunches. Sharon

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  4. Denise & Jim- I will be praying for you guys! You have amazing hearts and God is using you both in many ways. May your blessings be rich and unexpected during this crazy time for you both. Press on! Alan Briggs

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  5. Dear Denise,

    I know your sister Sharon through Faith Church. It is obvious how much she loves you whenever she speaks of you and talks about this battle you have just begun. My family is praying for you and your strength during this time. Please be good to yourself and we pray for a recovery.

    Blessings - Tina Malott

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  6. Hey Denise--it drove me nuts when I could no longer do what I used to do, physically and mentally. I still have a good cry about my lost abilities now and then. I used to be so smart and now I struggle to put words together and it sucks the big toe all the way to Mexico.

    You will find a way to make peace with your new world. Until then, perhaps singing showtunes will help--it's my favorite coping skill and I no longer care who hears me. Spoonful of Sugar, Whenever I Feel Afraid and
    Climb Every Mountain are in my top ten--though I pity those who are around when I go for that last high note.. Till you find your dream!!!..I've shattered glass.
    Shalom
    Tamar

    Tamra

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  7. Dear Denise and Jim,
    Jack and I send our love and prayers. Thank you for your testimony of hope. It is an encouragement to us all.
    Ps. 5:11,12: Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
    Blessings, Jack & Cynthia Heald

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  8. Hello Denise,
    I work with Sharon. You should know that, here in Ohio, a lot of people are praying for you. Because we love Sharon, we love you, too.
    Part of your Ohio contingent,
    Vicki Clarke

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  9. Well Denise, I understand what you mean about being around students.
    Just remember how unorganized and innefficient they are. ;)
    We are processing last minute petitions today and are about ready to strangle a few students.
    martin
    ps. it looks like you have a great reading list.

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  10. HI Denise! So glad you will be allowing us to journey with you via this blog. That is very courageous in and of itself - thank you for trusting all of us.

    You'll have to tell me how you like Everything that Rises Must Converge. I've tried to read it several times and just can't get into it. I feel like a loser - what seminary type person can't read Flannery O'Connor!

    Blessings,
    Colleen

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  11. Colleen,
    Flannery O'Connor's book Everything that Rises Must Converge contains very dark short stories. I really enjoyed the book, though some of the stories were troubling.

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