Last month, I was inundated by God’s kindness, generosity, and nurture. Today I am flying out to visit family in the Pacific Northwest for several weeks, but not without first celebrating the goodness of God.
Simple Pleasures
- Spending time in the pool
- Spending time near the creek
- Weaving flower crowns out of Texas hill country wildflowers
Done for the Semester for Seminary
I am beyond thrilled to have submitted my final summer assignments for seminary! In order to stay on track for graduation during COVID, my program had me take 3 2-credit courses and 3 1-credit courses. In total, this spring and summer I blazed through 9 doctorate credits. I’m tired, but satisfied in the way I incorporated my interests into the tidal wave of assignments. Because I did my contextual study early, I will be able to rest easy in just doing case studies and book summaries until next April.
Some themes I explored this summer:
- Remembering and Receiving Dignity through the Bible: Solidarity in Lament
- Analyzing American History: Modeling Four Styles of Relationship between the Church and Educational Sector in the United States
- Towards a Theology of Sustainable and Transformational Leadership
Reflecting on Last School year
As we look ahead to the shape of August, I’ve been reflecting on the reopening process at my school from last school year. Being able to depict the many changes of the last school year was very useful in trying to articulate my 2020-2021 experience.
Spirit-led Question Trails
- When we think about theologians and world leaders who have died, we often remember them for their personality quirks and failings on earth. But given that many are with Jesus now, we should really be thinking of them in their fully redeemed states. I wonder what a fully redeemed Kierkegaard would be like? I hope he has the kind of joy and freedom he never got on earth.
- What would it look like for humans to use their understanding of agriculture, animal husbandry, and domestication to shape popular opinion about endangered animals? Could temporary domestication help change popular opinion so that endangered species can grow and then be reintroduced to their native habitats?
- Importing invasive species is it’s own kind of colonialism
- Like the wild horses of the plains and American Southwest, what other animals and plants did God use to help create the ecosystems that would eventually support humans? How can we honor the contributions these animals have made by reintroducing some to their ancient environments and adding value to the lives of the ones who nearly invisibly serve us?
Celebrating an Agrarian reading of the Bible
Ellen Davis’ book on the Song of Songs has resonated with me on such a deep level. I can’t honestly say that any book on theology or philosophy has so adequately represented my community and family’s agricultural perspective. Reading this book has been a healing experience for me, since as someone from a semi-rural community, I have seldom felt like my identity has been represented by the academy.
With hope and joy,
Haley
Age of the Unexpected 
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